Travelport has reiterated its opposition to the American Airlines Direct-Connect system after seeing online agency client Priceline opt to partner with the airline.
Priceline announced its partnership with American Airlines to use the Direct-Connect model yesterday, arguably the most high profile agreement so far as the airline looks to change the way intermediaries obtain its fares, availability and ancillary services.
The online travel agency has long-term distribution agreements with both Travelport and Sabre, but the decision this week is likely to be at odds with the GDSs, both of which have publicly stated their hostility to Direct-Connect.
In a statement, when asked to react to Priceline’s move this week, Travelport says Direct-Connect will “negatively impact the travel marketplace and the efficiency of the travel shopping, comparing, booking and subsequent booking change processes in place today”.
Read the full story at: http://www.tnooz.com/2011/01/19/news/travelport-plays-it-straight-over-priceline-american-airlines-deal-for-now/
