ABTA is demanding showdown talks with Galileo after
the global distribution supplier said it would charge agents 50p per sector for
booking British Airways’ lowest fares.
ABTA aviation chief Sandy MacPherson said he wanted
immediate talks with the GDS and the airline over the charge, which will be
introduced from March.
“While we welcome BA putting its full range of fares
through the GDS, the 50p charge is just not on. We know BA is not adding these
charges but it has some influence over the decision. I’m very angry about this,”
he saidl
BA was criticised for the move at the Advantage focus
meeting where Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association aviation head Ken McNab
accused it of breaking European laws as it has introduced the charge in the UK
and no other country in the EU.
Meanwhile, Advantage Business
Travel Centres is to consult members over moving to a single GDS. The
consortium will outline the merits of each system on April 5, with written
submissions due on May 12.