ABTA calls on Amadeus and Worldspan to talk to BA

ABTA has applauded the decision by British Airways to give full access to fares through Sabre and Galileo, but says the other two GDSs must “fall into line”. ABTA aviation committee chairman, Sandy MacPherson told TravelMole: “This is good news for agents – it is not a BA charge.” Mr MacPherson said it was a positive move by BA, which goes against the trend of some airlines that are taking their lowest fares off GDSs. He added: “Now the other two GDSs need to fall into line and ABTA wants to send a message to them to do so. This announcement should focus the minds of the other two GDSs sharply. We hope they [Amadeus and Worldspan] will get their act together.” Mr MacPherson added that the move by BA does not disadvantage agents because they can still access the full range of fares through Trade Fare Explorer.