Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift of the airline ticketing platform, Hanglv Zongheng, towards a more comprehensive service model, suggesting that it may be more beneficial to operate as a Travel Management Company (TMC) rather than a traditional Online Travel Agency (OTA) [2][5]. Group 1: Industry Context - The airline ticketing industry is experiencing increased competition with Hanglv Zongheng's recent announcement of "source direct sales" for tickets, although it does not fully align with the definition of direct sales [2]. - Hanglv Zongheng, established in 2012, initially focused on providing flight information, a service that has become highly competitive with many players in the market [2][3]. Group 2: Business Model Challenges - Providing only flight information is not a sustainable business model due to high competition and limited utility for travelers [3]. - Hanglv Zongheng's previous attempts to monetize features like paid seat selection have faced consumer backlash, limiting revenue opportunities [4]. Group 3: Shift Towards OTA - The platform has evolved to resemble other OTAs, offering a wide range of services including train tickets, hotel bookings, and insurance, indicating a shift towards a more comprehensive sales model [4]. - This transformation is likened to "carcinization," where different companies in the market gradually adopt similar OTA characteristics despite their varied origins [4]. Group 4: Future Opportunities - The article suggests that Hanglv Zongheng could find greater success by operating as a TMC, leveraging its flight information and customer service capabilities to cater to corporate clients [5]. - This potential shift mirrors the historical example of Ctrip's investment in Feichangzhun, integrating flight information services into its OTA model [5].