American Airlines and HRG Will Explore Direct Connect

Direct connect advocates got a boost as American Airlines and Hogg Robinson PLC (HRG), the global travel management firm, announced the companies have agreed in principle to explore a long-term arrangement for the benefit of their corporate clients, in which HRG would receive guaranteed direct long-term access to American's fares, schedules, and customized travel products and services.

HRG said it would plan to access American's content through the airline's direct connect link using its own technology, either directly or via a global distribution system (GDS) application programming interface (API).

Aside from a brief joint statement additional details were not disclosed.

Hogg Robinson Group plc (HRG) is an award-winning international corporate travel services company which operates from headquarters in Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK.

Established in 1845, HRG’s interests now relate to owned or controlled corporate travel services operations in 25 key driver/growth markets throughout Europe, North America and Asia Pacific supported by contracted partners in Africa, Middle East/West Asia and Latin America. The HRG worldwide network extends to over 120 countries.

Visit www.hrgworldwide.com