Virgin Atlantic Airways
will retain its commission-based remuneration scheme ‘Virgin Atlantic Colours’ for travel agents.  Virgin Atlantic has amended the base commission level and has adapted the criteria of the scheme to make it easier for agents to achieve a higher gold status.  The new scheme will be effective from 1 July 2005. 

Paul Wait, General Manager of Sales, commented: “Virgin Atlantic is pleased to be retaining a commission based scheme for agents and continues to reward agents focussing on performance.  We faced the choice of matching our rivals and reducing commission levels to 0%.  However, we still believe in the valuable contribution the travel trade makes and will instead offer a 2% commission for the sale of all classes of tickets for agents that participate in the Colours scheme.  Furthermore the airline is committed to reinvesting funds in sales and marketing agreements and incentives for agents.

Doreen McKenzie, Chairman of ABTA’s Aviation Committee commented, “Virgin Atlantic has always been supportive of agents and we welcome the fact that this new payment structure will still enable our members to sell Virgin Atlantic tickets on a commissionable basis.”
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