ABTA today welcomes the announcement by the Department for Transport to push back its proposed timetable for the introduction of ATOL Reform from January 1st to April 2012. 

In its September response to the Government’s consultation on ATOL reform, ABTA called on the Government to review the January timescale.  Many Members have also put forward their own submissions highlighting their concerns on this issue.

The Association continues to highlight its concerns regarding the inclusion of airlines in the scheme and around important practical elements that have yet to be agreed such as the definition of protection to be offered by the Air Travel Trust Fund and the mechanism for implementing the ATOL certificate.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns, and those of the entire industry, on timescales: the January 1st implementation timetable had become untenable.  This shows how important it is for our Members, and the industry as a whole, to put our views to the Government in a robust way.  While we support the current proposals as a first step towards improving the system of financial protection, the inclusion of holidays sold by airlines is an essential second step.  Further, there are still important areas regarding the principles and practicalities of the reforms that need to be addressed by the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority, we look forward to continuing to work closely with them on these.  With a December announcement now expected by the Government, travel businesses must be given enough time to make necessary preparations, even with an April implementation timetable.”