ROSENBLUTH International has won the ú40m British Aerospace account from American Express, BTIUK Hogg Robinson and Portman Travel.
The move has shocked many in the industry because of the agency’s relatively small presence in the UK.
“It is one of the largest accounts in the UK.Rosenbluth has beaten off some very fierce opposition,” said one agent who asked not to be named.
But Rosenbluth director of business development, Europe,Pieter Dieter said:”People who are surprised are only thinking of Rosenbluth in the UK, but the issue here is not just the UK. We are talking globally and we are very strong globally.”
He said British Aerospace has locations in 27 countries and was looking to consolidate its travel arrangements worldwide.
“We will now be rolling out to the other countries. We have to bid for the accounts in the other countries but we have discussed this with British Aerospace and this is part of its plan.”
At present, 85% of British Aerospace’s travel business is handled by Amex and the rest shared by Hogg Robinson and Portman. Its 40 locations nationwide are handled by a mixture of implants and business travel centres.
Rosenbluth, which already has the global accounts of Nokia, Philips, Kodak and Oracle, will take over the British Aerospace account on July 5.