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Air Canada’s new Tango policy not winning any dance contests
Air Canada stepped into a world of objections when it suddenly removed its Tango fares, its lowest, from the GDS systems used by travel agents.
The airline also removed the GDS from the travel agency internet portal operated by Air Canada.
“A strange dance, since retail travel agencies sell over 70% of Air Canada tickets,” said Christiane Theberge, vice president of public affairs for the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies.
“Clearly, Air Canada is intent on taking away the customer’s right to the lowest available fare and the best service, which is found when booking with a travel professional,” he said.
Over 3600 Canadian travel professionals expressed outrage, joined by 50 large corporations who signed a letter objecting to the policy, according to Mr Theberge.
Never before in the history of the organization has an industry issue sparked such an “intense and immediate grassroots response,” he said.
Air Canada cited technology problems for its actions.
AirTrav Inc., an air travel consultant, estimated Air Canada could lose as much as $245 million in annual sales from the move.
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and the Business Travel Coalition are sponsoring an industry gathering on 13 June in Toronto to discuss the issue. It is a free event.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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