An agreement is expected to be reached to allow agents to continue paying airlines on a monthly basis rather than weekly or fortnightly as proposed by Iata. Agents opposed the planned change to increase payment frequency because it would hit the cash flows of those who issue Iata tickets, mostly travel management companies, but also some leisure agents. The proposed change has been discussed by a working party that includes the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) and Abta, and a resolution is expected to be finalised in a few weeks. This could involve agents putting forward a bond or having a credit rating test to stay on monthly payments. SPAA president Brian Potter said: “Good progress is being made on the frequency of reporting and remitting.” An Abta spokeswoman added: “There has been a lot of progress and things are looking positive.” Until 2007, agents registered in Scotland had been forced to settle with Iata twice a month, while those in England pay only once a month. The SPAA won a two year dispute with the airline body to bring its payments in line with England.
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