Press Release

For Immediate Release
8 May 2006

Canadian Travel Executives React to Air Canada Action

Atlanta, GA -- On Sunday, May 7, 120 Canadian delegates at the ACTE Global Education Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., met in a closed session to discuss key issues. Prominent among these was Air Canada's decision to remove a percentage of their lowest fares from the GDS. Using an immediate audience response system (Spotme), attendees were able to instantly provide opinions on how the move would affect GDS, Group, Meeting and Incentive Travel, Hotel e-Folio and traveler security.

Attendees overwhelmingly stated that the impact of Air Canada's recent action to remove some of the inventory from the GDSs would complicate or hinder their travel program.

• Sixty-eight percent of the corporate buyers, 83 percent of the TMCs and 26 percent of the suppliers voted "Yes" to the hindrance question.

• Sixteen percent of the corporate buyers, 0 percent of the TMCs and 9 percent of the suppliers voted "No."

To the question, will the consequences of this action result in a lack of consolidated data:

• Eighty-three percent of the corporate buyers, 83 percent of the TMCs and 83 percent of the suppliers said "Yes."

• Seventeen percent of all categories across the board said "No."

When asked if the consequences of the Air Canada action posed a security risk, the overwhelming majority said "Yes."

• Sixty-seven percent of corporate buyers, 67 percent of TMCs and 92 percent of suppliers said "Yes."

• Thirty-three percent of corporate buyers, 33 percent of TMCs and 8 percent of suppliers said "No."

Another overwhelming majority agreed that the results of this action would result in increased airfares and transportation costs.

• Ninety-six percent of corporate buyers, 100 percent of TMCs and 81 percent of suppliers think the Air Canada action will result in higher fares.

• Only 4 percent of the corporate buyers and 17 percent of the suppliers thought otherwise.

Similar results were reached by the question, will the consequences of the Air Canada will result in increased handling and processing time.

• Ninety percent of corporate buyers, 100 percent of TMCs and 90 percent of the suppliers expect increased handling and processing time.

•Ten percent of the corporate buyers, 0 percent of the TMCs and 9 percent of the buyers did not expect increased costs.

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is a not-for-profit association established by business travel managers in 1988 to provide meaningful education and networking opportunities. ACTE recognizes the interdependence between corporate travel purchasers and corporate travel suppliers and accords both sectors equal membership. ACTE's membership spans all sectors of business travel, from corporate buyers to agencies to suppliers. ACTE currently serves more than 2,500 executives in 48 countries.

For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com