17/06/2010

CAA Appeals Over ATOL 'Breaches'

The need for all flights and accommodation deals to be included in the official Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) arrangements have zoomed back into focus this week.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has just filed an application with the Supreme Court for permission to appeal the Divisional Court's decision in the case of CAA v Travel Republic Ltd.

Although the Divisional Court upheld the decision of the Magistrates Court, it readily certified that this case concerns a point of law, which is of general public importance. The CAA view on this case remains unchanged after taking leading counsel advice and therefore agrees with the Divisional Court that the issue in this case remains a matter of public interest.

Seeking certainty for consumers and clarity for industry are the overriding reasons for the CAA's decision.

The CAA expects a decision from the Supreme Court on whether they will hear the appeal by the end of the summer.

Online retailer Travel Republic was originally summonsed on 20 counts and its boss on another 20, all relating to breaches of the Civil Aviation (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) Regulations 1995.

The pursuit of Travel Republic is seen as a test case for the CAA in enforcing its view that virtually all holiday sales of flights plus accommodation require ATOL cover.

(BMcC/GK)

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