Dutch electronics giant Royal Philips Electronics is set to sign a single global contract with the SkyTeam alliance which will give it worldwide access to 25 countries.
The two sides announced at the ACTE conference in London they had reached “agreement on the framework” for what is the first global corporate contract the Alliance has signed.
The contract offers Philips “competitively-priced, customised travel solutions” from SkyTeam's eight airline members: Aeroméxico, Air France, Continental Airlines, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines.
Under the deal, SkyTeam said Philips would “benefit from a single point-of-entry, harmonised discounts and a single source of performance reporting.”
Paul Gregorowitsch, executive vp commercial for KLM, said: “Through the global contract, SkyTeam is better able to leverage its worldwide network to provide valued customers, like Philips, with seamless solutions for corporate business travel.
“We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Philips and expanding the programme to other corporations requiring global access to grow their business.”
Philips, Europe's largest electronics company with 161,000 employees in 60 countries, previously had worked separately with SkyTeam members, including KLM, for several years.
Peter Sijbers, global commodity manager for Philips, said: “We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with SkyTeam carriers for many years and we are keen to take our relationship to the next level.
“We are looking forward to working with SkyTeam in this new capacity.”
Briefs from ACTE
CWT signs safety deal
Carlson Wagonlit Travel has signed an agreement with iJET, makers of risk management technology, to provide enhanced security and safety products for the agency's clients.
The new tools will monitor risk, prepare and assist travellers and respond to any on trip crisis around the clock.
AirPlus links up with Europcar for payment agreement
AirPlus, the payments solutions provider, has linked up with car rental company Europcar to enable joint clients to settle their bills in nine European countries.
Under the centralised payment scheme, Europcar clients will pay through their AirPlus account and also receive full details of spending.
The scheme is available for clients in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Italy
TQ3 launches security package
A new package designed to provide travellers with security at all times while away was launched by TQ3 Travel Solutions.
TQ3 SafetyNet's “track and trace” technology will enable clients to warn employees of any possible difficulties and to find and bring them back if necessary.
Travellers benefit from IT advances
IT advances have made European business travellers as productive on the move as colleagues in the office.
But they have also left them more time for relaxation and sightseeing while away, a new survey by American Express has shown.
The Productive Traveller study show that advances in PDA's, wireless access in airport lounges and hotels and laptop connectivity have helped travellers work just as hard outside the office.
The survey questioned 500 travellers from the UK, Germany and France and 81% said that technology had increased their productivity in the last two years.
It meant that 75% said they could now take time for leisure during business trips. The most popular time off activities were phoning home, watching television, shopping and sightseeing.