Travel management companies, travel managers and consumer groups have joined together to make one last ditch attempt to sway the European Commission's decision on a new CRS Code of Conduct.

A revised code, which governs the CRS industry in Europe, is due to be unveiled by the EC on Thursday (November 15).

Led by the Business Travel Coalition, a number of European bodies including the Advantage Focus Partnership, the Institute of Travel Management and the Scottish Passenger Agents' Association, have presented a 'Customer Referendum' to the EC.

They argue that airline ownership of the CRS systems threatens to lead to anti-competitive behaviour and abuse, resulting in passengers paying higher prices for their air travel.

The campaigners are calling for a threshold of a 5% ownership stake by an airline in a CRS to establish a parent carrier.

They are also calling for confirmation from the EC that Air France, Iberia and Lufthansa are currently 'parent carriers' of Amadeus, and that this ownership will be subjected to "written and oral industry consultation prior to any proposed change".

"History has proven that even a small percentage of airline ownership in a CRS provides an irresistible economic incentive for abuse," said the BTC statement.

"Without applicable rules, consumers throughout Europe would be denied access to all choices and end up paying higher prices for travel."

by Bev Fearis