19 September ATIA before key Parliamentary Inquiry September 19, 2023 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 ATIA's submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry highlights the critical flaws in the existing system, where decisions often lack a comprehensive understanding of their impact on passengers. The need for reform is glaring, as it is crucial that all stakeholders, not just airlines, have a direct say in determining supply and demand. It also raises some of the unintended effects of the New Distribution Capability (NDC) on Australian consumers. NDC's adoption has allowed airlines to assume the role of sole price makers, enabling them to enhance profit margins on their most affordable products without market competition pressure. This transformation has resulted in notable consequences that have serious ramifications for Australian consumers and the agents who support them. A copy of ATIA’s submission is available here. Quotes attributable to ATIA CEO Dean long “The Senate Committee Inquiry offers a pivotal opportunity to address the issues that have long plagued Australia's aviation industry and air ticket distribution landscape, with ATIA taking the lead in this fight for our members and the broader travel industry.” “The current system determining which airlines can operate in and out of Australia was established in 1944. This system was designed to protect the interests of national carriers which at that stage were largely government owned. While times have changed, the system has not.” “Despite ATIA's members selling a staggering 10 million tickets, amounting to a total value of $14 billion over the past 12 months until August, the Department of Transport fails to consider their perspective when deciding which bilateral aviation agreements to approve.” “There is a critical and compelling need to redefine national interest in decision-making. ATIA’s submission highlights the critical flaws in the existing system where decisions are made without a comprehensive understanding of their impact on passengers.” “Our submission also highlights the detrimental effects of the New Distribution Capability on Australian consumers.” “We are seeing the current application of NDC translate into limited choices for Australian consumers and businesses, increased airfares, and a further reduction in competition within the air ticket distribution market.” “We have a good relationship with our airline partners and we look forward to working further with them on NDC's adoption to address these issues for Australian consumers and the agents who support them.” MEDIA CONTACT: LJ Loch 0488 038 555 or lj.loch@atia.travel Related Articles Travel has a new home – the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) The Australian Travel Industry has a new peak industry body representing travel agents and advisors, tour operators, consolidators and wholesalers replacing the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) effective today. ATIA Welcomes Key Recommendations in COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report to Strengthen Future Crisis Preparedness The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomes the release of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report, which presents critical recommendations to strengthen Australia’s resilience and preparedness for future pandemics. ATIA tells Senate inquiry a revolution is needed With international fares from Sydney in 2023 up to 99% higher than pre-COVID, and a lack of competition and capacity, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has told the Senate Committee Inquiry into Bilateral Air Service Agreements a revolution rather than a recalibration of Australia’s aviation industry is needed to ensure consumers are better supported. ATIA’s asks reflected in main Senate Inquiry Report Many of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)’s recommendations to the Senate Select Committee’s Inquiry into Commonwealth Bilateral Air Service Agreements on how Australia’s aviation industry can be reformed to better support consumers have been accepted. New ATIA Directors welcomed at 47th AGM ATIA has successfully held its 47th AGM, with three new directors appointed at the meeting today for the FY25 Board. ATIA unveils game-changing initiatives at inaugural Beyond Borders Summit The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced a series of landmark initiatives aimed at reshaping Australia’s travel sector at the first-ever Beyond Borders Summit in Sydney. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.