From this July, Abacus-connected travel agents will have access to the most up-to-date airfare content available with an upgrade to Abacus SmartPrice, the major airfare pricing system from Abacus International.

The upgrade, which will take effect from 20 July, 2008, takes advantage of a new fares updating schedule from airline fare vendor ATPCO that includes three additional updates of airfare and rule data per day.

Mr Brett Henry, Vice President of Agency Marketing, Abacus International, says that Abacus SmartPrice has been designed to seamlessly incorporate the new international subscription processing schedules provided by airline fare vendor partners.

“Our close relationships and high-level of technical compatibility with these major airfare suppliers means Abacus SmartPrice can easily adapt to accept all ATPCO’s existing and newly scheduled airfare data.”

“The only change our agency partners will notice will be faster, more accurate fare pricing and scheduling data, an important weapon in the battle of the fares where speed and pricing are key factors affecting traveller booking decisions,” Mr Henry said.

ATPCO has changed its processing schedule to make this data available to agents eight rather than five times a day during the week and added an additional update late on Sunday night.

This follows a similar scheduling change late last year from Abacus’ other major airfare vendor, SITA and allows Abacus SmartPrice users access to the most comprehensive and accurate fare options and rule data.

“The enhanced features of Abacus SmartPrice has definitely helped further bolster our operating efficiency and service offerings,” said Mr Jimmy Cheng, Manager Pricing, Cathay Pacific. “With the built-in capacity to incorporate new updates, Abacus SmartPrice is an effective tool for accurate pricing and fare information.”

Powered by a pricing logic developed by Abacus International and its technology partner Sabre at a cost of over US$100 million, Abacus SmartPrice delivers the true lowest applicable fare as it searches both private and public tariffs, to deliver a choice that includes net and published fares.