Spring deal for Abacus
Spring Airlines has appointed Abacus as the exclusive distribution partner promoting its new international routes and fares.
The three-year deal is the first since Abacus became the first foreign Global Distribution System (GDS) to operate in mainland China in early January, with China’s Civil Aviation Administration of China’s (CAAC) approval of licenses for its travel agent applicants. China market has long been dominated by state-owned TravelSky.
Abacus says the Spring deal “gives China’s largest low cost carrier an unparalleled retail distribution grid outside the mainland, with Abacus travel agents at over 20,000 locations booking seats on its competitively priced flights.”
Spring Airlines is looking to gain share on routes into Hong Kong, Kaosiung, Macau, Jeju, Bangkok and Phuket as well as Taipei, among other top Asian destinations with the expansion of its fleet of Airbus A320s.
“Spring Airlines has been successful in creating opportunities for travellers to explore China and we are now responding to demand for more options overseas,” chairman, Wang Zhenghua explained.
“We started the airline with business from sister Spring Travel, so appreciate how important the trade channel is in building the brand. We look forward to working with Abacus agents and to offering them the best of our fares.”
Robert Bailey, president and CEO of Abacus added,“This landmark partnership with Spring Airlines is ideally timed for the next stage of growth in low cost intra-regional travel.”
