Question : New Scheme for Booking of Ticket

(a) whether Air India has implemented a new arrangement recently for ticket booking under which the Government aviation companies is likely to adopt a single platform Global Distribution Service (GDS) for ticket booking;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the manner in which Air India is likely to benefit financially therefrom;

(d) whether Air India would have to end contact with more than three dozen airlines after the implementation of GDS;
(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the said new arrangement is likely to have adverse effects on partnership with Star Alliance;

(g) whether due to this new
arrangement large number of passengers are likely to face difficulties in modification or cancellation of their journeys after 4th December; and

(h) if so, the details thereof?

The Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) and (b): Air India has entered into an exclusive arrangement with Travelport Global Distribution System (GDS) for distribution of Air India''s domestic flights in Point of Sale-India.

(c): This arrangement reduces the GDS Cost for Air India with an estimated average annual saving of INR 600 Crores over five years.

(d) and (e): No, Madam. Air India will not end contact with other Airlines.

(f): No, Madam. The new arrangement is not likely to have any adverse effect on partnership with Star Alliance.;

(g) and (h): No, Madam. The switch over to the new arrangement, which took place on 04th December 2018, has been smooth and there has been no inconvenience to the passengers.