Fly With Google! Google Purchases ITA For $700 Million

Google just announced about its purchase of ITA, a Cambridge, Massachusetts based Flight information provider for to airlines, travel agencies, and online reservation systems. Basically, it is the center of flight data.

A consortium of rivals including Microsoft, Kayak, Expedia, and Travelport; has tried to stop Google from getting it's hands on ITA by trying to beat Googles offer, last spring. But Google’s $700 million was bigger than theirs, I guess. Microsoft, Kayak, Expedia, and Travelport rely on ITA for their flight data needs.

"ITA's very talented team has created an impressive product to organize flight information," said Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google. "Their technology opens exciting possibilities for us to create new ways for users to more easily find flight information online, and we're looking forward to welcoming them to Google."

"It is a privilege to work with a most skilled and dedicated team to build innovative technologies that people use every day," said Jeremy Wertheimer, CEO & President, ITA Software, Inc. "We are all looking forward to continuing and expanding our efforts as part of Google."

Official Google Blog: Taking off with ITA