Four years into their strategic partnership, Google and Sabre held a special virtual event to share latest developments born from their collaboration. Featuring high-profile experts from both companies, the webinar showcased new advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) for the travel industry as well as highlighting future trends that will further personalize the end-to-end travel experience.   Key Speakers:

• Carrie Tharp, VP of Global Solutions & Industries, Google Cloud
• Garry Wiseman, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Sabre
• Sundar Narasimham, SVP, Labs Technology & Platform, Sabre
• Amy Read, VP, Innovation, Sabre Hospitality

  Why the travel industry is investing in AI   Kicking off the session, Sundar Narasimham outlined the importance of AI-powered technological transformation, pointing out that the value of generative AI in terms of increased global revenue for businesses could be over $28bn, while 74% of travel organizations are currently re-working their strategy to incorporate AI.   “The competitive nature of this between leaders who adopt AI technology and people that don’t is growing,” added Sundar. “Boards across the corporate landscape are recognizing this and investing in AI.”   Sundar explained that travelers want the kind of seamless, personalized experiences that have become commonplace in other industries, such as retail. AI is powering the technology needed to meet those demands, but its algorithms need extensive, robust data sets to be able to do so.   This one of the reasons Sabre entered into a strategic partnership with Google in 2020.   “The key commitment that both companies recognized was that we could come together and use the data and travel-related domain knowledge that Sabre had with the platforms and capabilities that Google Cloud was bringing to bear to the marketplace and, together, innovate in order to provide AI-based, intelligent, personalized experiences to the end traveler,” said Sundar.   Revving our engines   Sabre’s strategic partnership with Google has been instrumental in accelerating digital transformation in the travel industry. The collaboration has birthed Sabre Travel AI, which is powering solutions including Sabre’s new Offer and Order platform for airlines, SabreMosaic.   Sabre is also using AI, and Gen AI in particular to improve customer care and boost innovation cycles with faster coding.   Since announcing a strategic partnership with Google in 2020, Sabre has invested in a move to the Google Cloud Platform, and continues to invest in AI-powered innovation. So far, Sabre has migrated over 400,000 CPUs to the cloud, 50 petabytes of data, and 99% of its compute capacity.   Sabre is now moving at an accelerated pace when it comes to creating and going to market with new AI-powered solutions. “Not only are we producing products for the external marketplace – for users that we know can enjoy these products – but increasingly for internal use cases, to improve our own developer productivity as a software company,” said Sundar.   Garry Wiseman expanded on this, adding: “At Sabre, we look at the internal and external benefits (of AI), and I also know that our agencies and travel suppliers tend to look at it the same where, internally, there are productivity gains and cost savings, and then externally, when you think about it from a marketing, sales, and service perspective, there are potential improvements for travelers.   “One of the examples here is where we use Google’s Vertex AI platform for our Sabre Mosaic retail intelligence products that help airlines show the most optimal pricing to travelers, and also effectively help them merchandise their products to help grow the basket size.”   Carrie Tharp described the collaboration with Sabre as one of Google’s “key innovation partnerships,” adding that it is accelerating Sabre’s ability to bring new products and services to market. “That started with transforming Sabre’s underlying infrastructure and getting it into the cloud, which then revs Sabre’s engine to focus resources and expertise on new use cases and bringing those to market very quickly,” she said.   Meanwhile, Garry Wiseman said Google felt like an extension of Sabre because of the way the two companies were working in “true partnership” with each other.   New product prototypes   The companies also previewed examples of new use cases, including AI-powered prototypes set to launch in 2024, or already in the testing phase with customers. These include:

• SynXis Booking Engine Concierge.AI: A Generative AI conversational tool for hoteliers that personalizes guest experiences with tailored recommendations and itineraries;
• Travel Email IQ: An automation tool that reads and understands customer emails, connects to Sabre travel content, and crafts personalized, ready-to-book recommendations within seconds;
• Schedule Exchange: A predictive AI tool that assesses the likelihood of flight cancellations between booking and day-of-travel, enabling travel agents to offer the best flight options for travelers.

