AIR FRANCE PAYMENTS
AirFrance is to unveil a new agents’ commission structure in September.
Payments are expected to be tied to improved agent sales and start from a reduced basic rate than the current 9%. Commercial director UK and Ireland Thierry de Bailleul said: “It is taking a long time as we want to consult the trade and talk to senior people.”
NEW FERRY ROUTE HIT
Irish Ferries had suspended service of its new Dublin-Holyhead fast-ferry craft Jonathan Swift as Travel Weekly went to press after threats of unofficial industrial action from ships officers’ union SIPTU.
The dispute is based on a disagreement over officer-manning levels but Irish ferries says the number of officers it wants on board has been backed up by Irish tribunal court the Labour Court.
ABTA BOOKING DATES
Bookings for the ABTA Convention in Cairns will open for council and committee members and past presidents from July 8 with ordinary members able to book from July 12.Sponsors can apply from July 19 and non members from July 22. A special charter with Malasyian Airlines is expected to be laid on.
LEADING PROPOSALS
Leading Hotels of the World is to create a sub-brand – Small Leading Hotels of the World – to attract smaller properties into its portfolio. The upmarket hotel representation company said the move followed a recognition that the trend in hotel building was towards boutique-style properties, which may be reluctant to pay the same initiation fee for representation as the bigger hotels.