Amadeus Bookings Increase; Travelport Grows in Several Regions

Amadeus’ North America travel agency bookings got a big boost in the first half of the year, due largely to its distribution agreement with Expedia.

The GDS reported a nearly 42% hike in bookings for North America over the same period in 2012. North America now accounts for close to 13% of its total bookings.

Amadeus’ global agency market share, measured by air bookings, reached 40%.

Growth in Canada and Europe
Meanwhile, Travelport’s segments for the second quarter of 2013 increased by 3%, in line with global GDS volumes. But it outperformed industry growth in several regions.

It was up 16% in Canada, where it offers Agencia, a Canada-specific desktop that provides access to Air Canada’s ancillary products and services. Overall GDS growth in Canada was 7%.

In Eastern Europe, Travelport registered 24% growth, compared to 10% for the industry. In Western Europe’s more mature market, it grew by 5% compared to 3% for the industry as a whole.

Merchandizing success
Both companies touted successes with their airline merchandising solutions.

Fifteen airlines are already selling ancillary services using the Amadeus Airline Ancillary Services solution, according to the GDS. Travel agencies are using the solution to sell ancillary solutions in 45 countries.

Travelport, which launched its merchandising platform in the spring with EasyJet, said it has a “strong pipeline” of carriers coming onto the system.

Gains and losses
Amadeus reported net income of €162.4 million ($216.6 million) for the second quarter, an increase of 7.4% over the same period in 2012. Revenues increased 7.4% to €800.1 million ($1.06 billion).

Travelport reported a net loss of $97 million—not including its investment in Orbitz Worldwide—a greater loss than the $14 million for second quarter 2012. The company cited more than $150 in net interest expense and the early extinguishment of debt as the causes.

Revenue was up 7% to total $537 million.