Orbitz Worldwide responds to anti-consumer bullying tactics and the baseless lawsuit filed by AA
13-Apr-2011 The following statement by Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW) is in response to a lawsuit filed yesterday in Texas by American Airlines against Travelport and Orbitz:
"American Airlines' baseless claims against Orbitz are the latest in a series of tactics to force Orbitz to adopt an airline ticket distribution model that limits consumer choice and inhibits competition.
It is important to keep the facts straight. American Airlines made the decision to play the role of the marketplace bully and pull its fares from Orbitz. Having failed to force Orbitz to adopt unproven technology that does not meet the needs of our customers, American Airlines is now resorting to groundless litigation in a desperate attempt to revive an unsuccessful strategy.
The unfortunate truth is that American Airlines is attempting to deprive consumers of the ability to compare prices across competing airlines.
Orbitz gives consumers access to powerful tools that allow them to search across hundreds of airlines and millions of itinerary options to easily book the trip that best meets their needs.
Since it was launched in 2001, Orbitz has been at the forefront of improving the travel experience for consumers.
Orbitz will defend itself with vigor and is leaving open all possible options to seek relief from American Airlines' predatory actions."