Opodo launches in the UK

Monday, 22 Jan, 2002 0

Controversial airline-backed website Opodo launched in the UK today.

And according to research by NOP carried out this month, opodo.co.uk could prove tough competition for other online sites. NOP’s research says that Opodo’s UK site beat or matched the cheapest fare offered by other online sites 70% of the time. And according to NOP the UK site is cheaper than the UK average online fare for 85% of top destinations from the UK.

The NOP research will further worry critics who believe that Opodo could offer fares that are not available elsewhere, which they say would damage competition in the industry.

Opodo chief executive Giovanni Bisignani said: “Travellers in the UK are looking for great fares and this NOP research confirms that Opodo will be offering some of the best deals in the UK market. Our infrastructure will provide airlines with a low-cost distribution channel as means in which to fill
seats, so it really is a win-win situation. The airlines win by having a new cost-effective vehicle to move inventory, UK travellers win through Opodo’s quick and easy-to-use site and ability to secure new and low offers for our customers.”

But James Vaile, Managing Director of Expedia.co.uk, said: “Opodo should be measured by results and not hype. It is offering nothing new to an already crowded marketplace and this will lead people to question Opodo’s independence from its airline backers. Opodo have it all to do to get close to us in terms of technology, customer base, satisfaction and loyalty.”

Opodo is launching in the UK with over 350,000 net fares from 45 airline partners, 80% of available scheduled air capacity in the British market and over 30,000 pages of content to over 1300 destinations.

Earlier this month Opodo announced the appointment of former Go executive Jenny Taylor to the role of UK country manager.

Opodo launched its first site in Germany in December 2001 and following the UK, will launch in France during Q2 2002, and throughout Europe during 2002 and beyond. The website is backed by nine airlines – Aer Lingus, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, KLM and Lufthansa.