CNG Group plc (CNG) announced today that national carrier CSA Czech Airlines has become the latest airline to sign up as a CNG affiliate partner, joining others such as KLM, America West, Polish low cost carrier Wizzair, and Jet Airways, India.

ÊCNG’s affiliate partner programme is being adopted by airlines wanting to offer non-air products and services on their web sites as a way of building additional revenue and customer loyalty. CNG’s affiliate programme lets partners, such as airlines and travel portals, offer quality hotel accommodation at highly competitive rates while sharing attractive commission with CNG.

Through CNG’s white label operation, Czech Airlines will be able to offer full hotel booking services to its passengers, letting them book with over 25,000 participating hotels worldwide. Just one click on the relevant icon on the airline’s web site takes passengers straight to CNG’s hotel inventory and efficient booking process that links directly with participating hotels.

The largest national carrier of the 10 Eastern European countries that joined the European Union in 2004, Czech Airlines carried a record 4.34Ê million passengers in that year. A research report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) says that the Czech Republic’s tourism industry should grow seven per cent annually between 2005 and 2014, which will directly benefit Czech Airlines’ business expansion.

Finbarr Power, CEO of CNG, commented: “We welcome Czech Airlines as our latest airline affiliate. CNG’s private rate hotel programme and easy-to-use technology provide a quick route for airlines wanting to expand their service offering and attract new income. The tourism growth forecasts for the country and its EU membership should be major business drivers for the airline’s service offer.”

Bohuslav ?antr??ek, Vice-president for Marketing and Sales of Czech Airlines, said: “The airline is growing fast by expanding its fleet, destinations and value proposition. It’s important that we provide customers with more travel products and services which can build loyalty and income. CNG’s private rate hotel programme should be another effective weapon for us in the intensely competitive European marketplace.”

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