FORMER Association of Independent Tour
Operators chairman Paul Chandler has slammed AITO’s decision to drop its
objection to the possible merger between Airtours and First Choice.
“The counter arguments first presented to
the European Union competition authorities two years ago are still valid
today,” he said. “The concentration of power over airlines, operators and
agencies will always lead to restriction of new and growing businesses,” he
added. However, the organisation has said it wants cast-iron guarantees that a
merged company will not squeeze out its smaller rivals through exclusive deals
with resorts and by reducing seats on First Choice’s airline Air 2000.
AITO deputy chairman Noel Josephides said
the market today was very different to that of two years ago, when Airtours and
First Choice first tried to unite, with a large chunk of the market now German
owned.
“If we are going to have a powerful UK
player then providing it looks after our interests we would find it difficult
to object. It makes little difference if there are three major players in the
market or four.”
Josephides added
he would be looking for written reassurances that the availability of
third-party flying will be maintained from Gatwick. “Neither do we want to see
exclusivity deals signed between the proposed new operator and hotels,” he
said.