Blackney's Back, Now As Worldspan CEO

After a short hiatus from a lifetime in travel distribution, Paul Blackney is about to return to the helm of a GDS.

After a short hiatus from a lifetime in travel distribution, Paul Blackney is about to return to the helm of a GDS again, this time as the new chief executive of Worldspan. The appointment ends months of speculation about the leadership direction of one of the three major global distribution systems.

Blackney, who spent decades in senior roles across the travel technology sector, brings a reputation as a pragmatic operator with deep relationships throughout the industry. His return comes at a critical moment for Worldspan, which is navigating the twin pressures of airline cost-cutting and the rise of internet booking.

Industry observers said Blackney's experience would be valuable as Worldspan works to articulate its value proposition in a rapidly changing distribution landscape. The GDSs, long the backbone of travel booking infrastructure, are facing existential questions about their role as airlines push direct booking and online travel agencies grow in power.