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BTI unveils online planning tool
An online business travel planning system for use on client intranets has been developed by Business Travel International UK.
The travel management company unveiled BTI Timetable at its annual client conference in London.
BTI Timetable, which is being implemented by an unnamed UK bank, is designed to help travellers plan business trips faster and more efficiently with updated flight scheduling and availability.
It is being made available for BTI UK clients to use on their corporate intranets and comes in eight languages, Danish, English, French, Finnish, German, Italian, Norwegian and Swedish.
The system is GDS connected to give up to the minute flight search availability and offers the ability to view return trips in one search.
The new online tool was unveiled as BTI UK said that company intranets are now the most popular way of communicating travel policy, with almost 90% of clients using this as their preferred method.
Research results revealed at the conference showed a significant increase” in the use of ‘premium economy’ or fourth class cabins – up 45% on long haul routes.
BTI UK also found that half of all companies now promote the use of low cost carriers within their travel policy.
The company said UK fares have had a “rocky ride” with peaks and troughs throughout the year, while fares on the Continent have remained constant.
Meanwhile, average international business class fares have fallen this year to £2,472 from £2,534 last year, while in Europe they have risen to £544 from £537. UK business class fares have stayed level at £254 year-on-year while domestic economy rates have dropped marginally to £200 from £206 in 2003.
The average cost of first class tickets has risen by more than £400 over last year to £3,238, according to BTI UK.
Chief executive David Radcliffe predicted a continued focus on travel costs over the next 12 months and greater clarity on the difference between online travel agencies and full corporate travel management companies.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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