n Waite’s BAprotest
Manchester-based Pole Travel assistant manager Jill Waite is calling on other agents to follow her example and send British Airways’ training packs back unopened in protest at the airline’s decision to axe commission. She aims to set up a UK-wide protest group against the airline. Contact her on 020-8642 7171. Meanwhile, BA and IBM have signed a £20m deal to enhance the airline’s booking capability on digital TV and the Internet. IBM will also help BA introduce technology this year to give passengers flight details on pagers, laptops and mobile phones.
n us/uk talks stall
The UK’s transatlantic carriers look set to be penalised by the US government following another breakdown in bilateral talks. Slots and routes operated by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are being scrutinised to see if the US can implement restrictions. The move is designed to force UK officials back to the negotiating table to discuss open skies. Last month’s talks ended after both sides failed to agree on wider access to Heathrow and BA/American Airlines codesharing.
n KLM job losses
KLM is expected to announce job cuts in the UK as it looks to axe unprofitable flights. Numbers will be announced next month when a special taskforce meets to reveal where the Dutch carrier can make 5%-10% in cost savings. A spokesman said a decision had not yet been made on UK jobs but he confirmed positions will be lost worldwide by cutting services following the carrier posting an increased net loss for its third quarter last week.