Managers draw up rescue bid

JETSET Flights senior management has tabled a bid to buy the scheduled seat-only operation from MyTravel.

If successful, the move would save it from closure and protect the jobs of 75 staff.

Managing director David Partington and commercial director John Bond have insisted they can turn round the business which has been losing sales for three years.

Bond confirmed a rescue package had been drawn up and believed there was a “strong possibility” a deal would be struck with MyTravel.

“It is one of four options for MyTravel,” said Bond, who sold Jetset to MyTravel in 1999.

“It is a serious proposition and not just an ego trip.”

He said a decision was due next week but declined to reveal the value of the offer.

MyTravel is considering closing the operation after a 30% fall in sales, an increase in on-line bookings and the decision to phase out technology used by Jetset (Travel Weekly July 28).

However, Bond said it was close to securing a deal with a new web-enabled technology supplier that would be more economical and compatible with Going Places’ new TravelCat system, but not the tailor-made brands in MyTravel’s Flextravel division.

Flextravel managing director Matt Cheetham said: “The plc has been approached by John Bond and David Partington and it is one of the things to be considered.”