Travelport has won a competitive tender process undertaken by Air India for the sole provision of distribution of its domestic flight content in the airline’s home market.

The contract awarded to Travelport came after a comprehensive bidding process.

It will begin to come into effect from November and be fully implemented by the end of 2019.

The agreement confirms Air India’s continued deployment of Travelport Rich Content and Branding, now used by over 270 airlines.

This displays airlines’ graphical content, their fares families and a full range of ancillary products. 

It means that Travelport will provide the same content as Air India’s own direct-selling channels.

Air India is the country’s flag air carrier with a leading position in international and domestic operations.

It has, however, not made a profit since 2007, with the Indian government recently abandoning a planned sale when no bidders could be found.

Along with Air India Express, the carrier has 43 per cent share of the international traffic to and from India among Indian carriers and a 17 per cent share, including global airlines, as of quarter three of 2017.

It is a member of the Star Alliance and is a pioneer of India’s civil aviation sector, being the first scheduled airline in India, enjoying a rich heritage of over 85 years.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, chairman and managing director of Air India, said “Air India is pleased to award this important contract to Travelport.

“In written submissions and in discussion with their team the company demonstrated a clear understanding of our needs and displayed impressive technological and financial capability.

“As we make the switch to Travelport, we hope to be able to deliver even better value for money and a superior distribution to our customers in India and abroad.”