Google paid $ 700 million for the purchase of ITA Software

Internet giant Google has agreed to purchase for $ 700 million company ITA Software . The ITA service helps users find detailed information from the airlines on any flights, as well as airfares and the number of empty seats on the boards. Using the service, you can, for example, compare similar routes of two different airlines and choose the most budget or comfortable one. There is also a ticket booking.


Google promises to integrate this service into its search engine, which will allow the user to plan their own flight routes. At the same time, the Internet giant, in accordance with the obligations assumed by ITA Software , promises not to engage in the sale of tickets.

Despite this promise, in the travel industry, the deal raises concerns due to Google’s undue influence. These concerns are not groundless: previously Google announced it was working on a service that would allow users to select hotels using Google Maps . Strengthening Google’s position in this segment will jeopardize the business of specialized sites that offer travel planning services, because ITA is a one of a kind truly large company that sells its services to the largest online travel agencies such as Kayak, Travelport, Travelocity, Opodo and Expedia . The latter, by the way, was among the bidders for the purchase of ITA Software .