SAA has launched a new travel trade site aimed at strengthening its relationship with the industry in the UK and Ireland.
The website (www.flysaatrade.com) was developed to provide up-to-date information about the South African national carrier including its routes and fleet, contact information, FAQs and the latest news.
It also allows the trade to download aircraft images and logos and features a live chat function to communicate with the SAA team. Katie Edwards, Marketing and Communications Executive for SAA said: “We’re really excited about the launch of our first trade website and the opportunity it presents us to offer a new and engaging way to communicate with our trade partners.”
According to SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, the website should help the trade sell SAA more effectively. “The site integrates other elements of SAA’s social media platform, showcasing, for instance, our Twitter feed and the new website works hand in hand with SAA’s e-learning platform in the UK (via Online Travel Trade Training). Most importantly, it means we have a clear call to action in our trade print advertising for agents wishing to learn more about our brand, product and services.”
Tlali adds that SAA also hopes the education of the trade will help reduce repeat calls to its call centres, save costs and reduce the risk of incorrect passenger disclosure and errors when selling SAA.
“SAA hopes to be offering a similar service to South African travel agents in time to come,” he says.
