13 November 2009

BA to maintain sales through agents

British Airways has demonstrated support for distribution through the trade for at least the next four years.

The airline has signed a deal with Galileo and Worldspan GDS provider Travelport until April 2013.

Travelport is the first GDS provider to reach a new long-term, global full content agreement with BA.

The agreement will see all BA published fares and inventory made available to Galileo and Worldspan-connected agents worldwide.

The opt-in levels that were established by Travelport in March 2007 remain unchanged in the UK and Ireland.

The two comapnies are to work together in the coming months on providing Galileo and Worldspan-connected agents with the ability to book extras such as seating through the GDS.

BA head of selling and distribution John Mornement said: "We have worked hard with Travelport to come to an agreement that will both reduce our distribution costs and ensure that agents continue to have access to our full published content, including our lowest fares, through Galileo and Worldspan."

Matthew Hall, vice president, supplier business development for Travelport’s GDS business in EMEA, said: "We have a strong track record of reaching full content agreements with flag carriers across the globe and this deal with BA is further testament to our ability to reach sustainable deals that clearly demonstrate the long term viability and importance of the agency channel.

"I am delighted that we have struck a deal that is mutually beneficial for both parties and offers great value to travel agents."

by Phil Davies

Post your comment

Your Comments (1)

So where's the news?

The smart traveller KNOWS you can't beat a live, loyal travel agent! My travel agent in Toronto can be relied upon implicitly and reacts to SMS and e-mails. We usually talk once a year and she has never messed up once. Thanks, Emily! Against her are ranged the totally unresponsive Expedia's of this world who manage to turn a simple YYZ>>HKG>>SGN in to a world marathon of multiple segments as they not only route you through the most imaginative itinerary but also through a plethora of carriers as their own interest in maxing out their profits by selling dregs of seats. I don't want to visit the U.S. or France or even Thailand when a transit through HKG will do! And try changing a booking or getting a refund with these on-line monstrosities - give me an Emily every time. No calling, no endless holding, just an e-mail.

By J Hewson, Monday, November 16, 2009