Global airline ticketing distributor Amadeus says it has bought the 24.5 per cent stake it did not previously own in its Polish distributor Polska from Polish Airline LOT.

Madrid-based Amadeus did not give any details of the purchase but said that acquiring the extra stake in Polska "strengthens (the firm’s) capacity to provide timely access to the customised technology and services required by Polish travel agents."

Amadeus Polska processed more than 62 per cent of air bookings made through travel agencies in Poland in 2002.

LOT says it is "concentrating its efforts on its principle activity as an airline."

In the past year, Amadeus, aside from Poland, has boosted its activities in five other markets – Germany, Scandinavia, the United Arab Emirates, west Africa and Sudan, the company said in a statement. Details: www.amadeus.net