RYANAIR is terminating its stormy relationship with the
trade on October 31, blaming the decision on ABTA.
The airline blasted Newman Street’s “inexplicable” decision
to pursue court action over commission on Passenger Service Charges in spite of
the difficulties faced by carriers since September 11.
In July, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary threatened
to slash commission if ABTA won.
In a letter to agents, Ryanair sales and marketing director
Tim Jeans said he failed to understand why ABTA was pursuing court action given
the “difficult” climate.
He told Travel Weekly, “Since this argument began, ABTA has
been telling agents that Ryanair is not on their side. But all it has done is
force the pace with which we have embraced the Internet. It beggars belief that
ABTA is using agents’ money to fight this case – ABTA is stupidly trying to
push water uphill.”
ABTA president Stephen Bath attacked the airline, saying: “How
dare Ryanair link September 11 with ABTA’s court case. The carrier owed agents
money before the tragedy, and they are still waiting for it. Good riddance to
Ryanair, I say.”
Ryanair has offered to settle outstanding payments if agents
can provide booking data, but ABTA called the offer “hollow” and said it would
pursue full settlements, with interest, in court.