A traveller security task force to study privacy and passenger safety has been launched in the EMEA region by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE).
The first task of newly appointed seven-strong team will be to define what are the most pressing and critical security issues and draw up appropriate responses.The Task Force will also monitor any EU-US plans on the use of passenger information and act as a liaison between the EU and ACTE members.ACTE already has a similar body operating in America and the two will work together, notably on providing statistical information and feedback to government organisations in the US and Europe.
ACTE President Greeley Koch said: “Traveller security is one topic that requires a concerted global approach. Privacy, airport integrity, identification procedures, and traveller safety are subjects that extend far beyond national borders.“The contribution of this task force cannot be disputed, especially as the EU and the US continue to work toward new agreements and regulations pertaining to passports, visas, identification procedures, and data bases. Other concerns like hotel safety are likely to be addressed as well.”
Member of the EMEA Force are: Pamela Martin, Director, business development, ATP International, UK; Vitold Horodecki, global travel team, Hewlett Packard, France; Steve Maier, global accounts manager, Amadeus, Spain; Jean-Pierre Remy, president du directoire Expedia Corporate Travel Europe, France; Bernard Harrop, director industry affairs, American Express, UK; Spencer Hanlon, managing director, AirPlus International, UK; and Kjeld Krogh, group controller, Inter-IKEA, Belgium.
‘LOT in talks over Malev'
LOT, the state-owned Polish airline, is in talks about joining a consortium which is aiming to buy the Hungarian carrier Malev.
The consortium, led by former Malev executives, is one of three bidding for the loss-making airline.
Pawel Klimiuk, a spokesman for LOT was quoted as saying: “LOT has received an invitation to join the consortium that is bidding for Malev. We have confirmed our interest but at the moment negotiations are at a very early stage.”
The highest bid so far for Malev is said to have been made by the Russian carrier KrasAir. Hungary's state privatisation agency APV said it would make a decision in six to eight weeks. This is its fourth attempt to sell the carrier.