A new turn to the Calcutta High Court zero commission hearing

The Calcutta High Court has vacated the status quo (stay order) on the implementation of the zero commission during the hearing which took place on November 3, 2008. The case (case number G.A 3257/2008 and C.S 197/2008) has proceeded into arguments with the hearing to be re-evaluated on December 8, 2008 as the case has not yet been dismissed.

As per sources in the industry, “The other party (airlines) put across an argument on November 3, 2008 saying that the Transaction Fee is being paid by the airlines in lieu of commission as remuneration paid to agents.” However, the fact remains that airlines will not be paying agents the Transaction Fee, but agents will have to collect it from passengers directly. The source also disclosed that a TAFI member agent is considering an appeal against the status quo being vacated.