A friend of mine organizes a very large family reunion in Germany in the summer of 2011. They go to the village after which the family is named close to Hannover. They will stay about two days at the village and then have about 6-7 days to travel around.

There will be around 40 people (41 headcount so far) coming from all over the US. They have different departure airports but the destination is the same for all of them.

Is there a way to a) make their tickets cheaper by way of a rebate because he buys 40 international return tickets, and b) to somehow make him profit?

I could imagine that if you said to any big airline that you can get them 40 sales guaranteed, they should be able to give you a private coupon code or something like it, so it knocks off a certain percentage from the individual ticket price. And everyone could still book online or over the phone individually. They'd just be locked in to one airline.

I could also imagine that you can take that to a travel agent to act as a consolidator.

Ideally my friend would benefit in some way or shape from bringing them this deal. For example an upgrade to business class for him and his wife. Or a voucher for a free domestic flight or an upgrade voucher. Or instant status for one year. With a travel agent something like an extra good discount for him and his wife should be possible.

Am I thinking to much like an entrepreneur? What is the best way to go about this?

Thanks for your help and input!

Till