News from Travel Technology Update: AirTran, which dropped out of Worldspan in November because the two companies could not come to terms on the cost of participation, is back in the GDS with a new multiyear, full content agreement, effect Jan. 24.

The carrier is distributing inventory, availability and fares through Worldspan at a level of participation called Limited Connect, which is below Worldspan's Full Service level.

Worldspan said Limited Connect is designed to meet the distribution needs of carriers that require limited functionality

AirTran said it will continue to connect to Orbitz via the Apollo/Galileo system, despite the new agreement. The Apollo arrangement was made when AirTran dropped out of Worldspan. The Orbitz-Worldspan contract allows Orbitz to use other channels if an airline is not available in Worldspan.

The new agreement also does not reconnect AirTran with Expedia, which also is powered by Worldspan.

AirTran reached agreements to participate in Galileo and Sabre in November.