COMMISSION DILEMMA
Airtours has told agents they will not be paid commission on bookings for two cancelled cruises on board its ship Carousel. The ship turned back to Tenerife, three days after leaving port, after having technical difficulties. Two more cruises have been cancelled. Travel agents will get their commission on the curtailed cruise, but they will only get it for the other holidays if they re-book customers on another departure.
ONEWORLD SIGNING
AerLingus has joined the Oneworld alliance after signing widespread codeshare agreements with founders British Airways and American Airlines.
PSA SHIP ESTIMATE
The Passenger Shipping Association has estimated that 40 cruise ships worth $10bn will be built by 2005. Eleven vessels will be launched in 2000, including P&O Cruises’ Aurora, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Shadow and Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Victory.
MPS TO SUPPORT SIA
Singapore Airlines has secured the support of British MPs for its campaign to launch transatlantic flights. A cross-party group of MPs are supporting an early day motion put down on Tuesday as UK and Singapore negotiators prepare for January 18 talks.
NEW FERRIES FOR P&O
P&O Stena Line is considering building two new, faster ferries worth $100m each for its Dover-Calais route. The new ships would make the crossing in 1hr, rather than the 1hr 15mins it currently takes. A company spokeswoman said orders were likely to be placed in two year’s time.