Expedia initiates bookings through Sabre, to support EAS programme

Expedia, Inc. has activated its long-term technology partnership with Sabre Travel Network as  Expedia.com and Expedia Corporate Travel began processing reservations through the Sabre global distribution system (GDS).

Expedia and Sabre also announced an extension of their existing relationship to 2012. Expedia  is to  support Sabre’s Efficient Access Solution (EAS) programme as well.

Sabre will help Expedia to diversify its distribution providers and obtain the benefits of Sabre’s efficient marketplace.

Paul Brown, president of the Expedia Partner Services Group, said, “We see Sabre’s EAS programme as the best new programme in the marketplace, providing an optimal combination of a comprehensive definition of full content, and protections and support for travel agencies. We look forward to developing a strong relationship with Sabre as we transition a portion of our business towards them.”

Tom Klein, Sabre Holdings’ executive vice president and group president of Sabre Travel Network/Sabre Airline Solutions said, “Expedia’s support of the EAS programme demonstrates that the programme balances the needs of both travel agencies and airlines.”

Klein added, “Sabre’s EAS programme is a balanced, multilateral approach that provides key long-term assurances and a broad set of protections, including full content and service fee protection, for travel agents in the US, Bermuda and the Caribbean.”