Travelport has signed a groundbreaking agreement with dnata, the Middle East’s leading travel management provider, to utilise the industry-leading Travelport Universal API technology for the first time in the Middle East.

Available in selected countries, Travelport Universal API (application programming interface) is a GDS industry-first offering the ability to aggregate content and travel related services from multiple sources through a single connection, leading to greater up-sell and cross-sell opportunities for travel retailers and suppliers.

Dnata is the first travel retailer in the region to gain access to Travelport’s Universal API, which provides a single connection to additional air, hotel and rail content not available on the core GDS, a statement from the company said.  It has already begun leveraging Universal API to support its growing portfolio, including its recently expanded online business.

As an open platform, Travelport Universal API works side-by-side with existing APIs, allowing dnata to build customised applications that will enhance its online capabilities.

The technology will also help them maximise its IT investments by supplementing existing content feeds and functionality as they transition to the new content tools and resources, the statement said.

“By removing the need to manage and maintain multiple API connections, Universal API is helping us better manage our IT expenditure whilst streamlining our travel supply chain,” said Iain Andrew, divisional senior vice president, for dnata’s travel services. “Travelport has helped us simplify our travel distribution by reducing associated costs and complexities.”

“dnata now has access to next-generation technology that represents a reengineering of Travelport’s infrastructure,” said Rabih Saab, president and managing director for Travelport, Middle East and Africa. “Universal API underpins the GDS technology of the future, allowing for easy access to a world of content and functionality in a very simplistic and efficient way.” 

Travelport Universal API is a key interface and central to the underlying architecture of Travelport’s next-generation technologies, including Travelport Universal Desktop, which is a groundbreaking booking solution that unifies travel selling and merchandising onto a single platform. – TradeArabia News Service