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Worldspan to choose opt-in
TravelMole Fast Conference Special: Worldspan says it will probably go with an opt-in scheme for agents wanting to access BA fares, but if predictions by the panel are correct, the model will change dramatically in a deregulated environment. Speaking at Tuesday’s TravelMole Fast Conference on air distribution, Worldspan director EMEAA, airline distribution hosting and IT solutions, Martin Tyler-Bennett said the details of the new scheme for giving agents access to BA fares would be announced in the next couple of days. He said that Sabre’s decision to absorb the cost, rather than pass it on to agents was not sustainable. “I don’t share the comment that GDSs should take the cost themselves”, he said. But Mr Tyler-Bennett said that the distribution model will have to change: “I believe that over the three years we will have to work closely in partnership with BA. Agents can’t easily take the cost ad infinitum.” He added: “I think it is admirable of Sabre to take the cost but I can’t see our shareholders opting for something like that.” Sabre director UK, Ireland and Nordic region, David Brown was also on the panel. He said that Sabre would absorb the cost indefinitely, accepting the loss and seeking to make money outside the traditional GDS model with products like Travelocity and GetThere. “Shifting the cost around the chain doesn’t fix the model”, he said. Mr Brown said that the industry would be able to clearly differentiate between GDSs in the future, contrary to the current situation under de-regulation. He added: “Who knows whether there will still be four of us.” The future of the GDSs was also raised by GBTA chairman and Carlson Wagonlit executive vice president EMEA, Richard Lovell. He said that GDS deregulation would significantly change the distribution model and force GDSs to be more competitive and tactical. He said: “Agents might soon be able to use software that is GDS agnostic so we can go with whichever GDS is right at the time.” Mr Brown welcomed the challenge. He said: “Deregulation will allow GDSs, which have previously been characterised as dinosaurs, to go out and compete. “It is the coolest thing that has happened to this industry.” Report by Ginny McGrath For information on future TravelMole Fast Conferences, please visit www.travelmole.com/fastconferences, email [email protected], or call +44 (0)20 7691 3292.
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