Emirates airline and Travelport, a global distribution system (GDS) provider, have signed an agreement that will provide all Galileo, Apollo and Worldspan-connected travel agents with access to the airline’s inventory of flights and fares.

The five-year deal, which takes effect immediately, ensures rate parity for Travelport’s extensive worldwide network of travel agency users, providing them with access to the most up-to-date routes and fares from Emirates, including the airline’s web fares.

“We are delighted to have signed an agreement that will guarantee full content to all Galileo, Apollo and Worldspan users,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ divisional senior vice-president, revenue optimisation and distribution.

“With a significant worldwide network and long-standing GDS expertise, Travelport is an important distribution partner and this deal will further strengthen our position with its travel agent users.”

Bryan Conway, Travelport GDS’ President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, said: “We have worked hard with Emirates to reach a cost-effective agreement that will truly benefit our travel agency customers worldwide.”

“This deal continues on our strategy of securing full content programmes across the globe and demonstrates the continued value of our distribution channel.” – TradeArabia News Service