DELTA Air Lines and Gulf Air are considering increasing commission to agents in the light of British Airways’ decision to increase its rate to 10% (Travel Weekly August 16).
Both Delta and Gulf Air currently pay 9%, but fear they will lose out if they do not match BA’s new rate.
Gulf Air UKgeneral manager John Evans said:”We will not be put in a position where we are under par by our major competitors. We are watching the market very carefully.”
Delta Air Lines UKsales manager Paul Maine said:”If the market is at 10% then we need to do something about it.We are concerned about it and we are looking at what we should do.”
But Swissair, which cut commission to 7% in July, has no plans to increase its rate.
Executive vice-president sales and marketing Lee Shave said: “We have individual arrangements with our big suppliers and corporates which are as attractive as BA’s new deals.”
BAis to launch two routes from Manchester to Lyon and Nice in spring 2000. BA’s franchise partner British Regional Airlines will operate theservices.