US Airways and Expedia Affirm GDS Distribution Model

In the face of ongoing controversy over distribution, US Airways and Expedia, Inc. have signed a multi-year strategic partnership agreement to continue offering US Airways’ full range of products and services, including all fares and inventory, through Expedia, Hotwire and Egencia sites around the world.

Under the agreement, US Airways has committed to offer all of its content to Expedia through the global distribution system (GDS) model, a central reservation system which is used by travel agencies to search and book travel, the two firms said in a joint statement.

In addition, Expedia said it has committed to working with US Airways to enable the distribution of its Choice Seats product (offering customers the benefit of purchasing window or aisle seats toward the front of Coach class) through new channels, including the Expedia online travel marketplace.

“We are committed to making it as easy as possible for our customers to purchase tickets from US Airways through as many sources as possible. More and more people want to book their own travel and they want to do it online. Expedia is the world's largest online travel company and we're pleased that they will continue to be one of our key points of distribution,” said Andrew Nocella, US Airways’ senior vice president of marketing and planning.

US Airways will have continued access to Expedia’s marketplace, online travel guidance, broad reach and targeted merchandising opportunities, the two companies said in a statement.

Expedia’s travelers could gain greater access to all fares across US Airways’ network of domestic and international flights.

“This agreement demonstrates the significance of Expedia’s marketplace for both our valued partners and our loyal customers," said Gary Fritz, co-president of Expedia's partner services group. "Expedia is committed to working collaboratively with our partners to offer customers the broadest range of opportunities at the guaranteed best prices.”

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