2018 U.S.-Booked Air
Volume: $112.5 million
2018 Global Air Volume: $247 million
2018 U.S. T&E: $267 million
2018 Global T&E: $565 million
Primary Air Suppliers: United,
American, Delta
Primary Hotel Suppliers: Hilton, InterContinental
Primary Car Rental Supplier: Hertz
Primary Global Online Booking Tool: Concur
Primary U.S. Payment Supplier: American Express
Card Program: individual
bill/central pay
Primary Global Expense Supplier: SAP
Primary Global Travel Risk Management
Supplier: International SOS
Consolidated U.S. TMC: Amex GBT
Merck spent 2018 optimizing its air program, conducting a
car rental RFP, developing a travel management company strategy, expanding its
use of TripBam and checking out travel app technology. This year, it’s been
deploying a new car rental supplier, app-based tech and a business intelligence
tool; working on TMC contracts; developing a global mobility strategy with
fleet management; and enhancing traveler engagement. In 2018, Merck added a
section on ridehailing to its travel policy and enhanced policy for medical and
scientific leaders. This year, the company is working on a full policy review
and refresh. Merck has established a single global travel policy. American
Express Global Business Travel handles all domestic U.S. business and 66
percent of non-U.S. air volume. BCD Travel handles the rest. Almost three-quarters
of Merck’s U.S.-booked air volume was on international flights in 2018. Eighty
percent of the tickets went through approved online tools. The pharmaceutical
giant turned in $42.3 billion in revenue in 2018, and U.S.-booked air volume
rose 13 percent from 2017’s $99.6 million. The company expects the figure to
drop back to $100 million this year.