BCD Travel has reached an agreement with British Airways (BA) & Iberia (IB) that will let its clients book reservations on BA and IB without incurring a distribution surcharge.
The airlines announced earlier this year that they would introduce a distribution technology charge (DTC) beginning Nov. 1 applied to all air bookings with the exception of those made through NDC-based connections, or through the airlines´ websites, sales offices and call-centers. Bookings made using global distribution systems (GDSs) will be subject to the charge while bookings using the International Air Transport Associations´ (IATA´s) new distribution capability (NDC) will not.
Under the multi-year deal, BCD Travel is strongly committed to working with BA and IB, as well as technology providers, to determine how new technologies and distribution capabilities can be implemented to improve the travel experience for mutual clients and travelers. BCD is also committed to ensuring that companies retain the benefits of traditional distribution channels and will continue exploring the option of GDSs providing a viable NDC solution.
One of the three GDSs has supported this arrangement which will allow BA and IB to waive the DTC for bookings made through this GDS from 1 November. BCD is now confident that similar support will be forthcoming from the other two major GDSs.
BCD Travel helps companies make the most of what they spend on travel. For travelers, this means keeping them safe and productive, and equipping them to make good choices on the road. For travel and procurement managers, it means advising them on how to grow the value of their travel program. In short, we help our clients travel smart and achieve more. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com.
