The General Services Administration’s City Pairs Program, which provides pre-negotiated airfare rates for the federal government’s official travel, will save an estimated $5.9 billion in 2013, the agency announced.
“GSA’s mission is to help federal agencies save money, and that includes getting the best price for government travelers,” said GSA Federal Acquisition Service Acting Commissioner Mary Davie. “By leveraging the government’s buying power, we are able to maximize cost-savings for federal agencies and save taxpayer dollars.”
The City Pairs Program establishes standard airfare rates between cities where the federal workforce typically travels, and these pre-negotiated rates save the government money.
GSA is able to negotiate best-value pricing for the government by using travel data. All major U.S. carriers participate in the City Pairs Program. The 2013 rates will become effective October 1, 2012.
In addition to offering considerable discounts, the City Pairs Program allows the federal government additional flexibility in how it books air travel.