GDSs to be 'absolutely critical' for airlines in future: Travelport

Travelport global head of product and marketing air commerce Ian Heywood, speaking at the CAPA Asia Aviation Summit, said (16-Nov-2016) GDSs will be, "absolutely crucial for airline distribution in the future." Mr Heywood said intermediaries need to do a better job of selling their value to airlines and noted an incorrect belief among airline executives that the direct sales channel is cheap. Mr Heywood also said the aviation industry is not working together to move forward and said airlines, intermediaries, corporates and travel agents need to work collaboratively.