AMEX GBT COVERS NEW GROUND FOR BOOKERS

AMERICAN EXPRESS Global Business Travel (GBT) has introduced a new ground transport platform for bookers and managers. The multi-channel platform – currently being piloted by European and US customers – provides access to more than 750 ground operators in more than 2,000 cities across 18 countries.

Options include taxis, limos, airport express trains and ridesharing options through a new partnership with Lyft. Travel managers can customise the tool to suit travel policy and access negotiated supplier discounts. The portal will capture bookings made online, offline or through the GBT mobile app and enable travel arrangers to revise bookings remotely on behalf of a traveller.

“GBT clients saw 95%+ leakage through out-of-policy booking channels for ground bookings in 2017, resulting in lost opportunities for our clients to negotiate on that spend and ensure traveller compliance,” says Michael Qualantone, Executive VP of Global Supplier Relations for GBT.