Travel agents oppose AI's switch to solo distributor platform

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

GDS is computerized 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 Air India office around 11.30am 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.

In October, AI chose UK-based firm Travelport for its ticket distribution services, severing ties with two other platforms, Amadeus and Sabre.

The national carrier has already removed its inventory from the Amadeus network.

Earlier this month, Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) had approached the Civil Aviation Ministry against AI's decision, terming the move "unwise".

Punjabi explained during Tuesday's protest that opting for just one GDS, "would effectively reduce the number of air passengers" of AI, harming its overall interests.

"Those working with two other platforms will be automatically debarred from the national carrier as result of which the AI will lose out on its customer base. The move will also hurt the business interests of travel agents," he said.

A charter of demands from TAAI and TAFI has been handed over to the AI office after the protest, with a request that the message be conveyed to the airline's headquarters, Punjabi added.