Thomas Cook’s new reservations system, which is a core part of the group’s technology project Globe, is predicted to take dynamic packaging to a new level and put the firm at least a year ahead of rivals.
The companies behind the €100 million system, Manchester-based Bluesky Travel Systems and German travel technology firm Partners Software, say it sets a new industry standard.
MyTravel will join Thomas Cook at the forefront of development in the dynamic packaging sector, assuming their merger proceeds.
Partners Software managing director Kai Hannemann told Travel Weekly: “This is far more advanced than anything else. It will allow the tour operating system almost total flexibility.”
The system will sit across all group brands, giving access to the same inventory, including seats on rival charter carriers and low-cost airlines, as well as global distribution system fares.
Agents will be able to package, instantly price and book any combination.
Bluesky Travel Systems founder Stephen Driscoll said: “Nothing comes near what this offers, not with the volumes required. Thomas Cook will be able to offer stuff TUI won’t. It would take a year to catch up.”
Thomas Cook has yet to clarify plans for bringing it and MyTravel together and cannot proceed without competition clearance. But it would not spend €100 million on a universal state-of-the-art reservations system that was restricted to half the merged group.
Thomas Cook Signature will be first to move to the system in July, with testing beginning this month. A full roll-out will take three years.
The merged group would no doubt want its mass market brands to switch to the system as soon as possible.