Qantas is launching a new distribution model this August along with the promise that the new channel will give agents access to more fares, products and information than ever before.
As the August 1 launch date nears, Qantas has confirmed that a host of new GDS and agency partners have come on board.
The two new GDS partners are Axess and TravelSky, while Qantas has also welcomed American Express Global Business Travel as the latest key agency partner to finalise their Qantas Channel agreement.
Axess and TravelSky agents who participate in the Qantas Channel will be able to offer customers a wide range of Qantas fares and content and will be exempt from the $17.50 Channel Fee incurred on bookings made by agents outside of the channel.
Qantas is also working closely with both GDS partners to ensure new content from the NDC-enabled Qantas Distribution Platform will be made available over time.
Over 2,500 agencies are now registered to participate including ATPI, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Consolidated Travel Group, CT Connections, Expedia Group, Egencia, Flight Centre, Helloworld Limited, Virtuoso and Webjet.
Qantas Executive Manager, Sales and Distribution, Igor Kwiatkowski said the airline was pleased to see many more partners coming on board with the Qantas Channel in recent months.
“We’ve seen a lot of positive momentum from the trade and being able to make the Qantas Channel available to Axess and TravelSky customers really reinforces the inclusive approach that has been shown between partners,” he said.
“We believe that ultimately the new Qantas Channel program will empower GDS, agency and technology partners to deliver enriched, personalised experiences to our mutual customers, and we see that as good news for the industry as a whole.
Registration for the new channel is open for all agencies, and those who have registered should be mindful that their agreements must be completed by no later than 30 June 2019 to ensure they will be eligible to access a wide range of Qantas fares, and be exempt from a Channel Fee when the Qantas Channel goes live from 1 August 2019.
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