Newstrack

Jet to clear Air Sahara travel agent dues, PLBs

Reema Sisodia - Mumbai

The recent buyout of Air Sahara by Jet Airways and its rechristening as JetLite is probably the most discussed news in the aviation business in India. But what went unnoticed were the various repercussions and fallout that this change could bring about.

One entity that is being affected is the IATA-accredited travel agent's fraternity which had certain apprehensions regarding their deals, PLBs, incentives schemes and payment procedures, etc undertaken with Air Sahara. The question lingered as to who would honour them. The concern regarding these clearances was further aggravated when Jet's chairman was quoted saying that the takeover would take place ‘without any liabilities’.

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), on behalf of its members took up the issue with Jet and came back with satisfactory answers from the company, who has agreed and assured the travel agent's fraternity that all PLBs due to any agent will be paid by Air Sahara by May 31 2007. If it fails to do so, Jet will take the responsibility, be it refunds, reissuing of tickets, acceptance of previously issued tickets, incentives and schemes, PLBs, etc. Praveen Chugh, its president, said, "Our members were concerned about what would be in store after the deal, hence we took up the issue with Jet and are glad to receive a positive response from them." Jet cleared its stance in a written note to TAFI by putting forth the following points:

* The PLBs due to all agents till March 31 2007 as per their contract with Air Sahara will be honoured. The same is being verified and will be cleared by 31st May. The Jet management guarantees this payment.

* All refunds on Air Sahara tickets shall continue to be handled as per the existing procedures and this will also be ensured by Jet management.

* All Air Sahara tickets can be re-issued at any airport or city ticketing office of Air Sahara since these offices will continue to hold the Sahara ticket stock.

* The payment by agents for all Air Sahara paper ticket stock shall be paid directly to the local Sahara office as per the circular and the BSP payments shall be made through the BSP as per the existing arrangement.