Galileo has warned against the persistent rumours in Brussels that the EC is planning to push through GDS de-regulation as part of a major package of reform of business rules.
Julian Cacchioli, director of communications EMEA for Cendant Travel Distribution Services in which owns Galileo, said: "There are rumours this week that the EC is close to a decision and could well be looking for full de-regulation.
"One of the things that has outraged people is that the EC is trying to include GDS de-regulation in an omnibus bill which would mean that it would not be scrutinised as closely as it might be.
"It would be really wrong for this to happen on such a major issue. Everyone recognises the significance of this to the industry.
"It would be terrible if de-regulation was lost among other measures in one major bill," he said.
Jason Clarke, regional managing director for Cendant Travel Distribution Services in the UK and Ireland, said such a process could mean that while the moves to de-regulate GDSs in Europe would not be hidden, they could be "fast-tracked through and not be given full consideration when the whole idea of reform is to protect the consumer."
Similar fears were voiced by Richard Adams, senior vp for EMA for Sabre, also a leading GDS. He was reported as saying that GDS de-regulation could be lumped together as part of 1,400 pieces of legislation and rushed through.
The fear is that any "rushed" reform will not include mandatory participation by all GDSs in fully displaying content, as recommended by the Brattle Group Report on de-regulation.
It arises over the fact that one of the GDSs, Amadeus is still partly owned by three airlines, Air France, Lufthansa and Iberia which are all dominant in their home market and might only distribute through Amadeus. The GDS has however has said that this will not happen.
Mr Clarke said Galileo, in line with Sabre, favoured other aspects of de-regulations like non-discriminatory pricing and non-biased display