| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 21/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 37 |
| Copyright: Other |
Fare1.com trials on-line fares database
Product update
Report by JANE ARCHER
AN Internet database of published and consolidated airline fares that can be accessed by agents starts testing this month, ahead of its official launch at the ABTA convention in Kos.Some hotel and car-rental rates will also feature on the fare1.com site but these are due to be expanded in a phase two launch of the site. Phase three will add package tours and cruising holidays. Agents pay a subscription fee to the site.
Fare1.com chief executive Ron Andruff said: “We see this as a tremendous opportunity to support agents with the growth of the Internet. It will streamline their processes and fatten their bottom line.”
Andruff is concluding a deal with a global distribution system supplier, which cannot yet be named, to provide published air fares and is setting up agreements with major airline consolidators in the UK and overseas to provide discounted fares.
Agents who want to use the site will have to subscribe – a £20 a month fee is likely but not finalised. They then log in, find the best fare for their client, input payment details and get confirmation.
Andruff said the process will take about three minutes and the agent collects commission in the usual way.
US research companies Forrester and Jupiter agree that just 14% of travellers will be booking travel on-line by 2005 because people prefer to rely on professionals to make a reservation for them.
“Despite the growth of the Internet, there is a major opportunity here for agents who have access to a large bank of air fares,” said Andruff, who designed the fare1.com model and sold the concept to UK-based World Travel Holdings.
“The site will also have a chat line so agents can ask an expert overseas about products,” he added.
Andruff said fare1.com is getting six to eight requests a day from UK and US agents.
Agents can also go into the site now and register to join the testing programme.
Kos: fare1.com is being tested this month, ready for launch at the ABTA convention