| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 13/11/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
Star Alliance looks at new sales methods
GLOBAL airline group Star Alliance is considering offering business travel agents one point of contact when dealing with its members.
Currently agents have to deal with each of the 15 individual carriers in Star Alliance.
Star Alliance spokesman and British Midland general sales manager Adrian Parkes said: “In the corporate sector you will see a move towards a lead carrier being the main point of contact. That’s what the customer wants and the big players are also demanding one point of contact.”
Parkes said there was currently no Star Alliance sales team. “Sales are all done by geography. If you are dealing with a Scandinavian route, you will be met by an SAS sales representative,” he said.
His comments were backed by Air Canada general passenger sales manager for theUK and the Netherlands Bob Atkinson.
Air Canada is a Star Alliance member but it does not have anti-trust immunity from the UK government. This means it still needs the go-ahead to liaise with British Midland on joint fares and schedules.
“We are looking forward to a Star Alliance proposition but that is further down the line. The lead carrier policy is being developed,” he said.