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Low-cost carriers seek new distribution models

September 27, 2007 | Online Travel

Low-cost carriers from around the world could be trying out a new distribution model. The hallmarks of the new model include non-cost GDS participation and easily booked, non-interline connections between two or more low-cost carriers, writes Travel Weekly.

For now, migration to the new model is tentative, as few low-cost airlines have yet to sign on for these newly emerging options, and many may remain resistant. Ryanair, the European low-cost juggernaut, for example, still considers even the mention of possible GDS participation offensive.

“We’re very happy to distribute through Galileo provided they pay us $5 per segment,” Ryanair COO Michael Cawley quipped in his speech at the World Low Cost Airlines Congress, which covered a host of LCC issues.

But it became clear at the conference, with more than 80 airlines rpresented and more than 550 airline and industry-related attendees, that the industry had reached the stage where products had been developed to make broader distribution and easily booked “no-frills connections” possible - and that some airlines would give it a try.

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