A NEW on-line travel agency is due to be launched in early 2000 following the acquisition of discount fares database supplier Farebase by technology company PhoneLink for £400,000.
Farebase is currently used by 700 UK agents to search for late availability holidays and air fares.
It will be integrated with Phonelink’s on-line travel information service, called Tel-Me Global Traveller, which will be expanded to enable members of the public to book travel on-line.
The new agency, to be called Global Traveller, will be launched early in 2000 and will be a rival to services such as Microsoft’s Expedia and Deckchair.com
Farebase was set up in 1991 by managing director Jon Constantine, who will continue in the role following the acquisition.
In 1995, Avro founder Paul Dendle bought a 50% stake in the company.
Both men have received payment for Farebase in PhoneLink shares.