Transforming ATPCO’s travel program with modern technology

ATPCO, a leader in the travel industry for nearly six decades, is renowned for its role in collecting, distributing, and managing airline fares and pricing data. As the industry’s primary source for airline merchandising and pricing information, ATPCO has consistently adapted to meet the evolving technological needs of airlines worldwide.

Recognizing the need for modernization, ATPCO recently embarked on a journey to overhaul its internal travel program, aiming to adopt new technologies and streamline operations for its employees.

Challenges of an unmanaged travel program

Previously, ATPCO’s travel program was unmanaged, allowing employees to book travel through their preferred booking sites, online travel agencies (OTAs), or direct supplier sites. This lack of a unified platform led to several issues, including safety concerns and limited visibility into travel spending and behavior.

Implementing a managed travel program with Spotnana

To address these challenges, ATPCO decided to implement a managed travel program using Spotnana’s advanced travel technology. Joannie Satterfield, Corporate Programs Specialist at ATPCO, played a key role in selecting the new travel platform. “Spotnana’s innovative design and ease of use were standout features for ATPCO,” she said. “The onboarding process was smooth, and we completed the implementation ahead of schedule, launching two weeks early.”

This transition marked a significant shift from an unstructured travel program to a more centralized and efficient approach. “We needed consistency and structure around our travel program, and the internal feedback has been positive,” Joannie added.

Enhancing user experience and integrating with ATPCO’s systems

Spotnana’s modern user experience was a crucial factor in the selection process. With its deep integration with ATPCO, Spotnana leverages the company’s Universal Product Attributes (UPAs) to showcase specific images and attributes for each fare. This allows ATPCO employees to see the impact of UPAs on the traveler shopping experience each time they book.

Advanced analytics and improved traveler satisfaction

Since implementing Spotnana, ATPCO has achieved a 98% self-booking rate and an 81% policy compliance rate. Spotnana’s industry-leading NDC direct connections to various global airlines have been instrumental in these achievements.

The real-time visibility into travel spending has enabled ATPCO to make data-driven decisions, optimize travel policies, and identify cost-saving opportunities. “We wanted an easy way to manage reporting; I love the reporting features.” Joannie shared. “We don’t use a hard approval process, so the reporting is really beneficial to see the booking and spend data on a month-to-month basis.”

Consolidating data for better management

One of the significant benefits of the new system is its ability to consolidate all travel-related data in one place. This consolidation simplifies expense management, reduces administrative burden, and provides a clearer picture of the company’s overall travel spending. With these insights, ATPCO can now strategically negotiate better prices with preferred suppliers and adjust policy rules to meet its goals.

“I can pull a report anytime, and having an automated monthly report that we created is super helpful as well,” said Joannie. “We can now maximize and optimize our travel budgets in a more seamless way.”

In summary, ATPCO’s transition to a managed travel program powered by Spotnana’s modern technology has significantly improved the company’s travel operations, offering enhanced user experience, advanced analytics, and consolidated data management. This transformation has not only streamlined processes but also provided valuable insights for strategic decision-making and cost optimization.