The recent distribution arrangement between
Travelport and British Airways should come as no shock to anyone. As widely reported several weeks ago, BA is determined to adjust its distribution mode; the UK airline has re-signed with Travelport. It is also reported to be near an agreement with Amadeus (who also hosts the British carrier). Despite being somewhat battered in the recent downturn, the British carrier is driving to a beat where it lowers its costs for distribution. So lets briefly examine what is has agreed to with Travelport and what it wants to get from the other GDS companies.
Following up
Brad Seitz's GUEST column in The Beat about Topaz International and parameters for fare comparisons, one item not being given adequate attention in reviewing airline fares is differences between nonstop and connecting flights. Arguably, connecting flights increase productivity expense by about two hours per trip. Ergo, corporations should take this into account when measuring preferred supplier compliance with airline contract pricing.
