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Abta urges lobbying of MPs over Atol reform

Abta agents and operators are being encouraging to lobby their MPs over controversial Atol financial protection reforms.

The association, which is pushing for airlines to be included in the new-look Atol scheme, has produced a letter highlighting key messages that members can use as a template.

The letter calls for MPs to support a reformed Atol scheme that includes airlines and is introduced within a timeframe that gives sufficient time for agents and operators to adjust their business systems.

The association is also urging members to submit their own response to the government’s proposals directly through the Department for Transport’s website.

It comes the week that Abta revealed that 95% of members who completed a poll on Atol reform called for the inclusion of airlines
 
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The Department for Transport’s reform of the Atol scheme has the potential to make fundamental and positive changes to our industry but it is critical that airlines are included in the scheme if it is to be truly comprehensive and fair.

“The DfT must also listen to industry concerns that rushing through certain aspects of the reforms will result in significant problems in implementation. There is strength in numbers and Abta members have a key role to play in raising these concerns with their MPs and the Department for Transport.”

More than 650 people watched a webinar last month with representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport discussing the Atol issue.

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