flydubai and Travelport sign key distribution deal

The multi-year deal will enable the fledgling carrier to tap into the extensive worldwide network of 63,000 travel agents who currently use Travelport’s Galileo or Worldspan global distribution system (GDS) for their travel booking needs. In turn, these agents will gain access to content from one of the Middle East’s leading low-cost carriers.

Importantly, from today, travel agents will be able to book flights with flydubai and partner airlines under the same passenger name record.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai said, “Since the start of commercial operations less than two years ago, flydubai has gone from strength to strength and making our great fares available to travel agents is now the next major step in our growth plan.  Partnering with Travelport will give us exposure to an important global network of travel agents and help diversify our customer base, bringing our success to the next level.”   

“flydubai has a winning formula and a great future ahead. There is so much growth potential within the Middle East’s low-cost carrier (LCC) sector that it only makes sense for LCC’s in the region to capitalise on the opportunities available through the travel agency distribution channel,” said Rabih Saab, President and Managing Director, Travelport Middle East and Africa. “We are delighted to offer our travel agents such valuable airline content and look forward to adding more into our fold in the months ahead.”

Travelport is the first GDS provider to be able to offer travel agents fares and inventory from flydubai, which operates a growing route network of 36 destinations with a fleet of 16 aircraft. Building momentum in the Middle East for its low-cost carrier offering, Travelport last month announced a full content agreement with Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways.

Photo caption: flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith shaking hands with Rabih Saab, President and Managing Director of Travelport Middle East and Africa at ATM 2011.

About Travelport

Travelport is a broad-based business services company and a leading provider of critical transaction processing solutions to companies operating in the global travel industry.

With a presence in 160 countries, approximately 5,475 employees and reported 2010 revenues of $2.3 billion, Travelport is comprised of the global distribution system (GDS) business that includes the Galileo and Worldspan brands; GTA, a leading global, multi-channel provider of hotel and ground services; and Airline IT Solutions, which hosts mission critical applications and provides business and data analysis solutions for major airlines.

Travelport also owns approximately 48% of Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW), a leading global online travel company. Travelport is a private company owned by The Blackstone Group, One Equity Partners, Technology Crossover Ventures, and Travelport management.