Galileo launches e-ticketing in RP, beefs up reg’l presence

Top executives of Galileo International, a leading global technology leader and a subsidiary of the US $24 billion-capital Cendant Corporation, recently met with members of the local media to announce its business strategies, particularly in the field of travel, as well as to make its presence felt anew in the region.

Eddie Nuque, the newly appointed general manager (GM) of Galileo Philippines, zeroed in on the strengths and credentials of the US-based global distribution system (GDS) and discussed at length its e-ticketing program which was launched in the Philippines four months ago.

Also present during the recent media briefing at the Mandarin Hotel were Cendant executives Kurt Knackstedt, Allan Wood, Stuart Ridsdale and Galileo Philippines sales manager Eugene Guiyab.

Cendant, a top Fortune-listed company, has three major money-spinning divisions, namely, real estate, travel and financial services. Its travel distribution services division (TDSD) is one of the world’s chunkiest trades.

Nuque explained how Galileo’s efficient, multi-tasking technological expertise will help companies, particularly in the travel business, to effectively streamline their operations yet come up with high-yield results.

"The core of what we do is 630 degrees or a full circle of solutions, at the center of which is the customer or travel agents surrounded by four pillars or more than just a set of products and services to make the business run efficiently," Nuque stressed.

Galileo, said Nuque, has more than just the traditional tools needed by travel agents. The system is designed to ensure that agencies are able to maximize the provided solutions and have an edge from a well-organized service and better business link.

Galileo executives presented the fitness of the GDS’ e-ticketing program, explaining how airlines, travel agents and consumers will get utmost advantage from the paperless ticket, which is now a global trend.

The cost-saving paperless ticket or electronic ticketing means hassle-free and convenient travel as it allows passengers to book and get a ticket even prior to flight departure via the Internet or computer kiosks.

Galileo is currently assisting Continental Airlines, KLM, KLM Exel, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines in e-ticketing services.

"Since e-ticketing is a great design of our value-in/cost-out campaign wherein everybody gains – agencies, passengers and airlines, we hope to bring e-ticketing to as many airlines in and out of the Philippines and we plan to replicate the US success of e-ticketing in the region," Nuque said.

Galileo has been giving e-ticketing assistance to some 63 airlines in 48 markets all over the world. Pushing ahead with more than 30 carriers in 11 regional markets on its still growing list, the US-based GDS aims to further strengthen its position worldwide.

Maucie Cuna, general manager of the 25-year-old Morelia Tours, shared her experience with the audience as a long-time Galileo subscriber. Morelia caters to overseas workers, corporate and leisure travelers.

In recent years, Cuna explained, Morelia has achieved substantial cost savings by using the Galileo system to create a paperless business process by making full use of the passenger name record (PNR) and related queue manager functionality.

"We are very focused on the Galileo PNR as a platform for enhancing productivity. It has replaced reservation cards. We also make use of it to check visa and passport needs. The Queue Manager is also extensively helpful. The bottom line is Galileo has created a powerful set of productivity tools to bring speed and efficiency to redundant tasks," Cuna said.