A senior news reporter at MoneySavingExpert.com is one of three new members appointed to the Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (Atipac).
Helen Knapman is joined by Civil Aviation Authority consumer panel chairman, Keith Richards, a barrister who previously worked for Abta, and Sue Russell, consumer strategy manager at Citizens’ Advice.
Knapman has written numerous articles on various consumer travel issues, including a comprehensive guide to help consumers claim flight delay and cancellation compensation.
They will join the committee for a period of four years effective from this month and have all been appointed by CAA chairman, Dame Deirdre Hutton.
The regulator said the trio would bring “vast experience and expertise” to Atipac, which was established in 2000 by the government to provide advice on financial protection for air travellers and the customers of air travel organisers.
Committee chairman, John Cox, said: “I welcome the new independent members to the committee and I believe all three will make a very valuable contribution to our work.
“It is vital that the committee has the widest understanding of the travel market and the needs of consumers so it can continue to provide appropriate and timely advice to government.
“These new appointments will all bring different, but relevant experiences to our discussions and in particular all have a sharp focus on the consumer experience and expectations. This is key to providing expert advice and I look forward to working with them as part of the committee.”
Dame Deirdre said: “I’m very pleased to confirm the appointment of three new members to Atipac and welcome them all into their new roles.
“The committee combines the extensive skills and experience of a variety of leading figures from across the travel industry to provide expert advice on the very important issue of financial protection.
“This advice is essential to making sure the financial protection we have in place in the UK is fit for purpose and consumers can book travel with peace of mind, so I look forward to seeing Keith, Helen and Sue contributing to the committee’s valuable work.”