Galileo International’s Travel Agencies Gain Access to Wholesale Fare Distribution with SolarNet

Galileo International, Inc. (NYSE: GLC), an electronic global distribution services (GDS) leader in the travel industry, and SCS Solars Computing Systems, Inc. (CDNX: SCS), supplying the B2B marketplace with technology solutions, today announced an agreement that extends the ability for Galileo travel agency subscribers worldwide to access consolidator airfares, view fare rules and request flights electronically via the SolarNet application. The new desktop connection will be available on August 15, 2001 to all travel agencies on Galileo’s computer reservation systems via direct connection.

SolarNet provides travel suppliers with the ability to instantly distribute their travel product information to travel agencies worldwide. SolarNet can take data from any product source and distribute it to GDS host systems, private Intranets, the Internet, or a powerful combination of all three.

Travel agencies seeking higher commissions are increasingly looking to air consolidators, who traditionally have not offered their inventory directly through GDS host systems. Now, Galileo subscribers worldwide will have instant access – free of charge – to fare information for 28 of SolarNet’s participating consolidators via SolarNet’s LiveLinx product. This eliminates time-consuming phone calls, third-party connections and sorting through stacks of consolidator faxes. Galileo subscribers also will be able to use SolarNet’s LiveLinx*PLUS product to check flight availability, fare rules and transmit a booking request directly to participating consolidators that utilize Galileo’s host systems.

“The direct relationship with SCS Solars furthers Galileo’s strategy of providing travel agency customers with the broadest range of travel inventory and the best technology solutions to help them maximize productivity and profitability,” said Galileo’s Terry Vaughn, director, Leisure and Rail Sales and Marketing.

“SCS Solars is pleased to be working with Galileo International to provide increased content and technology to its travel agency customers around the world,” said Andrew O’Leary, president of SCS Solars. “This new direct connection will be instrumental in allowing SCS Solars to enter the European and Pan Pacific/Asian regions.”