May 2, 2011

IATA AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
Central Secretariat
IAAI Bhavan, 39/4012- K & L, Karimpatta Road, Pallimukku, Cochin-682 016

Telefax :0484-4022205 email : secretary@iaai.in, ceo@iaai.in | www.iaai.in
IAAI/079-11/VLJ/WPS/CIR

May 2, 2011

To: All IATA Accredited Travel Agents & Trade Partners

Sub: Weekly Payment System

Dear All,

We have to alert you. Airlines, with the passive support of APJC, are bound to implement Weekly Payment System which would wipe out 70% of ordinary Agents. Several IATA Accredited Travel Agents (non-members of IAAI) have requested us to update them about the progress of resistance stand taken by IAAI on the captioned issue. We stand committed in our fight for justice and equality for all travel agents.

APJC-India subcommittee (FAG) meeting was allegedly held on 17 March, 2011

APJC Member TAFI reports on 13 Apr – airlines once again indicated their desire to move to “Weekly Settlement,” which is the trend and being adopted by Airlines in many parts of the world instead of the current “Fortnightly Settlement” as is prevalent in India……..The Airlines informed that they will come up with a “Win-Win” formula.

APJC Member TAAI reports on 15 Apr – the Airlines had once again brought up the subject of changing the payment schedule from the existing Fortnightly to WEEKLY. They had drawn references to similar changes that had been brought about in various parts of the world………. Airlines had agreed that they will propose a win-win situation wherein we will be rewarded with some benefits should we accept the weekly settlement proposal.

While IAAI, will definitely fight for the rights of the Travel Fraternity, it is important to note how our representatives in APJC ie TAAI and TAFI are making it difficult for the Travel Trade by their subservient if not covert consent to the proposals by the Airlines.

Look at the realities:

Though FAG Meeting was held on 17 March, it took 28 days for these associations to inform their members about this crucial, important matter. Saddest part is that 13 Apr mail requested members to reply to their questionnaire before 20 Apr, since airlines are pressing for immediate implementation.

Both TAAI & TAFI mails on 13&15Apr, respectively justified the endorsement of weekly payment : (circulars are enclosed as attachments for ready reference)

( a) it is a global phenomena

(b) airlines will bring in ‘win-win” packages to agents’ welfare

(c ) this matter was on the table for more than an year.

In a nut shell, airlines, together with these APJC Members, will implement ‘weekly payments’ within a very short span. And at the end of the day, like in the case of zero commission and TAP, the associations will have a pleasant “protest” with a sweet condolence, ‘due emergency and high security reasons , as a global phenomenon , IATA headquarters mandated weekly payment system’.

IAAI is concerned and afraid, that the travel agents are being taken again for a ride, as they did in the past in case the of – Rs.20 lakh BG, zero commission, TAP etc…..

Friends, in the span of Three years, you have already faced the most treacherous situations. All because of the non performance of our representatives at APJC-India. Unless we open our eyes, this will be the end of our travel career as IATA accredited Agents. If we do not come out of our slumber, even GOD will not be able to save us.

Of course, IAAI can and will fight against all these evils and injustices, provided each and every travel agent lends their support and co-operation. So far we have fought through the Courts of Law. Now, we need your support. You may please give us your support and we will definitely fight for you.

IAAI is an Association for the Agents and by the Agents.

Regards

for IAAI National Director Board

V.L. Jaghannathan

General Secretary