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.
Today at IATA's Annual General Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, the group's director general Giovanni Bisignani lashed out at just about everyone. Based on his speech (posted
here), the message seemed pretty simple: the global airline industry is in a tailspin, and if you are not helping us in the way we deem most appropriate, then you are part of the problem. He attacked governments for their policies on taxation and "archaic" ownership rules that hinder access to capital. He attacked several airport operators and air traffic control entities for daring to raise user fees, calling such decisions "nonsense." And he implored "all suppliers and manufacturers" to "reshape their products to reduce their costs and ours ... Governments and partners must understand that we are struggling to survive with a new and harsh reality."
He also warned travel agents that "the clock cannot be turned back. Travel is more accessible than ever in price and purchase options. To survive in the global online market you need to reshape your services and your business models to provide greater value that travelers are willing to pay for."
Kind of vague but not wrong on its face. But what about when he turned to the global distribution systems? "We cannot accept that those in the West charge around $4 per transaction when China TravelSky does the same job for $0.50. This must change," said Bisignani. Hmmm.
