MYTRAVEL is now the smallest operator of the big four
after slashing capacity for winter 2004 and summer
2005.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority’s latest ATOL
renewal figures, the operator is licensed to carry two million
return passengers for the next four quarters, compared with 2.8
million in 2004.
MyTravel, the second-largest operator by capacity in 2004, has
fallen to fourth place in the CAA’s list, with Thomas Cook in
third with a licence for 2.5 million passengers.
TUI UK remains top with 4.7 million passengers, and First Choice
is the second largest with 2.6 million.
MyTravel has seen capacity plummet following its decision to
slash aircraft numbers, reduce bedstock and merge brands.
Expedia has gone up to fifth in the list, cementing its place as
a major player in the tour operating market. The company has nearly
doubled capacity to 800,000.
Meanwhile, CT2 has moved to separate its South Africa and
long-haul product from its core short-haul holiday programme by
applying for separate ATOL licences.
The core products, including Loco Flights and the programme to
Tenerife, will operate under the HCCT ATOL, while the South African
and long-haul business will now operate under Overseas Travel and
Tourism’s ATOL.
Sources claimed a delay in submitting ATOL renewal forms was due
to a split in the board over the shape of the South Africa
programme.
However, a CT2 spokeswoman refuted the claims. She said: “It
took a little longer than usual because the company has never done
this before. There is no split.”