ABTA has submitted its written response to the CAA’s Information Paper on the Government’s ATOL reform proposals. 

The Information Paper was unveiled by the CAA in November and outlined in more detail how concepts outlined by the Department for Transport like Flight Plus, Approved Bodies and ATOL Certificates are expected to work in practice, as well as providing more detail on other aspects of the Reform proposals.

ABTA has been in discussions with the Department for Transport and the CAA about the scope and detail of the proposals and has consulted with Member representatives on these areas.  Its written response to the Information Paper is available for ABTA Members to read in full online.

Mark Tanzer said: “We are pleased that the Government and the CAA are looking to engage with the industry to find workable solutions.  One of the key challenges of these proposals is their complexity, and there is still much that needs to be done to ensure they are practical and workable for travel businesses.  It is essential that the travel industry has adequate time to prepare for any changes outlined by this reform.  Our written response outlines where we think urgent and detailed action is required. 

The inclusion of holiday sales by airlines within the scheme remains fundamental to ensuring clarity and consistency among both the industry and consumers and this is something we are looking to the Government to provide a clear commitment to when it announces its detailed plans for reform in coming weeks.”

The Department for Transport has indicated that it expects to announce its detailed plans for reform of the ATOL scheme of financial protection at the end of December 2011 or early 2012.