Galileo International

has announced that it has strengthened strategic relationships with leading technology companies in both China and Australia as part of its continuing strategy to invest and grow in travel markets outside of the United States.
In separate actions, Galileo has announced it has established an exclusive
alliance with Et-China, a pioneer of electronic ticketing in China, and also
strengthened its existing relationship with Webjet, a leading Australian
online retail travel site.  In both associations, Galileo will help these
growing companies develop new technology and applications to benefit the
regional travel markets over the long term.
 
“Galileo is committed to continued success in the Asia Pacific region and
these alliances demonstrate our willingness to invest in the growing
opportunities we see in the China and Australia travel technology markets,”
said Sam E. Galeotos

, president and chief executive officer of Galileo
International and Cendant Travel Distribution Services.  “We believe these
companies have the right models to help Galileo capture new customer
opportunities and increase market share.  We look forward to leveraging
Galileo and Cendant`s depth and experience to help these partners accelerate
development and deliver new innovations to the Asia-Pacific region.”
 
As part
of its alliance, Galileo will support and help accelerate Et-China`s
distribution of travel applications such as online booking and e-ticketing in
the China market, which remain in early development stages.  Et-China recently
announced an exclusive e-ticketing sales and services joint venture with China
Southern Airlines, the largest airline in China and one of Et-China`s founding
shareholders.
 
As part of its expansion plans, Webjet, a leading Australian online retail
travel Web site, has initiated a $3.6 million (Australian) funding program to
help the company continue its growth.  Galileo is participating in this
program and cooperating with Webjet to develop new Web-based technology and
actively participate in Australia`s growing online travel market.  As a
result, Galileo will increase its stake in Webjet, from the 4 percent it
purchased in 2001 to approximately 15 percent upon completion.
 
According to PhocusWright

, the Asia Pacific travel market is expected to
approximately triple over the next three years from US$4.6 billion in 2002 to
US$13.5 billion in 2004.
 
“In today`s global travel market it is important to look ahead and
anticipate where the industry is heading,” said Janie Kaung, executive vice
president of Galileo`s Asia Pacific Region.  “As part of Cendant, Galileo is
moving beyond just customer services to becoming a long-term business partner
for the industry`s dynamic players.  Et-China and Webjet are both excellent
examples of the kinds of businesses we wish to work with and we look forward
to helping them meet the growing demands of travelers well into the future.”
 
The financial terms of these strategic alliances are not material to
Cendant.

Related stories on ITN:

(19/02/2003) Galileo Airline Reservation System To Cease Operations in Argentina

(28/01/2003) Galileo International Announces 2003 Pricing

(22/01/2003) Galileo, Rosenbluth International, United Airlines and US Airways Join Forces to Deliver Momentum

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