IATA director general Giovanni Bisignani today once again took the occasion of the group's annual general meeting to lash out against global distribution systems.
Two years ago, he suggested airlines are "held hostage to GDSs."
Last June in Kuala Lumpur, he said that airlines "cannot accept" $4 per transaction fees charged by "Western" GDSs. Today in Berlin, it was clear that his language had become more colorful and combative.
The International Air transport Association announced new services to help airlines reduce costs and risks associated with credit card operations. Worthy goals, but does anyone really think credit card companies will lower their rates simply because IATA asks?
IATA previously has cried out against GDS fees, saying it "cannot accept" $4 per transaction and demanding GDSs cut fees to something closer to 50 cents. How well did that go over?
For many years debate has raged concerning the correct construction and use of international airline fares. The argument is all about interpretation and clever manipulation of rules which can result in travellers and their employers enjoying major savings if their agent is smart enough to know the "loopholes." Such intelligence was, and still should be, a key differentiator between savvy and average TMCs.
These have been busy days for the public relations department at the Airlines Reporting Corp. Since the beginning of the month, the organization announced the next step in its partnership with the International Air Transport Association, enhancements to its data reporting product, volume-based incentives for airlines and a 4 percent cut in personnel.
