JetXtra forced to suspend bookings
Start-up airline JetXtra.com is claiming it has been forced to suspend bookings due to a legal row with rival Jet2.com.
However, the airline insists that passengers who have already booked flights will not be affected and their booking will still be protected by parent company CTT Group’s ATOL.
JetXtra is planning to launch low-cost flights from Humberside to Majorca and Malaga in June but it claimed the CAA had ordered it to temporarily suspending bookings due to the threat of legal action by established airline Jet2.com.
Jet2, which is based in Leeds, claims the name JetXtra is so similar to its own name that customers might be misled into believing the two companies are connected, as previously reported on TravelMole.
The CAA has told JetXtra that the name will not be allowed on to the ATOL licence of the CTT Group until Jet2.com has decided whether to take legal action.
As a result, JetXtra has stopped selling tickets but customers are still able to check flight times and fares on its website.
Director Daniel Reilly said: "We are naturally incredibly disappointed by this decision. We are a newcomer attempting to do our bit for much needed job creation and inward investment in this country, so to be hit with this at the most crucial time for our business and of course one of the busiest times of the year for summer holiday bookings, is a massive blow.
"The decision would appear to be a kneejerk reaction by the Civil Aviation Authority, as our legal team have informed us that until such time that an injunction was granted, or there was a court ruling in Jet2.com’s favour, that we are free to continue trading as jetXtra.com.
"We will be appealing this decision as soon as possible in the hope that we can recommence sales under the jetXtra.com brand without too much of a loss to our business."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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