Travelport confirmed as sole GDS for Air India domestic flight content

GDS hails rapid growth in market

Travelport has been confirmed as the sole global distribution system (GDS) provider of domestic flight content for Air India.

Having won the contract in November, the partnership went live on January 1, in a market which Travelport says it has seen rapid growth.

The deal means Travelport is now the only GDS provider through which travel agents in India can receive both Air India’s domestic and international flight content.

More: Amadeus and Air India renew distribution partnership

Travelport continues to provide all Air India domestic and international flight content to its global network of travel agents.

Martin Herbert, regional managing director for India and Sri Lanka at Travelport, said: “We’re delighted to reach this landmark.

“Wide and cost-effective distribution, coupled with impactful merchandising, are important to all airlines and we’re proud we are now the sole GDS provider of these services to Air India when it comes to both domestic and international content in India.

“The results the carrier has already achieved since it started adjusting its distribution strategy have been extremely positive. We now look forward to taking performance to the next level for the benefit of the airline and its customers.”

Air India recent reported growth in operational profit of 22% and reduced costs having revamped its distribution strategy from which it expects to see continued cost benefits.

Travelport’s agency partner network in India includes major online travel agencies such as MakeMyTrip, Ibibo, Yatra, EaseMyTrip and ClearTrip, as well as major corporate travel agencies and newer entrants to the travel sector such as PayTM.

In addition to industry-leading airline content, Travelport has a significant footprint with leading hotel groups and aggregators in India such as Oberoi, Taj, Treebo and Trident.