The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled a new version of the Atol claims portal, with the in-house platform described as a “big step forward”.
The portal replaces the externally-hosted system that was considered “due for retirement”.
Alongside the new portal, which features enhanced security measures, a master booking database has also been created, allowing automated verification of consumer claims submitted.
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Matthew Buffey, head of consumer rights enforcement at the CAA, said: “Moving to a new, bespoke, system is a big step forward for passengers and creates a platform we can improve even further in future.”
The claims portal is available to travellers who have booked a trip with an Atol holder that has since failed.
The CAA said the new system gives it “greater control over development and deployments”, allowing for more responsive updates better tailored to consumers.
The built-in security measures will protect both the CAA and consumers against potential fraud, while the standalone master booking database has been designed to “store, transform, utilise and manage data” provided by the failed Atol holder.
Buffey said: “Consumers often face a great deal of uncertainty when their Atol holder fails. Atol protection is considered the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to protecting consumers and so, in living up to this standard, it’s crucial that we deliver a consistent and high-quality service for handling consumer refunds.”