Government moves to bring airlines under the ATOL scheme

Posted 25/11/2011

ABTA has welcomed news that airlines could be brought within the scope of the ATOL scheme early next year.

The Department for Transport has announced that it may extend the scope of its Draft Civil Aviation Bill, now expected to be introduced in early 2012, to include airlines in the financial protection scheme.

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “We have long called for the inclusion of holiday sales by airlines within the scope of the ATOL scheme, to improve consumer financial protection and ensure a fair and workable solution for the industry.

“The Government has stated that primary legislation is required to do this: today’s announcement is the first signal that they are listening to the consumer and commercial arguments.

“There is space within a draft Bill, and we now need a clear commitment from the DfT to bring holidays sold by airlines in. We are also encouraged that the Government has brought forward the timing of this draft Bill to early 2012.”

The Government will decide before the end of the year on how to proceed.

The Bill would also transfer the enforcement of airport security to the CAA and give it the right to fine airports for poor performance (see earlier story).


by Bev Fearis
 

Originally published 25 Nov 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/1a5d4af4/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C1150A40A60Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm