“This will drive the smaller agent out of business and will polarise the market. The biggest will get bigger and the smaller will disappear. I don’t think economic conditions had anything to do with it. PRS hasn’t worked for BA and the European Commission did not look kindly on it – it was inevitable.”
Don Lunn, Guild of Business Travel Agents chairman
“I think this could really cost BA. If BA squeezes out the smaller guys it will have to rely on the high producing agents, who will then be able to squeeze BA.”
Mike Carrivick, managing director Maersk DFDS Travel
“I think two things will happen. Firstly the service fee issue will accelerate and also – now that there is a clear gap between BA’s commission and other airlines, rather than being muddled with PRS – we will see more agents going one way or another.”
Joe Bourke, ABTAAviation Committee chairman