COMPUTER RESERVATION SYSTEM (CRS) CODE OF CONDUCT

The original code came into effect in 1989 and there have been few changes since, yet the market has changed dramatically. The US has gone for complete deregulation and there is pressure from some quarters for the same in the EU. The European Commission announced proposals in December 2007 relaxing the parent company obligations but removing agent identity from the Marketing Information Data Tapes (MIDTs). The proposals are currently going through the European Parliament.  If there is no agreement, the alternative is for the entire code to be repealed under the EU initiative to simplify existing legislation.

In December 2007, the Department for Transport launched a parallel consultation on a proposal for the Reform of the CRS code of conduct.  

ABTA’s Position

Lobbying has mainly been through ECTAA as until recently there has been little UK government interest.  ECTAA’s three main concerns are: the removal of mandatory participation of parent carriers in other CRSs, particularly in Amadeus-dominated countries; the need for access to full inventory; the sale of commercially sensitive agent data (MIDTs) by CRS to airlines/third parties. It is desirable for the code to be retained in some form rather than be repealed.

ABTA has responded to, and met, the DfT along these lines, emphasising the need for agent identification to be removed from the MIDTs.  ABTA is now engaging with the Rapporteur, a UK MEP, vis a vis the amendments going through the applicable parliamentary committee.

Last updated: 8 April 2008