Travelport saw profits decline 10% last year following the loss of its main distribution deal with United Airlines.
The loss of the Master Services Agreement following the carrier’s merger with Continental cost the Global Distribution System provider $26 million in net revenue and $19 million in operating income, the impact of which was felt in the fourth quarter. Adjusted pre-tax earnings fell from $507 million in 2011 to $455 million in 2012.
However, during the year, Travelport’s hotel content increased by more than 375,000 properties and 950,000 rooms. In addition, 35 airline merchandizing content agreements were added, including Delta, Lufthansa and South African Airways plus Easyjet and Transavia. These cover ancillary sales including baggage fees and allocated seating.
Gordon Wilson, Travelport president and chief executive said: “Travelport's strategic growth plans continue to gain momentum. We broadened our travel content, improved our point of sale platform delivery, grew our payments business and developed greater distribution capabilities for ancillary products and services.”
Wilson added that key indicators including gross margin had improved in each quarter of 2012.