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Norwegian: Book with confidence
Ian Taylor
ian.taylor@travelweekly.co.uk
Norwegian Air insists agents can book “with confidence”, saying a shortfall in cash has “improved” since card acquirers halted credit card payments to the carrier late last year.
The airline admitted it needs
cash to “create headroom” as it unveiled plans to raise NOK 3 billion (£272 million) through a rights issue – an offer of additional shares to existing shareholders – and confirmed: “Some acquirers had taken the decision to hold back payments.” Norwegian’s reassurance came as Berlin-based Germania, which flew charters for Tui and Thomas Cook in Germany, filed for bankruptcy. Card acquirers process
payments for airlines, agents and others, and Alan Bowen of the Association of Atol Companies said withholding payments “can be fatal”. But Norwegian insisted: “The situation has now improved and is stable.” A spokesman told Travel
Norwegian Air is playing down a card payment issue
Weekly: “Holdbacks are a regular practice in the industry, as was the case during the last few months in 2018. This has improved in line with our liquidity situation and the recent announcement of the rights issue. Agents can continue to book Norwegian on behalf of customers with confidence.” Bowen said: “Processing card
payments is critical for an airline dependent on direct sales. Your cashflow becomes zero if you’re a direct-sell business – you can be entirely dependent on card processors.” Norwegian revealed an
operating loss of NOK 2.2 billion (£200 million) for 2018 as it confirmed plans to curb expansion, redirect aircraft deliveries and shut bases. Germany’s second-biggest
airline Germania ceased flying on Tuesday after failing to secure a €20 million lifeline. Its 37 aircraft chiefly operated charters on behalf of German operators – 15% of its flying was for Tui Germany. Jersey-based C I Travel Group
was due to commence weekly flights to Tenerife with Germania this Sunday (February 9).
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Olein Webster aims to raise £1,500
STORIES HOT
Global agent has heart of Diamond
Harry Kemble
harry.kemble@
travelweekly.co.uk
A Global Travel Group member is donating a chunk of her commission from every booking to charity as the consortium starts a campaign to encourage acts of kindness.
Olein Webster, a director at
homeworking agency Diamond Travel, is supporting three charities – The Vine Centre, Your Sanctuary and the MS Society – and hopes to raise £1,500 in a year. Her donations range from £2.50
to £50 depending on the value of the booking with the Farnborough- based agency, and are made only once customers return from holiday in case a refund is needed. Webster said: “I have never done
anything like this before. I have supported local charities in the past [but] this is a bit more formal. “It is going to be a challenge, but
I’m optimistic.” The Vine Centre, based in Aldershot, provides services for disadvantaged adults, while Your Sanctuary supports domestic abuse victims in northwest Surrey.
“I have never done anything like this. It is going to be a challenge, but I’m optimistic”
Webster also chose national charity the MS Society after her sister-in-law was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. So far she has donated £70, from six bookings, since starting her year-long mission. In the week leading up to National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17, Global Travel Group will be surprising its members across the UK as part of a seven-day campaign. Commercial director Cherie
Richards said the consortium wanted to remind members how valued they were. “We know it can sometimes feel
like a bit of a marathon,” she said. “We are excited about visiting
Global members across the country next week to brighten up their day for no other reason than to say thank you for their hard work and support.”
7 February 2019
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