  Google is providing Sabre with fast and early access to its technology roadmap, ensuring that Sabre is at the forefront of consuming Google technology to create and enhance platforms and products for customers, with Sundar Narashimham describing AI as having the potential to enhance all steps of the travel experience, “from inspiration to memories”. He said: “If you look at the lifecycle of moments in which travelers find themselves, AI can serve as an enhancement for almost all of those experiences.”   Coming full circle with personalization   Google and Sabre panelists discussed how AI and GenAI solutions are enabling greater personalization to meet traveler expectations, with Garry Wiseman noting that AI is “removing friction in getting travel planned, booked, and executed”.   Carrie Tharp said: “This is an industry that’s gone from having an individual travel agent – a person you could call to guide you through the whole travel journey – to the advent of platforms where you could book it all yourself, to now almost coming full circle where we are using technology to bring back a lot of that service level and the personalization that the consumer craves.”   Both Sundar Narashimham and Carrie Tharp pinpointed the powerful ability of AI to combine “numeric or data intelligence with language intelligence” to create levels of personalization the industry hasn’t yet seen. Sundar also said that, with increasingly fragmented content across the travel industry, AI is helping to solve those complexities so travelers are seamlessly presented with the best options across multiple content types and sources.   Carrie Tharp said AI can and will be “able to synthesize large amounts of information that the travel industry has, combined with all of the things a consumer is thinking about, breaking down the friction in a journey and not only leading to higher revenue but also potentially more trips and more things purchased during a traveler’s journey.”   Looking to the future of AI in travel   Panelists predicted how AI is set to radically reshape the travel industry.   Describing the building-block nature of Sabre’s new solutions, Garry Wiseman said a modular approach with more of an iterative, component-based deployment will be the way forward for Sabre as it continues to evolve travel technology, and make it more accessible, for customers.   “One of the great examples here is our Air Price IQ product, which is part of Sabre Mosaic,” he said. “As I look at how we developed and deployed that with customers, it’s very different to  the traditional deployment we’ve had with other products. We’ve been able to put this on their websites within a matter of weeks… and we started to see uplift as we evolved and iterated on the models, up to about 3% in incremental airfare revenue.”   He added that using AI “will be table stakes for anyone in the industry… It will be something that is expected by the traveler.” Speaking about using Gen AI for new hospitality solutions, Amy Read said: “We’re working with our customers now and building foundations to understand their requirements and what we can do to solve for them, so this is a huge investment area for us, and it’s one of our areas of primary focus. I’m 100% behind that Gen AI is very much our future.”   Carrie Tharp said that AI is powering an “end-to-end reshape,” adding: “In the next 10 years, the look of travel booking will be nothing like we’ve all experienced in the previous 20 years, and you will see AI and predictive AI applied to every step of the travel journey.”   As AI continues to drive the future of travel, Google and Sabre remain at the forefront – together, delivering personalized, tech-driven solutions that redefine how we travel.

 

Upgrade IQ™ enables airlines to better manage seat upgrades and generate incremental revenue by filling unsold seats in premium cabins

 

Sabre partnered with Hopper to incorporate its best-in-class bidding platform to provide a frictionless traveler experience

  Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry, today announced its newest AI-powered retailing solution for airlines – Sabre Upgrade IQ™. A PSS-agnostic solution, Upgrade IQ can help airlines generate incremental and diversified revenue by optimizing the available inventory in their premium cabins, while elevating and streamlining the customer experience.   With Upgrade IQ, airlines can give travelers the opportunity to bid for a seat upgrade at any stage during the pre-travel timeframe – throughout the booking flow, at check-in, in the airline’s mobile app or via email communication.   Using the advanced AI and machine-learning models powered by Sabre Travel AI™, Upgrade IQ dynamically prices upgrade offers, recommending the minimum and maximum proposed bid values along with the starting price for the bid, supporting airlines’ efforts to optimize revenue opportunities. During beta testing, Upgrade IQ demonstrated the ability to deliver up to 20% uplift in incremental upgrade revenue by filling empty seats in premium cabins.   In addition to leveraging AI capabilities from Google, Sabre integrated with Hopper’s platform to create a frictionless and streamlined customer experience. The new Sabre solution incorporates Hopper’s advanced bidding platform which facilitates the bidding process and enables airlines to communicate with travelers in multiple languages and in-real time.   “Sabre’s latest AI solution is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and speed-to-market. By collaborating with Google and Hopper on some of the core technical capabilities, we have delivered a modern retailing solution to help airlines better manage seat upgrades and create differentiated customer experiences,” said Garry Wiseman, Chief Product Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “We are thrilled with the positive response we’re receiving from airline customers who clearly understand how our Retail Intelligence solutions like Upgrade IQ can help drive increased revenue along with a better experience for travelers.”   Upgrade IQ streamlines the management of seat upgrades for airlines with an intuitive and automated interface that can automatically accept traveler bids, change the flight itinerary cabins, re-issue and revalidate the tickets, process payments and send receipts and confirmation information to the traveler. It also supports instant upgrades, where the traveler chooses to pay full price for a guaranteed upgrade.   The latest solution in Sabre’s Retail Intelligence suite, Upgrade IQ complements the company’s existing airline retailing solutions including Air Price IQ™ and Sabre Ancillary IQ™. Built by Sabre utilizing Google’s state-of-the art artificial intelligence capabilities and Sabre Travel AI™, Retail Intelligence is a suite of scalable solutions that use real-time industry insights and advanced machine-learning models to increase revenue opportunities by moving from static pricing rules to targeted real-time offers.

