| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 3 |
| Copyright: Other |
Open skies system revision
Ryanair seeks password-protected bookings
RYANAIR is looking at producing a password-protected booking system after admitting its current system, designed to stop agent abuse, is not ‘tour-operator friendly’.The carrier claimed it was forced to move to a new system, called Open Skies, which confirms the booking within five days, because agents abused its previous system by block-booking seats, releasing unsold places at the last minute.
But sales and marketing director Tim Jeans promised the Association of Independent Tour Operators that he would look for a better solution for operators and report back to the group.
“We have to look at extending the five-day deadline by allowing some sort of password which would give operators a different ticketing deadline to the conventional system.”
Jeans is also asking the Civil Aviation Authority to give agents the go-ahead for third parties to buy its net fares from its Web site, bypassing any global distribution system. At present, it is believed agents must have their own Air Travel Organisers’ Licence to do so.
Jeans told operators that Ryanair could make up their shortfall in charter capacity, offering full charters or part charters with as few as 10 seats.