American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has struck a
deal with Air France-KLM, and its customers will not have to pay a surcharge on
fares through participating GDSs.
The airline announced last fall that starting this month,
bookings through indirect channels would carry a one-way fee of 11 euros.
"Recognizing the importance of GBT and its customers to
its business, Air France-KLM has agreed to except GBT from this surcharge and
continue providing consolidated and transparent content access," GBT said
in a statement.
The deal is subject to GDSs entering private-channel
arrangements with the airline. Both Travelport and Amadeus have done so. Sabre
has said it is in talks with the airline company.
"We are advocating collaboration among airline and
distribution partners to deliver the most comprehensive access to air content,
the best pricing and shopping environment, within the robust servicing provided
by the GDSs," said Michael Qualantone, GBT's executive vice president of
global supplier relations.