n us airways considers commission options
US Airways countrymanager UK and Ireland John O’Toole said the airline would consider cuttingcommissions if Delta Air Lines and ContinentalAirlines dropped rates to 7%. He said the airline was too small to just follow the lead of American Airlines, United Airlines and British Airways, but if other UScarriers followed suit then eventually US Airways would scrap the 9%payment. O’Toole said that when US Airways cutcommission to 8% from 10% for US agents in 1997, the airline did not notice any drop in sales.
n ireland’s largest ski operators merge
Ireland’s two largest ski operators have merged. Market leader Topflight has acquired Cork-based US specialist Funski. Topflight managing director Tony Collins said the purchase will give the firm a hold on the Andorra ski market. The buyout will also give Topflight access to Italy.
n turkmenistan to take a stand at wtm
The central Asiandestination Turkmenistan will be exhibiting at World Travel Market for the first time this year. The country is northwest of Afghanistan and east of Azerbaijan.Turkmenistan was once an important destination on the Silk Road, the ancient route for traders crossing between Europe and Asia. The country’s attractions include the desert city of Merv and Nisa.
n austrian airlines resumes skopje flights
AustrianAirlines has resumed flights to theMacedonian capital Skopje promising goodconnections at Vienna for ex-UK passengers. Theairline is also planning to relaunch services from Vienna to the Albaniancapital Tirana following the end of NATO bombing in Serbia.