Tony Loeb

✈ Aiav, Assoviaggi Confesercenti, Fiavet Confcommercio, and Maavi have reported Air France and Klm to the Italian Competition Authority for unfair practices, as they prevent travel agencies from purchasing air tickets with corporate credit cards on behalf of clients. These airlines allow purchases only with certain 'preferred' credit cards, creating an uneven playing field and penalizing both intermediaries and consumers. Additionally, the associations contest a penalty imposed by the airlines for alleged violations of IATA Resolution 890, amounting to 5% of the ticket price, which is 50 times greater than the 0.01% commission given to the agencies. The associations demand an immediate intervention and call for the support of consumer associations and the ABI.

🏖️ The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism launches the Bahamas Travel Agents Rewards Programme, in partnership with My Booking Rewards. The initiative targets Italian travel agents, offering incentives from 20 to 150 euros based on bookings at over 115 participating properties across Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, and the Out Islands. The program aims to foster closer ties with Italian tourism professionals and coincides with daily flights from London via British Airways and regular connections from major cities through the US and Canada.

🛫 Rome Fiumicino Airport's expansion plan for 2024 anticipates nearly 50 million passengers but faces delays in getting the urgent green light for its fourth runway. Daily peaks this year could reach 200,000 people, critical for supporting Ita Airways' development. Managed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and politically by Palazzo Chigi, the revised masterplan by Adr aims for a 100 million passenger capacity yearly, with an expansion of about 260 hectares, 151 of which are in a reserve. The fourth runway will be parallel to the existing third runway, with the first runway shortened by 400 meters. Additional enhancements include a €250 million road infrastructure upgrade by Anas, part of the overall €4.5-5 billion airport expansion budget. The project, including the fourth runway, requires three years to complete, with an 18-24 month approval process involving Enac, environmental impact assessment, and urban conformity for expropriations.

✈ In 2024, Cagliari airport, directed by David Crognaletti of Sogaer, reached a historic record with 5 million 150 thousand passengers, denoting significant growth in the international segment. The Polish market has increased tenfold, alongside the Scandinavian market, with growth even in the low season, making Cagliari a year-round destination. Passenger services are being enhanced, including dining and car rental, as well as sales spaces for regional products. Advance booking for the upcoming summer is up at least 10% over 2024, with peaks of 25%.