New agreement guarantees full fare content for Galileo-connected travel agencies
Multi-channel distribution ensures Virgin Atlantic's product reaches their customers in the most effective way
LANGLEY 07-07-2006 -- Travelport Inc, a global provider of technology and distribution solutions for the travel industry, has today announced an agreement with Virgin Atlantic that will see both companies build on their existing relationship to identify and develop new distribution opportunities. Effective immediately, this agreement ensures Galileo-connected travel agencies worldwide will have full access to all available Virgin Atlantic fares, including their lowest classes and Web fares, directly through the Galileo GDS. The agreement will also enable Virgin Atlantic to distribute fares though Travelport online channels, including ebookers, Orbitz and CheapTickets.
This multi-year agreement is indicative of the very different type of distribution partnership that needs to exist in a rapidly changing travel industry. It addresses the traditional, yet vital travel agency channel via the GDS, whilst enhancing this with access to customers through a number of other online and offline channels. With its unique multi-channel distribution capabilities, Travelport delivers to airlines the full range of solutions they need to reach their customers.
Leading the way in moving such agreements away from pure distribution, Virgin will also be exploring how they can use other elements of the Travelport portfolio, such as the OctopusTravel.com accommodation booking engine and Gullivers Travel Associates' (GTA's) hotel content to drive ancillary revenue opportunities.
"We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Travelport, who have brought an interesting and alternative proposition to the table," said Paul Wait, Head of Sales for Virgin Atlantic. "Working with partners who help us reach our customers in a more targeted and effective way is critical for us as a leading global carrier. Travelport has clearly demonstrated the desire and ability to create a positive way forward for this and future agreements."
"By securing an agreement of this nature, we have reinforced our leading position in the global travel industry," added Matthew Hall vice president, airline business development, Travelport. "We are determined to deliver full airline content for our agency customers and have again demonstrated that we can do this whilst at the same time recognizing the increasing distribution challenges that face airlines today. We are confident that Travelport will continue to define the distribution landscape of the future which we will do by continually addressing the needs of travel agents, travel suppliers, and travellers."
Notes to editors:
Travelport was formerly known as Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS).
About Galileo International
Galileo International is a global technology leader. Its core business is providing electronic global distribution services for the travel industry through its computerized reservation systems, leading-edge products and innovative, Internet-based solutions. Galileo is a value-added distributor of travel inventory dedicated to supporting its travel supplier, agency and corporate customers and, through them, expanding traveler choice. Galileo, a Travelport brand, is headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, and has offices worldwide. Visit www.galileo.com.
About Travelport
Travelport is one of the world's largest and most geographically diverse travel companies. With a network of over 8,000 local travel professionals working in more than 140 countries, Travelport delivers greater choice, more content and cost savings to travelers, travel professionals and travel suppliers every day. Travelport offers a wide range of business and consumer services, from distribution technology and travel packaging to retail sales and solutions. Travelport operates over 20 leading brands, including Orbitz, an online travel agency; Galileo, a global distribution system (GDS); and GTA, a wholesaler of global travel content.
For More Information:
Matt Hennessey
Travelport
44 1753 288625
matt.hennessey@tds.cendant.com