General sales agent (airlines)
A general sales agent (GSA) is a sales representative for an airline in a specific country or region. Typically, the GSA is responsible for selling all products of the airline in its region which includes flight tickets and cargo space. A GSA will typically sell the product of more than one airline.
Airlines normally use a GSA in areas that it does not operate to or from, allowing them to have a sales presence in a country at lower cost than opening their own offices in short term. It may also use their services because the GSA has historical ties with travel and cargo agents which will be too time-consuming for the airline to build itself.
The GSA receives a commission of around 3–5% on all tickets and unit of cargo space sold in the region that it represents.
All costs related to running the GSA's business are the responsibility of the GSA including insurance, rent, general office expenses and any travel within the country or region needed to promote and sell the product.