SIA backs BA stance on service fee charges

Singapore airlines

SIA backs BA stance on service fee charges

Report by LOUISELONGMAN

SINGAPORE Airlines has backed British Airways’ decision to encourage agents to charge clients for their services.

However, the airline doesn’t have any plans at present to cut its 9% commission.

Speaking at a host dinner to celebrate chef Gordon Ramsey’s arrival as a member of the airline’s Interculinary Panel, SIA sales and marketing manager UK and Ireland Gerry Stevens said travel agents offer a service similar to a stockbroker, and should charge for it.

“We have no plans at present to change our commission. But I personally think in the long-term, commission will disappear from all airlines. If you go to a travel agent, you are getting a service, just as you are from a stockbroker,” he said.

He added it will be smaller agents that will be most affected by having to charge a fee. “I think it’s the smaller agents that are resisting change. They don’t have the staff that are trained. If you go to someone like Trailfinders, you know all the staff have extensive travel experience.”

Meanwhile SIA is to extend its Gordon Ramsay in-flight cuisine to economy classes from the end of this month. Ramsay joined the airline’s International Culinary Panel in the summer and has been creating signature dishes for Raffles and first class product.

Stevens is also looking to promote SIA’s Book the Cook service in the UK following a lack of response from travellers. The service allows clients to pre-book à lac carte meals before flying. Stevens said: “We’ve not had a good take-up. It’s not been as good here as it is coming back from Singapore.”

Stevens said he was looking to promote the service through its frequent flyer programme.

Wait and see: SIA currently has no plans to cut commission