Amadeus Inks Content Pacts With Northwest, KLM

Amadeus today announced Northwest Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines signed a five-year "full content" agreement through which the global distribution system will give North American subscribers access to the carriers' fares and inventory.

Through the deal, Amadeus said Northwest will be a "participating carrier in the soon-to-launch content access program designed to help Amadeus agencies more easily transition into the new business realities of today's marketplace." As such, Amadeus subscribers are shielded from potential airline fees when booking Northwest content.

Amadeus has temporary agreements with American, Continental and Delta protecting subscribers from $3.50 per-ticket charges, but said it is still working toward long-term deals. The GDS has a "long-term" pact with US Airways, while its content agreement with United expires in December.