ACTE has launched a petition calling on EC president Romano Prodi to force the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to update its rules
In an open letter posted on its website, ACTE says IATA is “costing European companies a conservative billion euros annually through outdated regulations and procedures.”
The petition claims many of the rules which were drawn up in the 1940s and barely changed since, “predate modern business practices and technological advancement.”
It adds: “Advances in technology, progressive legislation, and economic restructuring have introduced the potential for new efficiencies resulting in significant cost savings.
“Airlines within the EU are aggressively capitalising on these efficiencies to cut distribution costs.
“Yet, travel agencies and corporations are unable to maximise efficiencies because the current IATA regulations have failed to adapt to new market potential, while hindering business and increasing costs.”
It lists five areas where it wants change: standardised ticket costs regardless of where the ticket is booked; the removal of cross-border booking and ticketing restrictions; pan-European BSPs; standardised IATA accreditation for agencies and a standardised accreditation process across Europe.
Nadine Dewart, chair of ACTE EMEA, said the organisation had talked with IATA but had made little headway.
“Now we are taking the fight to a higher level. Travel programmes make a vital contribution to corporate growth and profitability but an estimated €1bn a year is simply being wasted.
“If IATA won't change its way voluntarily, we want the European Commission to force it to do so,” she said.
Little progress was made at the last talks in July between IATA and representatives from the agents' organisations ECTAA and GEBTA.
The next talks are due on October 18.