Online travel agent (OTA) On the Beach has signed a long-term distribution agreement with budget Irish carrier Ryanair Holdings PLC (LSE:RYA).
According to a statement, the agreement represents a “transformational shift” in On the Beach's relationship “with its most significant low-cost carrier”.
The agreement will give On the Beach customers access to Ryanair's low-fare flights with full price transparency.
It comes just weeks after Ryanair accused On the Beach of being a pirate, as part of the carrier’s crusade against online price aggregators that it claims unfairly overcharge customers for plane tickets.
Alongside On The Beach, Ryanair has accused Lastminute.com, eDreams, Opodo and Booking.com of overcharging and mis-selling tickets, calling on UK and Irish governments and EU consumer agencies to take action.
On The Beach was dubbed by Ryanait’s director of marketing Cara Brady as the “No. 1 Pirate” for February for a “rapacious” 117% (£125) change fee charge that costs just £45 on ryanair.com.
Today, Brady said: “Ryanair is pleased to announce our latest partnership with leading OTA, On the Beach. This new deal will see Ryanair partner with its fourth approved OTA partner.”
Shaun Morton, chief executive of On the Beach Group (LSE:OTB) plc stated: "We are excited to have entered into this transformational partnership with Ryanair.
"This will improve the booking and travel experience for our customers selecting Ryanair flights while ensuring we can continue to provide customers with best value package holidays.
“Importantly, this agreement enables both parties to move on from outstanding litigation and we look forward to working closely with our new partner."