GDS Connectivity

Global Distribution System integration with Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.

Scope

GDS Platforms

  • Amadeus: Largest global reach, strong in Europe
  • Sabre: Strong in Americas, corporate travel
  • Travelport: Galileo, Apollo, Worldspan combined

Core Functions

  • Schedule distribution (SSIM)
  • Availability and pricing
  • Booking creation (PNR)
  • Ticketing
  • Fare filing display
  • Queue management

Messaging Protocols

  • EDIFACT: Traditional airline messaging
  • XML: Modern API layer
  • Type B (Teletype): Legacy but still used

Research Topics

  • GDS participation agreements
  • EDIFACT message types (PAORES, PNRADD, etc.)
  • Full content agreements
  • GDS surcharge implementation
  • Availability optimization (AVS)
  • Schedule distribution requirements
  • Codeshare display rules
  • Corporate booking tool integration

Architecture Considerations

GDS Integration Patterns

Airline Systems
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ GDS Gateway │ ◄── Message transformation
└──────┬──────┘
       │
   ┌───┴───┐
   │       │
┌──▼──┐ ┌──▼──┐
│EDIFACT│ │ XML │
└──┬──┘ └──┬──┘
   │       │
   ▼       ▼
GDS Networks

Message Types

Availability

  • AVS (Availability Status) - Real-time availability
  • SSL (Standard Schedule Limits) - Schedule-based availability

Booking

  • PAORES - Booking response
  • PNRADD - Add elements to PNR
  • PNRRET - Retrieve PNR

Ticketing

  • TKTRES - Ticket issuance response
  • TKTREQ - Ticketing request

Participation Levels

  1. Full Content: All fares, all inventory
  2. Partial: Limited fare families
  3. Private Channel: Corporate-only fares

Integration Points

SystemDirectionData
InventoryOutboundAVS messages
ScheduleOutboundSSIM distribution
FaresOutboundFare filing
ReservationsBidirectionalPNR sync
TicketingBidirectionalTicket issuance

GDS Economics

Cost Structure

Fee TypeTypical Range
Booking Fee$4-12 per segment
Full Content Incentive-$2-4 per segment
Marketing FundVariable
IT FeesMonthly subscription

Surcharge Strategy

  • EU regulation allows GDS surcharges
  • US DOT requires display regardless of surcharge
  • Implementation via booking class or fare rule

Migration Considerations

NDC Transition

  • Maintain GDS for legacy TMC connectivity
  • Offer parity requirements
  • Gradual volume shift to NDC
  • Corporate travel tool compatibility

Timeline

  • Short-term: Full GDS participation
  • Medium-term: NDC alongside GDS
  • Long-term: NDC-primary, GDS-minimal