Sabre Corporation  has agreed an expanded partnership with Virgin Australia. It will unlock enhanced retailing capability. "We've had a strong and highly successful relationship with Virgin Australia for many years, so we're delighted to build on that foundation," said Roshan Mendis, CCO, Sabre Travel Solutions.  "Adding this suite of solutions will enable Virgin Australia to step into the future of modern airline retailing." Under the new agreement, Virgin will deploy Sabre Air Price IQ and Sabre Ancillary IQ designed to help airlines improve revenue management optimisation. Powered by Sabre Travel AI, the solutions use flight and market insights combined with advanced machine-learning models. They have also renewed their multi-year distribution agreement so Sabre-connected travel agencies can continue to book and service  air and ancillary offers. Dave Emerson, CCO, Virgin Australia said: "Our deeper alliance with Sabre will enable us to create better offers for customers." Virgin Australia uses an extensive portfolio of Sabre solutions, including Sabre's Passenger Service Solution (PSS), Fares Manager, E-commerce platform and Network Planning tools. After relaunching the airline in 2020, Virgin Australia currently flies to 42 domestic and seven international destinations.

Sabre Corporation announced a new strategic alliance with Sydney-based Airline Rep Services, part of CVFR Travel Group. Under the agreement, Airline Rep Services will promote Sabre solutions to travel agents in Fiji and across the South Pacific islands. This new alliance will bring local representation into Fiji, while growing Sabre's distribution presence across the South Pacific region. Aided by Airline Rep Services, South Pacific travel agents will be better able to access Sabre's tech, including Sabre Red 360. It unlocks a full suite of bookable content, including NDC offers, flights and lodging. "With strong travel demand in Fiji and the South Pacific, it is imperative that travel agents across the region have access to the right tech solutions,” said Ram Chhabra, CEO, CVFR Travel Group.  "We're thrilled that we have entered into this timely alliance to give agents the solutions they need." CVFR Travel Group was established over 30 years ago. It has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, and Fiji. The Group comprises four independent divisions in consolidation, airline representation, destination management, and Government Visa outsourcing. The office in Nadi, Fiji will be the focal point for the new alliance with Sabre. It will serve as a dedicated space to bring travel agents together for joint engagements and training.

Sabre Corporation has sealed a new distribution agreement with Hong Kong's Greater Bay Airlines. Greater Bay Airlines’ content will be integrated into Sabre's Global Distribution System, and accessible to Sabre connected travel agents. It enables the airline to reach a wider audience and maximise its distribution reach. The deal further strengthens Sabre's presence in the Hong Kong travel market. Sabre-connected travel agents will be able to create optimum offers for Greater Bay flights. "Having launched our scheduled services in July 2022, we're now focusing on expanding our regional network," said Gloria Slethaug, GM, Marketing and Sales, GBA. "It was vital to choose the right technology partner to enable us to enhance our distribution capabilities to travel agents." Greater Bay Airlines is aiming to play an increasing role in Hong Kong's tourism growth. The carrier flew its inaugural flight to Bangkok last summer and has recently added a sixth destination to its network with the launch of Ho Chi Minh City flights. It plans to expand its fleet and add further international services in the coming years.

Sabre has kicked off its Sabre Space Asia Pacific roadshow. The aim of the roadshow is to help its travel agency partners to optimise their businesses. The Sabre Space brings key members of Sabre's leadership team together with travel agency partners in cities across APAC. It has started in Sydney and Singapore and will soon head to Manila and Taiwan. Additional cities will follow thereafter. The Sabre team will talk about its latest plans to modernise travel retailing, and how travel agents can automate workflows. The events include a deep dive into the future of NDC and the transition to an Offer & Order model. There will be a series of quick-fire sessions, and demonstration booths, to focus on how travel agents can increase revenue while reducing costs. Brett Thorstad, VO, Sabre Travel Solutions, Agency Sales said: "It's fantastic to talk about how we can better embrace technological innovation. "We're more excited now than ever about the significant opportunities to empower our travel partners."

