THE CHAIRMAN of Aston Martin has written to British Airways to complain about the carrier’s plans to axe commission.
In a letter to BA, Aston Martin chairman and chief executive Robert Dover threatened to put his business with another airline rather than be forced to pay a management fee to his travel agent.
Dover told BA:”Operating in this manner would result in you losing a significant amount of our business.
“We would not find it acceptable to be charged an additional fee by the agent for the privilege of flying BA and, equally we understand the need for our travel agents to obtain remuneration for the service they provide.”
Dover contacted BA after his business travel agent, Scheduled Air Travel sales and marketing director David Hall, wrote to clients to explain the implications of BA’s decision to axe commission in January next year (Travel Weekly, February 21).
Other companies that use BA are also starting to look at alternatives.
Nestle UKbusiness travel co-ordinator Ian Nurdin said:”BAhas a monopoly on the routes that we use but it doesn’t stop us looking at alternative ways to travel.
“Manchester is our most popular destination so we are looking very closely at the developments on the west coast rail line.
“If we see an opportunity to offer a better travel service to our staff, then we will.
Institute of Travel Managers chairman Ian Hall said members are watching BAfor reduced fares.
“If BA chooses not to reduce fares, we have to identify whether it is cost effective for us to continue to use BA.”
A BA spokeswoman said:”Our aim is that the total price paid by most customers will not increase and will be accompanied by business fare reductions.
“Value-for-money business fares are also being phased in.”