Further illustrating the unique online angle placed on airline Web-fare deals with Worldspan
(BTNonline, May 12), the Atlanta-based global distribution system provider yesterday evening announced access for its online agency subscribers to publicly available fares from Northwest Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, including those available through Northwest's reservations offices and Web site. An earlier agreement with Northwest offered Web-only fares only to traditional Worldspan subscribers
(BTNonline, Sept. 15, 2003).
Online transactions grew 28 percent year over year during the three months ending in March, Worldspan said in a separate announcement yesterday. The company said it earned $16.2 million in the first quarter on 6 percent higher revenues of $248.5 million. Net earnings fell 36 percent, primarily because of "interest expense associated with debt incurred to fund the acquisition of the company," Worldspan said.