A majority of corporate travel buyers suspect adoption of the airline direct-connect model would result in higher costs and negatively impact the industry

, according to a National Business Travel Association Foundation survey of 244 travel buyers fielded last week. Of the respondents, 89 percent expect an increase in travel costs would accompany the distribution model, while 72 percent agreed that direct-connect systems would "have a negative impact on the business travel industry." Meanwhile, 59 percent responded that "they would be 'very concerned' if other airlines pursue similar distribution strategies," according to NBTA.