IATA told to stick to the rules

The European Technology and Travel Services Association is flexing its muscles with a call to IATA to stand by what the new trade body says are “legal obligations”. The newly formed ETTSA, which counts global distribution giants and major online travel agencies among its members, believes the International Air Transport Association is disregarding a new EU Regulation.…

The European Technology and Travel Services Association is flexing its muscles with a call to IATA to stand by what the new trade body says are “legal obligations”.

The newly formed ETTSA, which counts global distribution giants and major online travel agencies among its members, believes the International Air Transport Association is disregarding a new EU Regulation.

The regulation, which came into effect on March 29 and is part of a new Code of Conduct for Computer Reservation Systems, protects travel agencies from having their identifiers disclosed in market intelligence reports.

The regulation says travel agencies may decide whether to have their identification disclosed in the booking data provided by IATA and GDS companies include in their intelligence reports, including IATA’s PaxIS.

The provision was introduced by regulators following claims travel agencies were coming up against unfair commercial pressure from airlines.

Tom Parker, secretary general of ETTSA said: “IATA’s practice appears to be in direct contradiction to the Code of Conduct and seriously jeopardises the protection of travel agencies set out in the new Regulation.”

ETTSA was formed earlier this month to raise awareness of the benefits of travel distributors and technology suppliers to consumers.

Members include Amadeus, ebookers, Expedia, Opodo, Sabre and Travelport.