(a) the details of distribution deal for Air India, if any, with Travelport ticketing agency;
(b) whether the agency is related to Indigo Airlines;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has conducted any evaluation of conflict of interest before the deal was finalised, if so,the details thereof?
The Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Jayant Sinha)
(a): 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. The exclusive arrangement will start from 01st January 2020 and will end on 31st December 2024. ;
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(b) & (c): Travelport is a UK-headquartered technology company which operates a travel commerce platform which provides distribution, technology, payment and other solutions for the global travel and tourism industry. It is a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listed company. ;
;
Inter Globe Enterprises Private Ltd. is an Indian company with presence in Aviation, Hospitality and Travel related services. Its portfolio includes IndiGo Airlines (Inter Globe Aviation) and Inter Globe Technology Quotient (ITQ).
Inter Globe Technology Quotient (ITQ) markets and distributes Travelport products in India.
Inter Globe Technology Quotient (ITQ) and IndiGo Airlines (Inter Globe Aviation) are separate legal entities.
Air India''s agreement is with Travelport GDS and not with InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ).
;
(d): There is no conflict of interest as Air India has been distributing its inventory through Travelport GDS for over 25 years globally. In India Travelport GDS has been employing the services of InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ) for over a decade now for distribution of its products and services. In the contract,there is a clear confidentiality and data protection clause. Travelport has in place appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect All India data in accordance with data protection laws.