SIA, Indian agents no closer to resolving row

A month after travel agents in India stopped selling Singapore Airlines and SilkAir tickets, the row continues.
Both sides have met several times - here and in Mumbai - but no real headway has been made in the dispute over sales commissions.
To resolve the matter, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has taken its case to Singapore's Transport Ministry. It also plans to meet representatives of the Singapore Tourism Board in Mumbai next week, said national general secretary Ajay Prakash.
A spokesman confirmed that the ministry has received a note from TAAI president Rajinder Rai, adding that his views have been conveyed to SIA for consideration.
'We understand the difficult business climate and the impact on the travel industry in India,' she said.
'...the decision on travel agency commissions by SIA is a business decision driven by commercial considerations. We encourage both parties to resolve this matter amicably.
Travel agents in India have been upset since last November, when SIA and several other foreign airlines, including Lufthansa and British Airways, stopped paying a 5 per cent commission on the base fare.
25/01/09 The Straits Times/Karamjit Kaur

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Categories: Foreign Jan 2009