Travel Republic director Kane Pirie was remanded on unconditional bail at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday in a case brought by the Civil Aviation Authority for alleged breach of the ATOL Regulations.
Lawyers for both sides supported an adjournment, arguing the case would “determine certain matters for the travel industry”.
Pirie and the CAA will be back in court on May 20 when the respective legal teams hope to have reached agreement on certain matters that would cut the length and costs of proceedings.
Online retailer Travel Republic has been summonsed on 20 counts and Pirie on another 20, all relating to breaches of the Civil Aviation (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) Regulations 1995.
Pirie has yet to enter a plea and both he and the CAA declined to comment.
The pursuit of Travel Republic is seen as a test case for the CAA in enforcing its view that virtually all holiday sales of flights plus accommodation require ATOL cover.
Given the complexity of the issue and the significance of the outcome, the case is likely to end in a higher court.