Galileo launches new online self-booking tool with KDS

With a new user interface and a wealth of new features, KDS Portal Version 6 extends the cost savings corporate customers achieve through on-line booking

Langley, UK, Paris France - 11 July, 2007 - Galileo, a leading global distribution system (GDS) and subsidiary of Travelport, and KDS the European leader in on-demand travel and expense solutions, announced today that they have joined forces to launch the KDS Portal Version 6 online self-booking tool. The new tool provides corporate travellers with a faster booking process, more in-depth content, an enhanced user interface and more sophisticated One-way and Flexible faring options.

Galileo and KDS have worked together to design a self-booking tool that will empower travel management companies and their corporate clients to compete head-on with online retailers by offering both lower fares and superior support. Corporate travel policies are easily incorporated into the search and booking process so that policy compliance can be guaranteed.

Other new features include an enhanced user interface, requiring fewer clicks to complete a booking, along with a wide variety of faring options allowing travellers to combine fares from multiple carriers and different sources. The new Fare Matrix displays scheduled air, low-cost carriers and rail fare results on one page enabling users to view and compare all available travel and pricing options.

Patrick Lukan, general manager for UK & Ireland commented, “The demand for feature-rich online booking tools has never been greater. KDS Portal Version 6 not only provides corporates with the content and functionality expected of a booking tool but also enables TMCs to compete head-on with consumer sites on the Internet. What’s more, the tool is very straightforward to deploy, meaning there is no technological burden or disruption to daily business.

"We are delighted that Galileo selected KDS as its online travel management solution provider," said Stephane Donders Executive Vice President, KDS. "We believe that Galileo's market expertise, together with the strength of KDS Portal V6 will provide companies with the right resources and tool to best control their travel spend."

KDS Portal Version 6 is now available to all Galileo-connected agents in the UK and Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Benelux, Australia and South Africa and will be extended to other Galileo markets worldwide during the course of the year.

Notes to editors:

About Galileo
Galileo is a global technology leader. Its core business is providing electronic global distribution services for the travel industry through its computerized reservation systems, leading-edge products and innovative, Internet-based solutions. Galileo is a value-added distributor of travel inventory dedicated to supporting its travel supplier, agency and corporate customers and, through them, expanding traveller choice. Galileo, www.galileo.com, headquartered in Langley, UK, is a Travelport brand. Travelport is one of the largest and most geographically diverse travel companies, dedicated to creating the exceptional travel experiences the world demands.

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Please contact Kate Aldridge on 00 44 1753 288720 or kate.aldridge@travelport.com