TRAVELPORT’S Orbitz Worldwide has won the war against American Airlines (AA) over the carrier’s plans to force agents into using its Direct Connect booking tool rather than their global distribution systems.
Orbitz was forced to pull data on AA’s flights last December, but managed to secure an injunction to reinstate its right to display and ticket AA flights in June (TTG Asia e-Daily, June 2).
The Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the injunction yesterday, which preserved Orbitz’s ability to sell AA tickets. The court also recognised Travelport’s stand that Orbitz’s existing contract with AA allows all Travelport agents to fully utilise AA’s content.
“We are very pleased with the appellate court’s recognition of our contractual rights,” said Travelport’s chief legal and administrative officer, Eric Bock. “Those rights are critical to protecting our agencies’ ability to have and fully use AA’s content.”
Travelport said in statement that it would continue to pursue its claims for damages against AA before the trial court.
