Skift Take
Australia's flag carrier is telling travel agencies to either sign up, or lose out, as its breakaway distribution strategy enters a new phase.
Qantas’s decision to sell a new set of lower-price airfares exclusively through its own channel has raised questions over which corporate travel agencies will have access to them.
The flag carrier is introducing a “lower pricing initiative” from Nov. 29 through its own distribution platform. Initially it will include domestic fares, but the airline said it could expand them to international flights.
The rollout comes as Sabre begins legal action against Hawaiian Airlines, alleging its new distribution policy prevents U.S.-based travel agents using Sabre from booking the airline’s inter-island flights. There's a bookings surcharge dispute too.
In both these cases, these discounted fares are designed to encourage greater uptake of so-called New Distribution Capability airfares.
Breaking Away
Qantas argues that agencies using its distribution platform gain access to "seamless servicing functionalities, an enhanced shopping experience and will continue to drive retailing efficiencies for agents, customers, and Qantas."
The lower prici
