EasyJet will become the first major low-cost carrier in Europe to make fares available to travel agents via global distribution systems after signing deals with Amadeus and Galileo.
Fares will be available only to corporate travel agents and include a point-of-sale fee, ensuring EasyJet’s online fares remain lower.
The deal, revealed by Travel Weekly two weeks ago and confirmed today, marks a move away from the classic low-cost carrier model as EasyJet seeks to attract more corporate travellers – who currently comprise 20% of its traffic.
EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison described the move as “removing the last barrier to the corporate travel market”. He said: “This is a major step in our strategy to attract more business travellers.
“Adding a point of sale fee will ensure our website remains our primary distribution channel. However, seats sold through the GDS will be dramatically cheaper than those on any traditional airline.”
Amadeus commercial vice-president David Jones said: “We have built a solution that connects the GDS direct to the inventory of ticket-less carriers.”
EasyJet will not appear on Amadeus until the completion of trials this month. Fares should also be available on Galileo by the end of the year.