ASTA supports call for review of IATA competition rules
The American Society of Travel Agents has joined the list of influential organisations fighting the rejection of a new Passenger Service Agency Agreement by IATA airline members.
The airlines rejected a new more agent-friendly agreement , the result of two years work by the Global Consultative Committee (GCC), at the recent Passenger Agency Conference in Miami. Although the issue does not have a direct impact on agents in the US, ASTA said it clearly shows the problems agents face when the airlines choose to act collectively against them.
Recently re-elected ASTA president and chief executive Richard Copland said: “Air carriers participating in IATA have been and continue to be allowed to communicate on competitively sensitive issues. ASTA calls on governments around the world to review the antirust immunity granted those carriers in light of the negative impact it has on consumers.”
Meanwhile the Universal Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA) has called on competition authorities around the world to review IATA’s immunity to antitrust legislation following its rejection of a new agreement.
In particular UFTAA calls for an end to the unanimous vote rule, which it says has “effectively enabled destruction of any positive development.”
According to UFTAA chief executive Birger Backman: “It is becoming clear that a few mega carriers – mainly from the USA but also some others – are attempting to destabilise the distribution system for competitive reasons.” Click here to see the UFTAA letter in full.
See our previous stories:
09 Jul 2002: IATA in big trouble Down Under
09 Jul 2002 The TravelMole Interview: Bruce Bishins, Genesis TDS
02 Jul 2002 IATA row threatens industry status-quo
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps