| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 3 |
| Copyright: Other |
Virgin Express to appear on GDSs
VIRGIN Express is to list its itineraries on all four major global distribution systems in a bid to halt falling sales.The European low-cost airline recorded a £3.9m loss in the three months to June 31, compared to £2m for the same period last year. It blamed the loss on rising fuel costs and a strong US dollar.
From October 30, travel agents will be able to book seats on Virgin Express through Galileo, Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan. Agents will continue to receive the same 9%commission.
Agents and consumers previously had to buy tickets via the Virgin Express call centres in Brussels and Shannon or via the airline’s Web site, www.virginexpress.com.
A spokesman for the airline said: “Most of the other low-cost airlines do not use GDSs, so we are hoping we will be the preferred carrier. We have a 70% load factor and this extra distribution channel will help fill seats.”
Virgin Express also hopes to boost sales through a new twice-daily route from Gatwick to Berlin and increased frequencies on Gatwick-Brussels and Gatwick-Shannon flights, all of which will start on October 30. The airline also plans to launch a Brussels-Alicante route.
Falling sales: Virgin Express recorded higher losses this year