Amadeus, a firm that dominates the travel industry’s global distribution systems (GDS) business, is to establish an operation in Dublin on the back of local deals valued at €10m over the next five years.
The company, which provides travel bookers with access to more than 95pc of the world’s scheduled airline seats, has struck deals with USIT, Falcon Travel and Club Travel to deploy its technology.
The timing of the decision is novel as today (5 December) is the anniversary of the death of renowned Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The capture of these deals represents an additional 15pc to the company’s share of the Irish travel industry.
Amadeus’ new offices will be located in Smithfield and the company has set a target of over 27pc market share in 2007. It is understood that the operation will employ 10 people.
The company’s general manager Volker Lorenz claims that up to 60pc of a typical travel agent’s operational costs results from core reservation purposes.
“It has only taken a few months for the industry to recognise the strength of the Amadeus solutions portfolio, as well as the additional support services we deliver locally. We are looking forward to next year, when we expect to be able to announce another major shake-up in the sector,” said Lorenz.
As one of the largest GDS providers in the world the Amadeus system can make bookings with over 467 airlines as well as 71,000 hotels, 48 car rental companies across 24,400 locations.
As well as travel agents the company serves cruise, rail and tour operators.
By John Kennedy
