Global travel technology company Aeronology launched in South Africa yesterday (August 4), introducing what it says is a “fully agnostic travel distribution platform”. Travel agents will be able to search, book, ticket and service flights from a single screen instead of switching between multiple systems to search for fares.
The SA launch is being spearheaded by Rian Bornman who previously founded FlightSiteAgent.
According to Aeronology, the platform is intended to address distribution fragmentation, which it says has increased with the adoption of NDC. The platform brings Travelport, Sabre, Amadeus, NDC and low-cost carrier content together.
“Critically, no prior GDS experience is required to use it: any advisor who signs up gains full access to GDS, LCC and NDC content in one place, with complete control over booking, ticketing, refunds and ancillaries from day one,” said the launch statement. The company said advisors can also view their commission in real time while booking and have access to 24-hour telephone support.
“I have always been passionate about the future of online travel in Africa,” said Bornman. “After evaluating the leading systems available globally, I could not be prouder to bring what I believe offers South African travel advisors full control in one place. Juggling multiple portals to change a flight I think has been overwhelming and this technology gives the advisor time back, allowing them to focus on their clients rather than fighting fragmented technology.”
ASATA CEO Otto de Vries said, “This could not come at a more critical time.” According to an ASATA survey, 82% of South African travel advisors identified managing multiple platforms as one of their biggest challenges.
Bornman will lead Aeronology's expansion into Africa under a partnership agreement signed with CEO Pete Egglestone, marking the company's formal entry into the African market.
“We have been looking for the right partner to introduce what we believe is the world's leading ticketing and fulfilment platform to Africa,” said Egglestone. “Rian's experience in online travel, distribution and travel technology makes him uniquely positioned to lead our growth across the continent.”
