Global distribution system

[citation needed] Mid-office automation captures Passenger name record technically abbreviated as PNR data from a variety of global distribution systems (Sabre, Galileo, Amadeus, and Worldspan) sources and lets travel agencies create custom business rules to validate reservation accuracy, monitor travel policies, perform file finishing, prepare itineraries/invoices and process ticketing.

When customized, such tools allow agencies and corporate accounts to monitor virtually any information in global distribution system passenger name records.

As time progressed, many airline vendors (including budget and mainstream operators) have now adopted a strategy of 'direct selling' to their wholesale and retail customers (passengers).

This helps to minimize direct dependency on GDS systems to meet sales and revenue targets and allows for a more dynamic response to market needs.

These technology advancements in this space facilitate an easier way to cross-sell to partner airlines and via travel agents, eliminating the dependency on a dedicated global GDS federating between systems.

GDS here is useful to facilitate global reach using existing network and low marginal costs when compared to online air travel bookings.

Some GDS companies are also in the process of investing and establishing significant offshore capability in a move to reduce costs and improve their profit margins to serve their customer directly accommodating changing business models.