JEANS CALLS ON AGENTS TO SUPPORT MYTRAVELLITE

OUTSPOKEN Tim Jeans said he hopes to forge a relationship with the trade after launching his low-cost airline MyTravelLite.

Jeans said although agents will not receive commission payments, they are free to add a service fee to fares.

“I know agents book low-cost fares over the Internet and consumers often feel more comfortable booking through agents, so I want to build a relationship,” he said. “We will try to ensure agents understand our fees and our operation.”

Jeans often angered the trade during his time as sales and marketing director of Ryanair with caustic remarks about agents.

The airline is also considering a second regional base, and Jeans has told newspapers in Manchester the city is a strong favourite.