Big Four firm EY is trialing a new blockchain platform that allows corporate buyers to book directly with American Airlines, according to a report from travel industry publication Skift.
American Airlines on November 16 announced a partnership with Winding Tree, an Ethereum-based decentralized travel marketplace launched in 2017 that has the potential to cut out travel agency and global distribution system middlemen.
Travel agents get their flight data from global distribution systems such as Amadeus and Sabre, which have real-time inventory technology. Winding Tree’s platform would enable airlines to transmit inventory data to customers directly.
“We’re always looking for innovative ways to give our customers access to American’s…