The European Commission this week called for comment on whether the code of conduct for GDSs should be de-regulated.
In its consultation paper, the EC said there had been "important developments" in the airline market since the code was last revised.
Most airlines had got rid of their ownership of the CRSs/GDSs and alternative distribution channels were gaining ground, mainly due to the development of the Internet.
The paper also noted that the USA and Canada had revised their codes of conducts for CRSs which had been "quite similar" to the EU model.
While America had opted for "total liberalisation", Canada had chosen a "partial but still far-reaching de-regulation."
Carriers in America and Canada have no longer any stake in any of the GDSs but in Europe Air France, Lufthansa and Iberia still have between them a 46.4% holding in Amadeus.
Air France has 23.2% and Lufthansa and Iberia 11.6% each.
The paper referred to the Brattle Report which the EC commissioned to look into the means of and likely impact of de-regulation in Europe.
The Brattle Report recommended that "an option of partial deregulation where greater price freedom with respect to booking fees is introduced, but where specific obligations with regard to the parent carriers – mandatory participation in all CRSs and non-discrimination requirements – are maintained."
The Coalition for Care Access to Reservations in Europe (C-FARE) welcomed the chance for public comments.
The lobby organization, formed to fight any revision of the Code which could lead to market abuse, urged travel agencies and travel managers to contribute their views.
Brandon Mitchener, executive director of C-FARE, said: "Europe's CRS rules will be shaped by those who speak up.
"If you or your business depend on fair and complete access to travel information then you should let the European Commission know how this reform could affect you."
* Comments should be sent to the EC by April 27, 2007, either by mail to: European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport Office DM24 5/98, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium or by e-mail to: [email protected]
* see BTE's recruitment site www.businesstraveljobs.com