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08-02-2010

SPAA PROMOTES UNIVERSAL AIR TRAVEL PROTECTION CASE


Association hammers point home during Department for Business meeting ...

A delegation from the SPAA has once again hammered home the point that all air travel – regardless of how and where booked – must be fully financially protected as part of any new legislation emerging from the Government’s Reform of Air Transport Consultation. At a meeting held recently in London, in conjunction with the Department for Transport, representatives of all the major travel agency and ATOL organisations, and consumer organisations such as Which, Trading Standards and the Citizens Advice Bureau, were gathered at the invitation of DfBIS to discuss the future of air transport in the UK. SPAA representatives were vocal in support of wide-ranging reform, including a new system of comprehensive consumer financial protection.

While the formal Consultation specifically excludes airlines from its remit, the SPAA has for four years now been advocating that there must be a level playing field, and that all airline passengers should be covered, irrespective of how and where they purchase their ticket.

During the meeting, this point was once again raised forcefully by the Association’s delegation, and it provoked significant support from others in the room, with the exception of airline representatives. Comments SPAA Secretary Alisdair Tannahill, who participated, ‘I think the DfT (Department for Transport) representatives there were surprised by the level of support voiced by the participants.’

'Only time will tell whether this aspect of financial protection will come into force, as there seems to be a reluctance on the part of the Government to advance it in case it falls foul of European Law. However, in the other two ongoing EU consultations, this is a question which is specifically asked, and the SPAA will respond equally forcefully. It seems to all those involved, within SPAA, that the time has never been better for the case to be made, and in conjunction with ABTA we continue to beat the drum.’

A further meeting is being held with the DfT and stakeholders in Scotland on Friday 12th February and once again, the SPAA will participate. Meanwhile, copies of the Association’s formal Consultation submission have been sent to Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond and Finance Secretary John Swinney; Brian Adam MSP - who raised the subject recently in the Scottish Parliament, and Teresa Villiers, Shadow Secretary for Transport at Westminster.

SPAA Members who wish to have a copy of the Submission should contact Alisdair Tannahill at atannahill@spaa.org.

MTB 08/02/2010


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