American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has agreed to join the new Qantas Channel programme when it launches on 1 August.
The Channel follows on from the airline’s Qantas Distribution Platform (QDP), which utilises IATA’s NDC technology standard for connections between carriers, travel agencies and technology providers.
In February, the airline announced that from 1 August, bookings made by agents outside of the Channel would incur a distribution charge of AU$17.50 per segment. However, by joining the partner programme, Amex GBT clients will be able to avoid this fee.
As a partner, Amex GBT will provide its clients and travellers access to fares and new content sourced from the NDC-enabled QDP.
Jo Sully, VP and regional general manager, Australia and Southeast Asia for Amex GBT, said: “GBT’s participation in the Qantas Channel programme is good news for our clients and their travellers. This partnership is aligned with GBT’s core distribution principles: to deliver value to clients with access to relevant content backed up by seamless servicing capabilities and enhanced user displays.”
Igor Kwiatkowski, Qantas executive manager, sales and distribution, added: “We’ve seen a lot of positive momentum from the trade. To make the Qantas Channel available to GBT clients reinforces the strategic relationship between GBT and Qantas, which results in benefits for our mutual customers.”
amexglobalbusinesstravel.com; qantas.com