O’Leary’s Revenge

O’Leary’s Revenge

Report by LYDIA WILSON

RYANAIRis 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 ABTAis 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.”

ABTAchief executive Ian Reynolds labelled Ryanair’s bid to blame Newman Street for forcing its withdrawal from the trade as “a cheap shot”.

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.

The decision comes after the airline launched an advertising campaign featuring the Lord Kitchener recruiting poster. The ads encouraged passengers back into the air after the US attacks.