AA Seeks to Reassure Agents as Sabre Trial Nears

American Airlines told travel agents that it expects to have a new agreement with Sabre Travel Network in December – within 14 days of the resolution of its antitrust case against Sabre in a Texas state court.

In a letter to travel agencies, Derek DeCross, vice president of global sales, said that “regardless of what happens before, during or after the trial, American fully intends to continue participating in Sabre to ensure no disruption of your ability to continue booking American flights.”

Sabre and American have said previously that their current agreement will remain in place for 14 days after the conclusion of the trial, but DeCross seemed confident that a new agreement would be in place within that timeframe.

Jury selection in the trial began last week, and opening statements and presentation of evidence is slated to begin Oct. 22. The case is expected to go to the jury on Dec. 11.

Out-of-court settlement?
In his letter, first reported by Tnooz, DeCross also indicated that American hasn’t given up on an out-of-court settlement.

“As we move towards the trial start date, American will continue to pursue a fair settlement with Sabre which addresses our claims in the lawsuit,” he told agents. He added that agents will be “the first to know” of any new developments.

American will provide updates on distributionupdate.com, the website that it has used to promote its direct-connect strategy.

Lawsuit background
American has pursued its direct-connect strategy since 2009, seeking to connect with travel management companies via an XML link developed by Farelogix.

Despite American’s assertions that it will provide access to its ancillary products and services to TMCs only through the XML link, it has not attracted many converts.

That strategy set off a chain of events, including pitched battles with Orbitz and Expedia, responses by Sabre and Travelport and, finally, American’s lawsuit against Sabre for alleged antitrust violations in the state court.

American also has sued Sabre, Travelport and Orbitz in a federal court. Sabre has filed counterclaims in both courts.