In the days of Web-only fares on airline websites in the U.S., traditional travel agents moaned that airlines were basically screwing themselves with this kind of supplier-direct discounting because the travel agency/global distibution system channel is among the highest-yielding distribution options.
After a period of abstinence, JetBlue re-entered GDSs in 2007, participates in the four major systems today, and views this involvement as a way to enhance its mix of corporate-travel bookings.
JetBlue’s strategy was highlighted with Travelport’s announcement today of a new, multi-year, global full-content agreement with JetBlue.
See the full story at http://www.tnooz.com/2009/11/11/news/jetblue-gets-more-corporate-with-high-yield-gds-distribution/