Travel agents hope for better deal from foreign airlines

Mumbai: The travel agents' community is in a state of flux over the quantum of commission from the airlines, as they prepare to table their demands to the 16 foreign carriers which had resorted to zero commission. The agents on Monday said that they will be approaching the airlines, despite carriers maintaining silence on the issue.
Airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta, KLM, Qatar Airways and British Airways, among others had resorted to zero commission despite the agents' agitation.
Last month, the aviation regulator directorate general civil aviation (DGCA) passed an order in favour of the travel agents, wherein it said that all airlines that had gone in for zero commission should move back to the commission-based regime. The order issued by DGCA chief, Nasim Zaidi stated: "As per rules, the DGCA cannot lay down the quantum of commission payable by airlines to agents. It is entirely up to the airlines to take a decision in this regard in consultation with agents, taking into account various commercial factors."
Talking to the media persons here, Rajinder Rai, president of Travel Agents Association of India, said: "We have not been able to arrive at a consensus over the quantum of the commission. But we want to arrive at an amicable solution. We are meeting them and do not plan to continue our agitation. A fair commission regime is looked at."
06/04/10 Financial Express

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Categories: Foreign Apr 2010, Indian Aviation- In General Apr 2010