The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has said this month’s biannual Atol renewal process has seen the lowest ever failure rate.
Just 27 of the companies that applied were rejected of the 976 that applied to have their licences renewed. Of those 963 received decisions on their applications from the CAA and by today 949 had their licences renewed.
Andy Cohen, Head of Atol Licensing said: “A highlight to this renewal period is that of the 976 companies who applied to the CAA for an Atol licence renewal, only 27 companies failed in their application: this is the lowest failure rate we have seen to date.
“This low rate is testament to the strong working relationships we have with the travel industry and we thank them for their continual co-operation.
“It also demonstrates the overall resilience of the travel industry, which, over the past 18 months, has faced some very difficult trading conditions.
“We look forward to continuing to work together, in particular as the Government brings forward proposals to reform Atol.”
Despite the relatively straight forward appearance of this latest renewal period Travel Weekly understands many firms did struggle to get their licences renewed.
Association of Atol Companies legal advisor Alan Bowen told Travel Weeklythe CAA was keen not to see failures as the insurance policy that provides cover for Atol is renewed and had nursed some firms through.
Among those that haven’t renewed are The Co-operative Travel’s tour operation after the joint venture with Monarch Group was closed, and failed tour operator African Safari Club and agent Complete world Travel.