Deregulation of global distribution systems could hand airlines more power and see more protracted negotiations similar to the recent British Airways talks.
With little chance of a solution before the current deal expires – as Travel Weekly went to press – BA confirmed negotiations were still ongoing. The airline dismissed fears it would withdraw content from the GDSs or increase the price of tickets booked through the systems.
A source close to the negotiations told Travel Weekly: “BA has tried to flex its muscles but the GDSs are standing firm.”
On Tuesday, the European Commission began a two-month consultation on the deregulation of the GDSs.
Technology consultancy Genesys senior partner Paul Richer warned deregulation could lead to similar long-winded airline negotiations.
“That could make talks much more complex. The airlines might not have to participate in all the GDSs so they would then have more power,” he said.