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GDS Dereg. intensifies fervor for change.

Article Excerpt
Orlando -- Following the expiration of federal regulations governing global distribution systems two weeks ago, GDSs are free to explore new relationships and pricing models with suppliers and other distributors. While no one in the managed travel industry expected an immediate, fundamental change in how corporate buyers, suppliers and distributors relate to each other, many already are positioning themselves for this new reality.

A gathering here of players in the distribution chain during the week after GDS rules expired generated plenty of chatter about the future of GDSs and the challenges they face from new direct-connect technologies. Executives from around the industry questioned whether the decades-old GDS model could evolve quickly enough to remain viable for suppliers, and travel buyers voiced interest in exploring new opportunities. If there was consensus, it was that changes to travel distribution would come rapidly.

Attempting to maintain relevancy, GDS companies recently announced partnerships and discussed plans for new models. Worldspan, for example, added American Airlines to the list of carriers providing full fare content to its traditional and online agencies, while Sabre disclosed initial efforts to sell display bias to suppliers and...

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