AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS TRAVEL SIGNS UNITED AIRLINES TO ALTERNATIVE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM, TRAVELBAHN(SM) DS
Provides American Express Business Travel Customers with Comprehensive Access to United's Fares, Schedules and Inventory; Reduces United's Costs of Distribution
NEW YORK, August 31, 2006 -- American Express Business Travel today announced it has signed United Airlines, one of the largest international carriers based in the United States, to its alternative air content distribution program, TravelBahn(SM) DS. Through the agreement, all of United Airlines' published fares, schedules and inventory, as well as its corporate negotiated fares, will be available to American Express' corporate travel clients.
TravelBahn DS provides American Express Business Travel access to all public schedules, inventory and fares, including Web and corporate negotiated fares, from participating airlines.
"This agreement builds on our longstanding relationship with United Airlines and joint commitment to providing our mutual customers with comprehensive access to United Airlines' inventory at the right economics," said Andrew J. Winterton, senior vice president, Global Supplier Relations, American Express Business Travel.
"To successfully operate their travel programs, it is important that our corporate customers have continuous access to United's fares, schedules and inventory," said Jeff Foland, vice president of North America Sales, United Airlines. "We chose to join TravelBahn DS to provide our customers with a fast and efficient way to book tickets while also lowering our distribution costs."
The agreement goes into effect on September 1, 2006, and covers all American Express wholly-owned travel businesses in the United States.
About American Express Business Travel
American Express Business Travel, a division of the American Express Company, is dedicated to helping its clients realize the greatest possible value from their investment in travel through increased cost savings, outstanding customer service and greater spend control. For small businesses, medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations, American Express Business Travel provides a combination of industry-leading booking technology, travel management consulting expertise, strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation support and customer service available online and offline, around the world.
American Express operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks with over 2,200 travel service locations in over 140 countries and territories worldwide. The Company processed $20.6 billion in global travel sales in 2005.
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, business services and international banking.
American Express acts solely as sales agent for travel suppliers and is not liable for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. CST# 1022318-10, TA# 002- Registered Iowa Travel Agency, NV# 2001-0126, ML#1192, Washington UBI# 600-469-694
