Virgin Atlantic has written to trade partners to ask them to stop working on its behalf with A1 Travel Deals, trading as Globehunters.
In an email sent on February 20, the airline said: “When we hear of travel companies who ‘bend the rules’ it causes ripples through our trade world and upsets us that customers can be affected in a negative way.”
It said: “We have identified some unusual behaviour and activity, which are outside of agreed terms and policies, and which is detrimental to our industry, partners and customers.”
The airline requested the trade partners “to not work as a consolidator or be associated in any way whatsoever with A1 Travel Deals Limited – Globehunters or any agency under this registered company”.
It asked for the immediate cancellation of unticketed bookings associated with the company.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told Travel Weekly: “Our trade partners are incredibly important to us and we regularly review who we work with to ensure the peace of mind and protection of our customers.”
An Iata spokesperson said: “A1 Travel Deals currently complies with the requirements of Iata accreditation. We will review specific information we receive before deciding on next steps.”
A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said the organisation had not been made aware of the issues with A1 Travel Deals/Globehunters, which have an Atol number. He added that any concerns on Atol compliance should be raised with the Atol Compliance team at the CAA.
Travel Weekly has contacted Globehunters for comment.