Getting With the Program - Carlson Wagonlit Travel

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24 Priorities for MobilityQuestion: Could you provide an update on regulation regarding global distributionsystems (GDSs) in Europe? Can the situation change if European airlines maintaina stake in Amadeus?Jacques Barrot: We are reviewing our guidelines on the relations between airlines andGDSs. The current rules are quite complex. We do not want to get rid of the rules butwe do want to make them more operational so we can ensure they are applied. Thequestion is whether we need to cut the ownership link between airlines and GDSs.That is a real issue and we need to weigh how difficult that would be. I propose that,in my conversations with the presidents of companies that hold major stakes in GDSs,and in one GDS in particular, I see whether they could withdraw in order to provide faircompetition among the GDSs. For me, this is an extension of everything we are doingto promote fair competition.Question: What power do you have to limit the growing number of air taxes?Jacques Barrot: We are making a proposal that will bring greater transparency for airportcharges—airports and airlines need to talk on a clear and transparent basis. We have toldthem that if they cannot manage this, we will require them to call in a mediator. Underour proposal, each member state will have to have a mediator to reach an agreementbetween airlines and airports. This is only part of the story, however, as there is anotherdebate continuing over payment for security measures. We have a major problem withmember states because the European Parliament wants clear rules on who pays forsecurity: the state, the airline, the airport or the traveler? There is real conflict betweenmember states, who say that Europe should not interfere with their business, and theEuropean Parliament, which wants the state to take on more of the cost. We will finda solution, but it is complex because each member state has its own way of managingsecurity. Finally, all the different taxes should be clearly indicated on each ticket. 11At the end of November, the European Union agreed to oblige companies to include all taxes and charges in advertised air ticketprices to customers. The European Parliament is expected to approve theses measures.
CWTvIsIon Issue 3 - January 20082Question: Are you working on increasing service from Europe to China?Jacques Barrot: I have asked the member states for a mandate to start negotiationswith China, not to arrive at exactly the same model as the Open Skies agreement withthe United States but at least to liberalize routes between Europe and China. We shouldreach an agreement but we are not there yet. The rapid development of this marketrequires liberalization and greater competition so we are pursuing it. I also have somehopes for the Indian market because the Indian minister is very concerned aboutliberalizing air traffic. But we are having difficulties with China. Some member statesthat I will not name are very happy with their existing bilateral relations with Chinabecause it prevents new entrants. It is a real problem and I am not sure I have verystrong support from all the airlines. All the same, I hope that, from the Chinese side aswell, the desire to create more numerous, competitive relations will take the upperhand and we will sign an agreement one day. At a time when growth in China and Asiaare exploding, it is paradoxical to be a bit limited in terms of mobility.A final word…Jacques Barrot: In closing, I would like to say: please do not hesitate to contact me. Iinsist. I am a politician and I am here to advance mobility in Europe and worldwide.Because mobility is the symbol of freedom. It is the means for exchange andconsequently a great virtue. It would be paradoxical if, as globalization accelerates, goodscirculate easily but not people. So please do not hesitate to tell me if you noticediscrepancies that could undermine free movement. And thank you for everything youare doing, because the more people travel, the more we can reconcile our interests. Inever forget that if I have a European vocation, it is because I consider Europe to bethe testing ground for mutual understanding. We cannot build our future if we do notunderstand each other, and we cannot understand each other if we do not meet. Thatis why you are doing the most noble of jobs and so am I. To contact Jacques Barrot, please write to:Mr. Jacques BarrotVice President of the EuropeanCommission and Commissioner for TransportRue de la Loi/Wetstraat 2001049 BrusselsBelgium
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Page 44 and 45: 42 Ten Business Travel trends for 2
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Page 52 and 53: 0Ground Transportation: Worth Anoth
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Page 56 and 57: 4In BriefIn Brief54 Snapshot56 Soun
Page 58 and 59: 6In BriefSOUNDBITE“Air travelers
Page 60 and 61: 8In BriefNumerous airlinesunveiled
Page 62: 60 In BriefINDICATORSEvolution of a

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