Amadeus today said it signed a "long-term" content agreement with US Airways, representing the global distribution system's first distribution pact signed with a major U.S. carrier since deregulation. The agreement gives Amadeus subscribers the "full range of fares for flights sold in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands" for US Airways, including flights operated under the America West brand.
Amadeus also said it recently signed a similar agreement with Air Canada for flights sold in North, Central and South America, but noted that does not include Tango fares, which the carrier removed from GDSs
(BTN, May 15).
"Additionally, Amadeus has an ongoing agreement with United Airlines for access to full content through December 2006," a spokesperson noted by e-mail.
The other major GDSs have forged ahead of Amadeus in securing new agreements with major U.S. carriers, many of which expire this year. Sabre has deals in place in Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways, Galileo has new terms with American, Continental, Delta, United and US Airways, and Worldspan so far has structured deals with American, Continental, Northwest and United. However, Amadeus in March secured an agreement with rival Sabre, through which the GDSs can leverage the others content should a carrier not participate in both GDSs
(BTN, March 20).
Amadeus said it is in ongoing discussions with "all of the major carriers in North America regarding content distribution" and that the GDS "has secured a variety of extensions on its current content agreements to further facilitate negotiations focused on reaching long-term deals." Amadeus said that it could not disclose details of its agreements.
"We are optimistic that our discussions, although complex and challenging, will result in successful and sustainable outcomes for the distribution chain and, ultimately, the travel industry," said senior vice president of the airline business group for Amadeus North America Peter von Moltke.