IATA & GDS Companies Butt Heads - 1 views
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IATA waded into the controversy over the optimal method of distributing ancillary products, claiming that GDSs “are unable to handle the rapidly increasing range of product offerings from airlines.” In an article in its Airlines International magazine, IATA said that “a GDS screen today looks much like a screen from the 1970s.” The article included lengthy quotes from Montie Brewer, former chief executive officer of Air Canada and a long-time critic of GDSs.
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In this article, Michele McDonald describes how the IATA Organization which represents thousands of travel agents across the world and GDS Companies are butting head over merchandising capabilities with GDS systems. Travel Agents are starting to feel the impact of technology with GDS systems. The IATA organization describes today's GDS screen much like a screen from the 1970's. The IATA members' main concern is the capability of the system; Brewer a member of the advisory board of Everbread, an air fare shopping company explains how airlines and consumers are becoming more sophisticated with technology and with the outdated GDS's systems consumer trends are being hindered. The major GDS's companies do not agree with the IATA organization, they feel that their systems are adequately able to perform the role. Should GDS's companies switch to more web-based systems allowing travel agents to perform their roles more efficiently? This is probably a question that Sabre, Amadeus, and other companies should keep in mind as technology continues to advance. I also feel that both the airlines and GDS's companies should partner with the workforce; the travel agents who are the frontline to determine what things should be updated if needed.