In the initiation of UFTAA, NATTA had participated in an Interactive Session via Conference Call with UFTAA Delegations on 29th March 2020 speaking on the current issues especially in the matter of IATA. The participating members were from various continents; Europe; Middle East; Africa; South Asia & Asia which brought greater awareness on industry happenings and shared a global perspective of challenges travel agencies currently face.
UFTAA President Sunil Kumar R, shared about the communications UFTAA sent to IATA and demands made for an immediate positive response to support agencies honour refunds to passengers and to ensure the safety of passenger money. As COVID-19 has caused them large losses due to cancellation of flights.
Associations sought support from UFTAA to endorse their communication to IATA requiring an extension of the payment deadline. As informed, UFTAA would continue to endorse to IATA all communications copied to UFTAA to seek an extension of payment deadlines. It was advised to associations, that per IATA’s practice, while the deadline for payment was extended, yet should the agency fail to pay within 3 extra days or for the number of days, IATA agrees for, no non-compliance action against the Agency will be taken.
Associations also briefly shared, their initiatives with the Government and with their national carriers and other airlines to help support agencies in such difficult times. Associations requiring urgent convening of APJC meetings may write to IATA with a copy to UFTAA.
Many matters impacted by COVID-19 were shared in the 90 minutes call. President Sunil Kumar & Vice President Yossi Fatael assured to keep the members updated on further developments.
