p2 Contents Feb13 11/2/09 20:55 Page 2
As the CAA flunks its
maths test, public is
news
left to pay the price
THE CAA’s David Moesli should consider a career
in Westminster. When asked this week exactly how
much the Air Travel Trust Fund was in deficit, he
deftly dodged the question like a true politician.
The actual figures leaked to me this week perhaps
explain his reluctance. The fund is now some
£40 million in debt, so no wonder the CAA is banking
on increasing the APC £1 levy to replenish it.
this week
But fierce opposition to this could not have come
as a great surprise to Moesli, given that the CAA’s
own April 2007 consultation document promised APC
would not have to increase for at least three years.
And that, apparently, took into account a large
operator failure (costing up to £250 million, not the
£80 million of XL), combined with deep recession. It
seems someone got their sums rather wrong.
Loving that Cosmos Valentine prize
At a meeting this week, those opposing a rise Tony Byrne, head of trade relations at Cosmos Tourama, got into the Valentine’s
quoted from the document, mocking the CAA and spirit this week. Agents who make a Cosmos Tourama booking on the year’s
the institutions that calculated £1 would be enough. most romantic day, February 14 – that’s tomorrow, in case you forgot – will be
Without XL’s demise, it might have been. Yet the entered into a draw to win £100 to spend on a meal for two at a restaurant of
fund now appears to need nearer £50 million a year, their choice. Email booking references to agencysales@cosmos.co.uk.
not £21 million, in which case APC would need to rise TTG Big Idea winner Perfect Weddings Abroad launches tomorrow, p14
to at least £2.50.
But given this week’s hostile response, I wouldn’t Market update. Orlando.
be surprised if a legal challenge is mounted against The waiting game p4 Florida flights increase p12
the CAA if APC goes up by even a penny. Agents will need to be patient this Universal Studios in Orlando,
year, according to the latest market which is gearing up for a series
Common sense v common greed reports suggesting holidaymakers of launches and anniversaries, is
Delaying the launch of summer 2010 brochures are holding on for late deals. calling for more UK flight capacity
certainly seems sensible. to be added to Florida
What is the point of putting a third season on sale CAA.
when there’s still loads of 2009 left to sell? Surely £40m debt mess p6 City & finance.
it’s better to hold fire and focus on getting this Failures over the last 10 months Hoseasons sell-off? p16
year’s bookings in. have left the Air Travel Trust Hoseasons’ private equity owner
If customers aren’t keen to commit yet Fund, which underpins the Atol has scrapped its consumer and
to buying this summer’s holiday, they’re financial protection scheme, leisure investment team,
unlikely to part with cash in May for one they £40 million in the red. prompting speculation it may
aren’t going to take for 15 months. Unless, of be about to sell the self-catering
course, 2010 is launched with “no deposits” Caribbean. specialist.
– but that invariably leads to high can- Whitehall goes bust p9
cellation levels, so not a good plan. Specialist operator Whitehall Gatwick routes.
You won’t find many disagree- Leisure has gone into liquidation, No-frills price war p28
ing that postponing 2010 is a leaving hundreds of cricket fans A price war between Aer Lingus
good call in principle. following England’s winter tour and easyJet has broken out at
Question is, will they all stick stranded in the Caribbean. Gatwick as they go head-to-head
to any gentleman’s agreement that’s on routes, after the Irish carrier
put in place? APD. opened a base at the airport.
Realistically, won’t the temptation Fair Fares pressure up p10
to steal a march be just too great? Caribbean and Egyptian SECTORS.
governments up the pressure on Cruise p22
Downing Street over Air Passenger Business travel p26
Lucy Huxley Editor Duty as TTG’s online petition Air p28
signatories pass the 1,200 mark. Operators p30
02 13.02.2009
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