BCD Travel clients wont pay BA IB distribution surcharge

BCD Travel agreement with British Airways and Iberia lets clients book reservations on BA and IB without incurring distribution surcharge

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, October 31, 2017 – 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.

“We are committed to ensuring our industry moves forward and new technologies are used to improve the customer experience for travel buyers. This agreement helps do that,” said Rose Stratford, BCD Travel executive vice president global supplier relations and strategic sourcing. “It ensures that airline distribution channels will continue to provide corporate travel buyers with all the benefits they currently enjoy.

“This includes the ability to shop from among multiple competing offers between like city pairs and to capture essential data needed to keep travelers safe on the road. We applaud British Airways & Iberia’s willingness to work with BCD Travel to reach an agreement that mutually benefits our customers.”

“We are delighted to have reached this agreement with BCD Travel which is great news for our mutual customers,” said Stephen Humphreys, British Airways Global Head of Sales. “BCD Travel has given a strong commitment to NDC, and we look forward to working in collaboration with them and their technology partners in developing plans and delivering enhanced experiences for customers.”