Hays Travel managing director John Hays has branded accusations that his company was partly responsible for the failure of Kiss Flights “total nonsense”.
In a statement issued after the seat-only operator ceased trading, Gary Ash, chief executive of Kiss owner Flight Options, said: “Our fate was sealed by the actions implemented by Hays Travel and CBG Insurance Brokers when putting out Kiss Flights on their non-insured list.”
However, Hays confirmed his company had been selling Kiss Flights up until the news of its collapse.
“Hays Travel is not an insurer so Ash’s comment saying we have Kiss Flights on a non-insured list is factually incorrect. Hays Travel were selling Kiss Flights until the moment they ceased trading – so this is just plain wrong,” said Hays.
“For Gary Ash to blame Hays Travel is total nonsense.”