Sabre Corporation has successfully implemented a full suite of Sabre network planning and optimisation solutions for Malaysia Airlines. The carrier has already started using it to optimise schedules, evaluate routes and manage network planning. It marks the completion of the second phase of the Sabre solutions implementation with Malaysia Airlines. Earlier this year, Sabre Schedule Manager, Codeshare Manager, and Slot Manager solutions were completed. The carrier is now also able to utilise Sabre Profit Manager, Fleet Manager, and Network Manager. Together, these solutions give Malaysia Airlines better decision support tools to improve schedule profitability, and better meet capacity with demand. "We can now take full advantage of a wide range of Sabre solutions as we move forward with ambitious growth plans," said Bryan Foong, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Malaysia Airlines. "We're seeing the value these solutions are bringing us in making timely schedule changes." Malaysia Airlines is now focused on ramping up capacity to pre-pandemic levels.  

South Korea travel agency Yellow Balloon Tour has tapped Sabre Corporation to accelerate its growth in the online space.  The companies announced a new long-term agreement for Sabre's Sabre Red 360 interface and Sabre APIs to create trips for travellers. Yellow Balloon Tour makes Sabre its preferred global distribution system (GDS) to book and service leading airline, hotel and other travel content, including NDC offers. The Seoul-based travel agency is also focused on boosting its presence in the online marketplace with Sabre's APIs. "It is imperative to us to work with a travel technology partner who can help us to drive value for our customers," said Kim Jin Kook, CEO, Yellow Balloon Tour.  "Sabre's technology will help us to shape the trips our clients want." Sabre Red 360 enables a customisable user experience, for travel consultants to create personalised offers. "As South Korea continues its recovery, we're delighted with this new phase of our partnership," said Brett Thorstad, VP, Sabre Travel Solutions, Asia Pacific.

Sabre Corporation has inked a long-term renewal with Taiwan agency South East Travel.  The agreement continues the use of Sabre solutions to support its business expansion. South East Travel will continue deploying Sabre Red 360, which unlocks a full spectrum of bookable content. The Taipei-based agency is also using Sabre's Ticket Express, Automated Exchanges, Automated Refunds, and Bargain Finder Max. "We're delighted to extend and expand upon our strategic technology agreement with Sabre," said Joe Huang, General Manager, Ticketing Division of South East Travel. "Sabre has been our valued travel technology provider for more than 30 years." South East Travel was established more than 60 years ago. The group's services include group travel, air tickets, cruises, and business travel. It boasts more than 70 outlets across Taiwan, China, Japan and the United States.

Air India has announced a new multi-year airline distribution pact with Sabre Corp. The deal enables travel agents to access Air India fares and content through Sabre's global travel marketplace. Air India has ambitious expansion plans following a bumper 470 aircraft order. The airline is also leveraging Sabre's consultancy expertise to help determine optimal routes. "We're delighted to have reestablished and enhanced our relationship with Sabre at this transformative time,” said Nipun Aggarwal, CCO, Air India. The long-term global distribution partnership supports the airline’s growth plans and five-year transformation plan. Air India content is expected to be available from 4 May through Sabre's travel marketplace.

Sabre Corporation announced a new Global Distribution System agreement with Korean low-cost carrier Jin Air. Under the multi-year agreement, Jin Air will be able to put its offers and fares in front of hundreds of thousands of Sabre-connected travel agents globally. Agencies are able to book and ticket Jin Air content via Sabre's GDS. Launched in 2008, Jin Air has an extensive domestic route network, as well as connections across Asia, including Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. "We are thrilled to bring more choices to consumers via their preferred Sabre-connected agencies in Korea, and globally," said Rakesh Narayanan, VP Asia Pacific ."We look forward to enabling the carrier to fuel recovery and growth for its own business and the wider travel industry."

Sabre Corp announced an agreement with Tian Xia Fang Cang to create new revenue opportunities for China hotels. Tian Xia Fang Cang will market Sabre Hospitality's solutions in China. The focus is for Chinese hoteliers to reach hundreds of thousands of travel agents on all major Global Distribution Systems (GDSs). This is done through Sabre Hospitality's SynXis platform. "China hotels must take the time now to ensure they are prepared to capitalize on pent-up travel demand," said Tian Xia Fang Cang CEO Seven Wu. SaaS-based hotel platform Tian Xia Fang Cang provides e-commerce solutions for hotels. It will now be able to enhance its offerings with GDS distribution through Sabre.