GSA Negotiates New Discounted Airfares for Federal Travelers
Fiscal 2017 contracts with eight major carriers are expected to save Uncle Sam $2.4 billion.
The General Services Administration on Friday announced that it has finalized its fiscal 2017 contracts for discounted airfare for federal travelers, and expects to save $2.4 billion through the new agreements.
The fiscal 2017 contracts for the City Pair Program went to eight major carriers, an increase of one from this year. The program saves money by setting a fixed price for tickets up front, resulting in a 51 percent discount over comparable commercial fares, according to GSA. It also offers more flexibility for government travelers because there are no fees for changing or canceling travel plans.
“By leveraging the government’s buying power through the City Pair Program, for more than 30 years, GSA has helped federal agencies reduce travel costs and save billions,” said Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Tom Sharpe, in a statement. “The City Pairs program is also a great demonstration of how the guiding principles of category management, when applied across government, can yield excellent benefits and results.”
The 2017 rates will take effect on Oct. 1. For more details, click here.