Sabre Corporation has released a white paper outlining the new methodologies it is creating to enable its airline partners to create more holistic, accurate network plans as their focus shifts from short-term planning to long-term recovery in the wake of the pandemic.
“From an aviation perspective, the latter half of 2021 is the time to change our outlook from crisis mode with a focus only on the immediate term to again taking on a more strategic view; analysing market and fleet adjustments for the seasons and years to come,” said Cem Tanyel, chief services officer, Sabre Travel Solutions.
“However, shifting from a purely short-term scheduling focus back to a full timeline network planning view will not be easy in the current environment. In addition to difficulties caused by reduced passenger numbers and revenue, and resulting reductions in crew for some airlines, there are additional challenges given that the data airline managers could previously rely on to estimate future demand beyond the next few weeks is no longer reliable.”
As such, Sabre is developing the robust new airline network planning methodologies described in its new white paper, The Art & Science of Airline Network Planning to Ramp up for Recovery.
These new methods can leverage its GDS shopping data in conjunction with historical global demand data and industry capacity data to predict demand in a manner that works effectively even when prior year results become less representative. Using these new approaches, Sabre has developed alternative 2021 schedules and demand estimations that are more reflective of what is likely to occur.
The white paper sets out the new methodologies created by Sabre to take a more holistic view of airline network planning at a time when it is not possible to rely on previous years’ data alone.
The paper also contains latest industry data that can help airline managers in their decision-making process. As well, it highlights why airlines need to place a deeper focus on segmentation in both the leisure and business segments, the destinations and segments that are seeing above average capacity rebound, and how Covid-19 has accelerated network planning innovation.
The full white paper can be viewed here.
Qatar has reopened its borders to international travellers who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, allowing them to visit the Middle Eastern country without the need for quarantine.
The same rule applies to citizens and residents of Qatar who are returning to the country. All visitors – vaccinated or non-vaccinated – will be required to present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure.
Visitors wishing to enter Qatar must register and upload required documentation such as a vaccination certificate, a valid negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to travel, and personal details through the Ehteraz website (www.ehteraz.gov.qa).
Travellers have to apply for the authorisation (free of charge) through the Ehteraz website at least 12 hours before departure to Qatar.
More than 80 nationalities can visit Qatar with a free visa-on-arrival, while visitor visa rules apply for other nationalities.
In addition, all travellers are required to download and activate the Ehteraz mobile app which requires a domestic Qatari SIM card, purchasable from either Ooredoo or Vodafone on arrival at Hamad International Airport. Upon activation, visitors will be able to participate in public activities such as visiting malls, restaurants and museums; and using taxis or public transportation.
Qatar Tourism in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health launched more than one year ago the Qatar Clean programme for the hospitality and tourism sector to ensure safe visitor experiences in Qatar.