Airline to participate in the GDS channel for the first time
Travelport, one of the world's leading global distribution system (GDS) providers, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Jazeera Airways to provide Galileo and Worldspan-connected travel agents access to the airline's published fares and inventory. It will be the first time that the airline has distributed its content through the GDS channel.
Operating from Kuwait, Jazeera Airways offers scheduled services across the Middle East, North Africa and Iran. The fast-growing regional carrier has plans for a secondary hub and aims to fly 82 routes in the Middle East within the next five years.
Stefan Pichler, CEO - Jazeera Airways, said: "With an impressive travel agency network and an extensive global footprint, Travelport will provide us with an important distribution channel that will help make Jazeera fares more accessible to our guests. Travelport is a valued distribution partner and will become even more so as our route network expands."
"At Travelport, we are committed to bringing the best content to our travel agents through the most efficient channel. We are therefore pleased to add such an innovative airline to our impressive list of customers and look forward to supporting Jazeera Airways' distribution needs during this exciting phase of its growth," said Khalid Alkhalidi, MEA Director for Airline Supplier Services, Travelport.
An increasing number of airlines around the world are participating in Travelport's GDS channel, providing rich content on the Galileo and Worldspan platforms that enables travel agents to remain competitive.
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About Travelport
Travelport is one of the world's largest travel conglomerates offering broad based business services to companies operating in the global travel industry. The company is comprised of the global distribution system (GDS) business that includes the Worldspan and Galileo brands; GTA, a leading global, multi-channel provider of hotel and ground services; IT Services and Software, which hosts mission critical applications and provides business and data analysis solutions for major airlines. With 2008 revenues of $2.5 billion, Travelport operates in 160 countries and has approximately 5, 300 employees.
Travelport also owns approximately 48% of Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW), a leading global online travel company. Travelport is a private company owned by The Blackstone Group, One Equity Partners, Technology Crossover Ventures and Travelport management.
More information about Travelport is available at www.travelport.com
About Jazeera Airways
Jazeera Airways is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange and operates a fleet of 10 Airbus A320s to destinations across the Middle East, North Africa and Iran. The airline will receive another brand new A320 in January 2010 and has a firm order for 29 additional aircraft to be delivered over the coming years.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Alana Ngoh
PR Manager
Travelport GDS Middle East
Tel: +971 4 607 0548
Mobile: + 971 50 810 0972
E-mail: alana.ngoh@travelport.com
© Press Release 2009
