Travel agents oppose AI's GDS platform, airline counters claim

Over 100 members of two travel associations held a demonstration in the city on Tuesday in protest against Air India's decision to shift to a single platform for ticket sale and distribution.

The airline has recently switched to a single Global Distribution System (GDS), giving it exclusive access to its entire inventory.

GDS is computerised network that enables transactions between travel industry service providers, mainly airlines, hotels and tourism agencies.

The protesters - members of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and Travel Federation Association of India (TAFI) - gathered outside the Air India office around 11.30 am with posters and placards, seeking a review of the new policy.

"The recent decision of the AI to work with just one Global Distribution System (GDS) partner will harm the interest of scores of travel agents, as well as the national carrier," TAFI (East) Chairman Anil Punjabi told reporters.

Air India, however, in a statement issued on Tuesday evening, said, "The decision was taken at the highest level in the best interest of the company. In fact, after the change to the new GDS, our revenues have gone up vis a vis the revenue earned in the corresponding period last year."