| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 15/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 76 |
| Copyright: Other |
BA claims new on-line agency will not harm agent bookings
BRITISHAirways has put the final touches to the on-line travel agency it will run with eight other European airlines.But agents fear the site, due to be launched this summer, has been designed to cut them out of the flight booking process. One agent said:”I fear BA is looking to get in direct business to make up for the agents who will steer away from it.”
BAhas already said it wants to save £200m in distribution costs out of the £500m it is looking to save through improved use of new technology (Travel Weekly February 28). The airlines have pledged not to undercut fares offered to agents. They also claim agents are free to book flights from the site and charge a fee. BA chief executive Rod Eddington said:”This site will revolutionise the way customers arrange travel.”