This story was updated at 12h00 on Monday, August 16, (Rosebank Travel is not a member of XL Travel, as was originally stated).
Allan Wolman, ceo of Rosebank Travel sent Travel News the following letter in response to a Travel News article, here, published August 13.
“The antiquated relationship between travel agents, airlines and IATA must be up for a drastic realignment as it cannot be expected that the current status quo continues. Notwithstanding that both airlines and IATA think, no expect, that it should continue. Common sense, good governance and the law of commerce must dictate a more equitable system.
The sheer arrogance of Qantas, in this instance, (but no doubt others will follow) is untenable and unless challenged vigorously by agents at the highest level ie via the Competition Commission, EU and other statutary bodies, our section of this industry will eventually wither and die.
Qantas has published a new set of terms and conditions. Despite the arrogance and expectations of this company, any reasonable business model needs to be a negotiated process with the mutual buy-in of all parties, not a dictatorial statement of intent. This is what our industry body should have as its most important function, instead of acquiescing to an outdated, archaic, unfair and one-sided model. It needs to stamp its authority and stand its ground at the IATA and other airline forums.
This behaviour by Qantas demonstrates the utter contempt that airlines and IATA hold us in. It’s “business as usual” for agent’s obligations but according to IATA, airlines need “time and understanding” around refunds from agents and their clients. IATA expects us agents to assist with airlines’ cash flow problems? But don’t IATA and airlines think that we agents also experience such problems? They simply don’t give a hoot.
I have resigned from membership of both Asata and IATA (I refuse to pay a minor fee to IATA for no benefit) after 58 years in business. Compare the statements published by the ceo of IATA requesting agents to “allow airlines time for paying out refunds” and “understand the plight of airlines” with the draconian conditions, obligations for agents and the expectations of agents, that remain in force. It’s nothing but shameful.
Asata, your industry body, should action and highlight the inequity of the IATA business model and take this to the SA Competition Commission, to challenge a bad (some would say illegal) model, or challenge this in a High Court action, together with other international agents associations following suit.”
