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February 22, 2012 - 01:30 PM ET

Accor's overall average room rates rose during the past three months, but stalled in January at its midprice and upscale hotels. Those rates for the European hotel operator increased by 3.7 percent year over year in November and by 1.2 percent in December, but were nearly flat in January. Accor reported the figures represent "stable occupancy at a high level and versus high comps" and that there is "no major sign of concern and strong catalysts for growth in many key markets." Accor's 2011 operating profit was up almost 19 percent year over year. Net income was €27 million, down from €3.6 billion in 2010, though the comparison is skewed because of a €4 billion gain in 2010 when Accor broke off its services business.

February 22, 2012 - 01:25 PM ET

Travelport signed a "multi-year" agreement with Lufthansa subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines, giving Galileo and Worldspan subscribers continued access the carrier's "full published content," according to a Travelport announcement on Wednesday. "As part of the agreement, all GDS surcharges will continue to be waived for Travelport-connected travel agencies who choose to participate in the Swiss Preferred Fares programs that operate in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein," according to Travelport. Meanwhile, Travelport has yet to announce a new multi-year full-content agreement with Lufthansa, following the expiration of their previous agreement at the end of 2011. Travelport in 2008 announced Lufthansa and Swiss full-content agreements together.

February 15, 2012 - 12:30 PM ET

U.S. Bank promoted Alan Gibson to the new position of emerging markets manager for its Corporate Payment Systems unit, as well as senior European officer for corporate and freight cards. "The appointment signals a strengthening of the bank's commitment to servicing the global card and payment needs of its multinational customers," according to the bank. 

February 13, 2012 - 09:35 AM ET

FCm Travel Solutions partnered with Japan's Toptour, which according to FCm is one the country's "longest-running travel management companies," with 96 offices and 1,600 staff.

February 13, 2012 - 08:55 AM ET

Sabre Holdings transferred its 51 percent share in Sabre Pacific (of Australia and New Zealand) to Abacus, which already owned the other 49 percent. A press official declined to indicate whether any funds changed hands. Sabre remains the biggest shareholder, at 35 percent, of Singapore-based distribution system operator Abacus. The companies said there would be no changes to branding, products or staff.

February 10, 2012 - 12:30 PM ET

Air France on Friday said it resumed a "normal flight schedule," following a workers' strike that disrupted operations since Monday.

February 09, 2012 - 01:25 PM ET

The Global Business Travel Association announced plans in Australia and New Zealand for advocacy and benchmarking groups. GBTA in December named a regional director for Asia and indicated it would begin interviewing candidates for a new general manager role for the region.

February 09, 2012 - 11:05 AM ET

British Airways launched a standard 5 percent discount on long-haul flexible fares for customers signed to On Business, the carrier's incentive program for corporate clients without negotiated deals. Called Business Bespoke, the discounts apply to C, D and R fare classes in business class, W and E in premium economy, and Y in economy. The discounts also are available to members of the American Airlines Business ExtrAA program.

February 08, 2012 - 09:30 AM ET

British Airways and Japan Airlines began seeking regulatory approval for an antitrust-immune joint venture between Asia and Europe, according to the companies. JAL filed an application with Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, while BA parent International Airlines Group "is in contact with the European Union," according to a statement. If their deal is approved, BA and JAL would share revenues and jointly plan services and set fares.

February 07, 2012 - 10:30 AM ET

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives and Brazilian travel management association ABGEV announced a "joint venture." The two groups will collaborate on educational programs and other initiatives. A partnership between Associação Brasileira de Gestores de Eventos e Viagens Corporativas and the Global Business Travel Association ended in late 2011.