KLM gives Galileo full access

Galileo International has signed a deal with KLM to ensure its agents access to the carrier’s full range of fares. KLM is offering full access to fares in return for reduced fees from Galileo until December 2007.. a small proportion of this extra cost is passed onto agents, although it is Galileo’s policy to pass the cost onto agents in the carrier’s home country. Consequently UK agents and all other agents outside Holland will not have to pay for access to KLM fares. Galileo has similar agreements with BA, Qantas, Aer Lingus, and Air Canada, and in all cases only the agents in the carrier’s base pay for access to that airline’s fares. According to Cendant Travel Distribution Services regional marketing manager Nikki Harrison, KLM could start removing its lowest web fares from GDS systems from July, so the GDS has pre-empted this by striking a deal with the carrier. The deal is part of Galileo’s strategy to maximise content and offer a comprehensive booking solution to agents said Ms Harrison. Report by Ginny McGrath