Sabre Travel Network Middle East has implemented an interactive seating reservations and seat map system for Etihad Airways.

This will streamline flight bookings and offer customers a seamless travel experience. The facility gives access to real time seating information via the online map which shows seating configurations and latest availability, said a Sabre official.

Travel agents, online customers and corporate users can select and confirm preferred seats, ensuring optimum comfort and efficiency in booking and check-in procedures.

Interactive Pre-reserved Seats operates by instantly transmitting seating requests to the airline, allowing the carrier to provide immediate confirmation or an alternative choice. Travel agents who use the Interactive Seat Map in conjunction with Interactive Pre-reserved Seats will benefit from additional certainty in the reservation of seats and of their exact location within the aircraft.

This is because the map offers standardized views of seating arrangements using graphical seat displays.

'Both Interactive Pre-reserved Seats and the Interactive Seat Map clearly demonstrate how Sabre is working closely with carriers and travel agencies in the Middle East to improve the quality of services for the benefit of the end user,' said CEO of Sabre Travel Network Middle East Daniel Naoumovitch.

'Sabre's technology is providing a three-way link between Etihad, travel agencies and passengers and brings numerous benefits in terms of cost and time efficiencies, and - crucially, in view of heightened competition in the region's travel sector - passenger satisfaction,' he added.

The system reduces non-revenue generating phone calls to the airline to confirm seat requirements, which will be appreciated by travel agents and airline staff alike. Priority passengers will benefit from access to premium seating availability, and all passengers will appreciate the reduction in processing time during airport check-in.

'Etihad continues to expand at an impressive rate and therefore it is vital for the airline to keep up-to-date with industry trends and exceed the expectations of our passengers. With the implementation of both Interactive Pre-reserved Seats and the Interactive Seat Map, Etihad is now able to provide real-time access to our seat maps as well as pre-reserved seats and seat characteristics,' said Etihad Airways' vice-president Distribution and Alliances Ali Saleh Al Bloushi. - TradeArabia News Service