WASHINGTON -- The General Services Administration awarded 4,346
contracts to the airlines in its City Pair Program for fiscal year
2004.
Unrestricted coach fares negotiated between the GSA and the
airlines offer a 74% savings over similar fares offered to the
general public, said the GSA. Only travelers who work for the
federal government are eligible to purchase fares in the City Pair
Program, which is now in its 23rd year.
Capacity-controlled fares, which also are unrestricted except
for the requirement to book in advance, are available in some 2,000
markets, said the GSA. For example, a last-minute one-way fare from
Washington (Reagan) to Dallas/Fort Worth costs the federal traveler
$269 on American Airlines. The advanced-purchase fare will be
$189.
For fiscal year 2004, American won the most contracts -- 1,019
(905 domestic and 114 international) -- worth approximately $201.7
million.
GSA awarded Delta 999 contracts (892 domestic and 107
international) worth an estimated $210.9 million.
United won 830 contracts and garnered the most international
wins (217), which helped push the estimated value of its awards to
$205.1 million.
US Airways (428 awards) was fourth, followed by Northwest (320),
Southwest (257), Continental (156) and America West (151). In all,
14 airlines were awarded contracts.
To contact reporter Jerry Limone, send e-mail to [email protected].