Delta Fires Up Corporate Data SolutionsDelta Air Lines last week went live with Corporate Data Solutions, a Prism-enabled contract modeling and monitoring system
(BTN, Dec. 9, 2002), and immediately began training corporate sales personnel. "We are now in the process of migrating old agreements into the new application," said Scott Slater, Delta general manager of corporate programs. That process, he said, first requires data population in the CDS system and then verification that all information transferred correctly. "We have not yet done any new contracting in the system but from this point forward, all new accounts and renewed agreements will be in CDS." Slater also said Delta plans to use the new system to mine for smaller accounts previously absent from the carrier's radar screen, but that benefit will not be realized until CDS is up and running with all existing corporate customers. The program at launch includes access for both corporate clients and account reps to Web-based reporting but flown revenue won't be included until the fourth quarter. Continental, Northwest and United airlines previously implemented similar Prism-enabled systems to analyze existing and potential corporate contracts.
America West Prepping Corporate PortalAmerica West Airlines is developing a corporate booking portal that would provide access to all AWA fares, performance reporting and the ability to create booking profiles. "We hope to have the beta site up by the end of the year with two handfuls of corporate clients that have requested this," said AWA vice president of sales Ron Cole. "We avoid GDS costs and they avoid service fees." Though the site is being built along lines similar to that of Southwest Airlines' Swabiz portal, AWA's site at launch will not include car and hotel booking capabilities. "We'd like you to have access to every fare we have. We have them so you can buy them," said AWA CEO Doug Parker during the Association of Corporate Travel Executives Las Vegas conference last month. Parker added that such a channel as the corporate booking portal "is better for both parties, without big brother looking over your shoulder. We need you guys to stop using high-cost channels like the GDS."
InterContinental Pares Hotel StaffWithin weeks of separating from its former parent, Six Continents Hotels Plc, the newly minted InterContinental Hotels Group last month announced it was laying off 800 employees worldwide. The move is the latest evidence that hotel companies are feeling the pinch as a result of the rocky economy combined with the drop in business travel. IHG said the cuts are all behind the scenes and will not affect the guest experience.
Biz Fares Inch DownwardBusiness airfares last week were down 2 percent from a year earlier and a percentage point from the prior week, according to Deutsche Bank Securities analyst Susan Donofrio. American Airlines' average business fare declined 8 percent, the largest drop among majors, as US Airways' average business fare increased 8 percent.
Marriott Prevails In New OrleansIn a case closely watched by multi-brand hotel companies, a New Orleans judge last week ruled in Marriott International's favor in a dispute with the owners of the three Ritz-Carlton properties in that city. The owners had objected to Marriott's taking over management of the former Le Meridien nearby and converting it to a J.W. Marriott. As Ritz-Carlton is part of Marriott and the brands' price points are similar, the New Orleans owners contended their properties would be at a competitive disadvantage.