Would Google get "abusive" if it acquires ITA Software and gains even more market power in travel?
Dara Khosrowshahi, the Expedia Inc. CEO, answers that question in two ways.
First, he says Expedia is concerned about Google getting more market power.
But then, Khosrowshahi adds: "It's not something we are particularly worried about" if Google continues to work with advertisers in the manner it traditionally has done so.
Khosrowshahi acknowledges that plenty of travel companies will be concerned that Google could potentially abuse its power.
"Any moves that Google makes will be put under intense scrutiny, as they are now," he adds, referring to regulatory authorities.
Khosrowshai was answering questions about Google's potential acquisition of ITA Software and a possible Google entry into travel metasearch at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Telecom Conference in Boston May 18.
Khosrowshahi speculates that Google's first efforts would resemble traditional travel metasearch, as practiced by Kayak and Bing Travel, but then Google, as is characteristic, likely would add something special.
Participating in travel metasearch -- because it provides more qualified leads than Expedia can currently buy through Google -- has been very profitable for Expedia, Khosrowshahi says.
He adds there is no reason Expedia wouldn't participate in an ITA Software-powered Google metasearch offering to the extent that it is a profitable channel for Expedia.