Orbitz open for business
CONTROVERSIAL
travel website Orbitz officially launched for business today.
The
American site sells airfares, accommodation, cruises, package holidays and
other travel products.
The
operation, which is a partnership between American Airlines, Continental
Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines, aims to
offer consumers “the most low-cost airfares and flight options anywhere on the
web”.
On-line
agency Travelocity was one of several companies that launched a joint court
case in the US against Orbitz claiming it would allow the airlines to
monopolise the market. The court case is yet to be resolved.
A similar
operation aimed at European consumers known as the OnLine Travel Portal is
expected to go live next month. The OTP is a partnership between 13 airlines,
including British Airways, KLM and Aer Lingus.