Bangkok--Mar 6--Thai Airways
Board of Airline Representatives Business Association called a press conference at the Head Office of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited to clarify the airline position in efforts to eliminate unnecessary CRS (Computerized Reservation System) charges.
Airlines will be sending letters to all their agents setting down “Best Practice Guidelines” for the use of CRS systems. These guidelines are no different from normal procedures that have been taught in training sessions organized by airlines in the past, but since some agents have ignored or intentionally violated these guidelines, causing huge and unnecessary expenses to airlines, it has become necessary to restate them and put measures in place to enforce adherence to these guidelines.
First and foremost, airlines want to ensure that agents are aware of the best practices, and they are ready to have consultations and give assistance to any of their agents who may have difficulty with any of the guidelines. But if, in spite of these efforts, unnecessary segment charges continue, then these charges will be re-debited to the agent, which can be done through the IATA BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan) upon prior notification to the agent. In the case of persistent abuse, further financial penalties could be imposed on agents, and as a final step airlines have the option of withdrawing their identification plate, which would result in termination of the IATA Passenger Sales Agency Agreement between the airline and the agency, in accordance with the provisions of that Agreement.
Agents are free to have any number of CRS systems in their offices, and the main requirement that airlines wish to enforce is that agents use the same system for both booking and ticketing of one transaction. This is because airlines are charged per segment, per passenger, and if two CRS systems are used for the same transaction the airline receives a duplicate charge. Since CRS system providers naturally encourage use of their own system, it is possible that agents use two systems in order to increase their productivity with both system providers, which is unacceptable. Similarly, since airlines are charged per segment, per passenger, agents must train their staff to be diligent in reviewing bookings so that cancelled or unwanted segments are removed promptly, and do not create duplicate or speculative bookings.
Mr. Brian Sinclair-Thompson, President of the Board of Airline Representatives Business Association (BAR), noted that the CRS systems play an essential role in the passenger air transportation industry, and most travel agents are aware of and follow correct usage guidelines. But the actions of a small minority of agents are creating huge and unnecessary expenses for airlines, and steps must be taken to correct the situation. Today in Thailand the airline industry is faced not only with soaring fuel costs, but also increasing operating expenses in many areas, and any unnecessary expenses must be eliminated if operations in Thailand are to remain viable.
Mr. Vasing Kittikul, Executive Vice President Commercial, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, and Honorary Chairman of BAR, endorsed the airlines’ actions, saying that Thailand’s position as an aviation hub depended upon the support of the airline community, and every effort must be made to enable them to operate successfully in the Thailand market. Tourism is one of Thailand’s most important economic sectors and the airlines play a vital role in promoting it. End.