Seeing Positive Booking Trends, Amadeus Holds Pricing Increase

Amadeus, the Madrid-based global distribution system, today said it raised expectations for global 2002 booking growth from flat to an increase of 1.2 percent, citing "clear signs of a more sustained recovery in air travel." The company also raised revenue and earnings projections. Amadeus said it earned $118 million before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization during the first quarter that ended March 31, a 4.5 percent increase year over year. Amadeus cited nearly 20 percent bookings growth in Asia/Pacific and 40 percent growth in the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Amadeus has decided, "for the time being, it will not raise further the 2 percent increase in airline booking fees for the year, which came into effect on Jan. 1. While Amadeus had the option to apply the full 5.6 percent increase from May 1, and reserves the right to raise prices to this level later in the year, this will depend upon industry circumstances."