US-based telecom operator AT&T and Sabre, a global travel technology company, are set to jointly explore solutions for a more personalised and stress-free trip experience for travellers.

The two companies are developing and testing solutions using AT&T’s newly enhanced Location Information Services (LIS) – Hybrid, which allows developers to build geo-aware mobile applications.

They are exploring how device-based location information services can help airlines, airport retailers, and other travel-related companies deliver intelligent, predictive and personalised services throughout a traveller’s journey.

AT&T LIS Hybrid has the ability to define custom geo-fences in any shape or size, both indoors and out, using cellular, GPS and wifi information shared by the user from their device.

Knowing when a traveller enters or leaves a pre-defined geo-fence would allow travel suppliers to provide personalised services and relevant offers based on the traveller’s real-time location.

Sarah Kennedy, director of Sabre Labs, said: “By applying cutting-edge technologies, coupled with data analytics and better intelligence, we can give travellers the personalised experience they have come to expect in today’s connected world.”

“Together with AT&T, we will explore the role advanced location-based services can have in helping travel suppliers provide better, more personal service to their customers.”

The solutions could include an app that can alert airline staff when a high-status passenger is still clearing security when the flight is due to depart; or that notifies travellers of special promotions as they approach an airport bookstore; or warns a passenger if he is in the wrong terminal for his connecting flight.

The two companies are exploring technology that could underpin these types of apps across almost all types of smartphones, tablets and operating systems.   

Laura Merling, vice president of Ecosystem Development and Platform Solutions, AT&T, said: “Our application programming interface, or API, and software development kit allows companies like Sabre to build multi-carrier geo-aware mobile applications.”

“AT&T LIS Hybrid works with wifi as well as existing cellular device-based information location services such as GPS, to deliver near-precise device location information indoors and outdoors,” she said.

The phase one of the pilot project between Sabre and AT&T is expected to be completed during the first half of 2014, she added. - TradeArabia News Service