Etihad nibbles at agents’ commission
SYDNEY – Etihad Airways base commission on tickets issued by Australian travel agents will be adjusted from 9 percent to 7 percent, effective January 1, 2009.
The airline said the “decision has been made due to the continuing instability in the global economic environment, combined with the significant reduction in the value of the Australian dollar against the US dollarâ€.
Lindsay White, Etihad Airways’ general manager Australia & New Zealand, said that after an extensive review, Etihad decided to make the adjustment to maintain the airline’s continued growth plans for the Australian market.
“Since commencing services to Australia in March 2007, Etihad Airways has supported the travel industry by paying commission on both fare values and fuel surcharges, at a rate over and beyond the industry average and we will continue to do so.â€
“Despite a number of airlines reducing their commissions in 2007 and 2008, Etihad resisted a change for as long as possible, however we are not immune to the consequences of the recent economic downturn,” White said.
“Etihad Airways still offers a commission that is at the upper spectrum of the airline remuneration scale for Australian travel agents and is one of the few airlines that directly recognises the collection of fuel surcharges through the payment of commission to travel agents.
“We remain committed to supporting the industry and will continue to build close relationships with the travel trade,†he said.
Ian Jarrett
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