Biman to resume online ticket sales from Sunday

In the latest development, Biman Bangladesh Airlines yesterday said its online ticketing system will be re-launched on February 27 to modernise and facilitate passenger services.

The airline is going to re-launch online ticketing, booking, check-in, web services, etc through the new Passenger Service Solution (PSS) "Sabre", said Biman's top officials.

Biman's online ticketing system remained paused for the last six months due to a dispute with Travelshop Limited -- Biman's exclusive service provider for selling tickets online -- over arrears, said sources in Biman.

Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, announced a new strategic partnership with Biman in September.

The national flag carrier will leverage Sabre's Passenger Service System (PSS) and Global Distribution System (GDS) as well as a broad range of additional Sabre technology solutions to support recovery and future growth in a competitive market, said a Sabre press release.

A Biman top official said under the agreement, Biman will adopt the SabreSonic Passenger Service System (PSS) to power digital transformation, drive revenue growth and improve the passenger experience.

Related activities, including ticket booking/reservation and ticket issuance from all Biman channels -- for about 11 hours from 3:45pm on February 26 to 3:00pm on February 27 -- will remain closed in a bid to transfer information from current PSS--SITA to Sabre, according to Biman officials.

However, special arrangements will be made at this time to continue airport check-in activities. All flights are expected to depart and return on time.

From February 27, the normal activities of reservation and ticketing will be started automatically through all Biman Sales Centres, Biman's commercial website, call centre and authorised sales agents.