Orbitz Responds to AA Action

American Airlines' competitors may benefit from the airline’s decision not to display its flights on Orbitz.com or Orbitz for Business sites, Orbitz said in a statement. The release follows mounting industry wide concern with the impact of AA’s policy and sharp criticism of AA’s move.

“It is unfortunate that as of December 21, American Airline flights will no longer be available on our Orbitz.com and Orbitz for Business sites. We are confident that our consumer value proposition remains strong. Orbitz Worldwide has access to more than 400 airlines globally and sells tens of millions of air tickets each year,” Orbitz said. “Revenue earned on American Airlines tickets and the associated ancillary products – including destination services, car, hotel and insurance – booked on our Orbitz.com and Orbitz for Business sites accounted for approximately 5% of Orbitz Worldwide total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. In the near term, we believe that most of this ticket volume will be replaced by other airline suppliers, and that we will still continue to earn most of the associated ancillary revenue,” Orbitz said.

The website said it would continue to seek an arrangement with the airline to restart distribution of tickets.

Visit www.Orbitz.com.