Easier and cheaper airfares
Posted, April 08, 2008 @ 00:00
Conservative MEP paves the way for liberalisation of Computerised Reservation Systems
Brussels, 8th April 2008 -- Today the European Parliament's Transport Committee held an exchange of views with the Commission on the liberalisation of Computerised Reservation Systems (CRS) in the EU.
Currently, in the EU about 60% of airline bookings are still carried out using CRS. Airlines' own websites have made substantial inroads in recent years, but as they control stakes in CRS, the threat exists that they could engage in anti-competitive behaviour which would prejudice consumers. The present Code of Conduct allows airlines who own CRS to favour their own bookings, thereby distorting the market in the current ticket distribution regime.
A draft report by Timothy Kirkhope, Conservative Spokesman on Transport and Tourism, which seeks to open up the computer booking system, is a major step forward in protecting European consumers from higher airfares.
Timothy Kirkhope MEP, Conservative Transport Spokesman, said:
"The response from the Commission was extremely positive and I now look forward to fine-tuning this report to reaffirm safeguards for consumers and investors alike. I am working on a formula which would ensure fair competition in the presence of 'parent carriers' and also guarantee the protection of personal data. We must ensure that flight information provided by airlines to CRS and travel agents is timely and comprehensive, so that consumers are given the fairest and fullest possible choice available."