n austrian rate cut
Austrian Airlines has announced it is cutting agent commission from 9% to 7% on July 1. It followed similar moves by UnitedAirlines and Sabena. See story, page 3.
n cityflyer launch
British Airways’ franchise partner CityFlyer Express is launching Gatwick- Shannon flights fromOctober. The carrier will operate a daily serviceduring the week and one flight on Sunday. Saturday flights are planned from next spring.
n excalibur demise
Flight-only Cyprus operator Excalibur International Travel Limited has ceased trading. The Civil Aviation Authority says all customers holding scheduled airtickets issued by theATOL-bonded North London company can travel as planned. Excalibur also undertook retail bookings for other ATOL holders and in these cases customers should contact the tour operators named on their invoice.
n sabena wrangle
Sabena is seekingcompensation fromRailtrack after a complaint from Eurostar halted aone-day promotion by the airline at Waterloo Station. A Railtrack spokesman said any future promotions would be weighed up against the wishes of train operators at Waterloo, especially Eurostar which is a major partner ofRailtrack at Waterloo. Eurostar refused tocomment.
n special fares revamp
GoingPlaces’ special fares unit has been renamed Flightdeck as part ofa shake-up at theEnfield-based business. The company refused todisclose any further details.