Travelport, the Worldspan and Galileo parent company, increased first quarter pre-tax earnings slightly despite a fall in Middle East and Africa business.
EBITDA for the three months to March 31 rose $5m year on year to $147m, while operating income increased by $7m to $79m. The downturn in the Middle East, due to the region’s political turmoil, was partially offset by increases in business from Europe and Asia Pacific.
During the quarter, the GDSs signed merchandising deals with Air Canada and British Airways to offer unbundled product and a universal API contract with Hogg Robinson Group. Travelport also sold Gullivers Travel Associates to Kuoni for $720m, using the sale to repay $655m of debt.