Travelport is signing an agreement with Virgin Atlantic that will see both companies build on their existing relationship to identify and develop new distribution opportunities. With immediate effect, this agreement ensures Galileo-connected travel agencies worldwide will have full access to all available Virgin Atlantic fares, including their lowest classes and web fares, directly through the Galileo GDS. The agreement will also see Virgin Atlantic distribute fares though Travelport online channels, including ebookers, Orbitz and CheapTickets.

This multi-year agreement is indicative of the very different type of distribution partnership that needs to exist in a rapidly changing travel industry. It addresses the traditional, yet vital travel agency channel via the GDS, whilst enhancing this with access to customers through a number of other online and offline channels. With its unique multi-channel distribution capabilities, Travelport is able to deliver airlines the full range of solutions they need to reach their customers through the most effective channels with the most compelling offer.

Leading the way in moving such agreements away from pure distribution, Virgin will also be exploring how they can use other elements of the Travelport portfolio, such as the OctopusTravel.com accommodation booking engine and gta hotel content to drive ancillary revenue opportunities.

“We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Travelport, who have brought an interesting and alternative proposition to the table,” said Paul Wait, Head of Sales for Virgin Atlantic. “Working with partners who help us reach our customers in a more targeted and effective way is critical for us as a leading global carrier. Travelport has clearly demonstrated the desire and ability to create a positive way forward for this and future agreements.”

“By securing an agreement of this nature, we have reinforced our leading position in the global travel industry,” added Matthew Hall vice president, airline business development, Travelport. “We are determined to deliver full airline content for our agency customers and have again demonstrated that we can do this whilst at the same time recognizing the increasing distribution challenges that face airlines today.  We are confident that Travelport will continue to define the distribution landscape of the future which we will do by continually addressing the needs of travel agents, travel suppliers, and travellers.”
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