Dhaka: Travelport and Emirates have signed a deal that will allow Travelport-connected travel agencies to avoid the airline’s surcharge on bookings through Global Distribution Systems (GDS) effective from July 01.

Also, the companies announced a new long-term agreement to enable the distribution of Emirates NDC content through Travelport’s next-generation platform, Travelport+, and an extension to its longstanding IT agreement.

On the occasion, Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, said, “These new deals will further cement Emirates as the airline of choice for travelers that want highly personalized offers and access to the world’s best destinations.”

As of July 01, Travelport’s global network of travel agency partners will automatically be upgraded to a dedicated channel that provides access to un-surcharged content.

These agencies will also continue to benefit from a graphically rich experience when searching for and booking Emirates branded fares, as well as greater access to its ancillary offers, all credit to a long-term extension of the airline’s existing agreement to use Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding merchandising tool.

Additionally, Travelport-connected agencies will be able to gain simplified access to Emirates’ NDC content and services via Travelport Smartpoint and the company’s enhanced RESTful/JSON APIs, once the agencies sign new NDC specific agreements with both companies.

Travelport will also continue to provide Emirates with its industry-leading pricing, shopping, and ticket rebooking technology as part of the agreement, to support the airline in the delivery of advanced shopping and rebooking options within its own internal sales channels, including its NDC channel and www.emirates.com.

“This series of agreements highlight the determination of both Travelport and Emirates to reinvent travel retailing and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, we look forward to giving the many travelers returning to the skies this summer and beyond the best possible offers and experiences,” said Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners, Travelport.