The CRS As Public Companies

By: David J. Wardell

Now that we have some experience with two publicly-traded CRS companies, its worth reflecting upon whether the shift away from close airline ties is beneficial.

Overall, I believe there isn't a clear answer.

On the one hand, as the public CRS companies become more responsive to independent financial markets and must think longer-term about how they protect their markets, that's positive. Its also positive if that public influence makes them more responsive to their constituencies.

On the other, the shift away from the traditional ties to airlines sometimes means less sensitivity to, and understanding of, how the industry operates. It also may mean developing a view that the customer really is the traveling public, which would result in potentially diminished focus upon distribution channels and the products that can make those channels succeed.