EC to start airline league table

A MONTHLY league table of scheduled aircraft could be produced by the European Commission in a bid to improve air travel standards.

The table, unlikely to be in place before 2002, will be based on similar tables in the US.

The following information would have to be submitted: delays encountered on routes and individual airlines; the number of passengers denied bookings; cancellations for reasons other than for safety and security; delayed, lost or damaged baggage and the level and reasons for complaints.

A European Commission source said: "The idea behind this table is to give passengers information about routes and airlines so they can make better and informed choices.”

While Virgin welcomed the idea, Guild of Business Travel Agents member and Ian Allan Travel chairman Paul Allan said: "If airlines did come across problems, I imagine they would find it hard to sort them out in a month. The table could prove to be unfair.”