ARIK Air’s inventory has
been removed from the
Amadeus GDS platform.
Unconfirmed bookings have
been marked as cancelled
(HX) and future fare searches
for Arik Air don’t show options.
Amadeus declined to
comment on the matter, citing
confidentiality restrictions. A
spokesperson for Amadeus
told TNW, however, that all
existing bookings made in the
Amadeus System would still
be honoured.
Rodger Whittle, Arik’s vp for
South Africa, says: “We regret
sincerely the inconvenience
faced by our agents and
customers. We have enjoyed
a long relationship with
Amadeus and are in close
dialogue with them on
resolving the present issue at
the earliest opportunity.”
Rodger added that all
bookings and tickets remain
fully valid and are contained
in the airline’s central
reservations system. Agents
requiring assistance with
existing or future bookings
can contact the airline by
phoning 011 666 7470 or by
email: zacustomerservices@
arikairint.com.
The current problems with
Amadeus are in no way an
indication that Arik Air plans
to halt operations, Rodger
adds. “Johannesburg has
steadily and consistently
grown this key destination in
our network and the South
African market continues to
be very supportive of the
route for Arik. The introduction
of the Airbus A330-200 on
the route late last year has
seen our business grow even
more.”
June Crawford, ceo of
Barsa, says she is unaware
of any problems relating to
the airline. “Their load factors
to and from South Africa are
good and their equipment is
modern.” She adds that Arik
is a member of Barsa in good
standing with all membership
fees up to date.
