VIRGIN RATES BOOST
Virgin Atlantic has increased agents’ commission for the summer to 10% for bookings made on all seat classes from Thursday until September 30. It has also introduced the slogan ‘Virgin Atlantic – the travel agents’ favourite airline’. Meanwhile Qantas has followed its Oneworld partners British Airways and American Airlines by announcing plans to introduce 7% basic commission from August 1.
DISPUTE RESOLVED
Holiday Autos has resolved its dispute with rival car broker Hire for Lower over a breach of copyright. The Frimley-based company objected to an advert for Hire for Lower’s Autos Abroad brand which used the same ideas, layout and colours as its own campaign. Holiday Autos refused to discuss details of the agreement.
TIPTO DROPS CROATIA
Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation has dropped its Croatia category entirely in order to solve a dispute between Holiday Options and Transun over which of them should represent it (Travel Weekly June 21). Founder Gary David originally chose Holiday Options over Transun for the slot. Now Holiday Options will get the Corsica and Sardinia category only, while Transun will get the day trips category.
NATIONAL EXPRESS BID
National Express Group is to complete a deal to buy Silverwing Transport Services for £1.2m on Wednesday. Silverwing provides passenger and crew transportation for airlines including British Midland, Virgin Atlantic, El Al Israel Airlines and Alitalia at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.