Press Release No.: 0

Date: 14 November 2002

IATA Welcomes Australian Decision Authorising Travel Agency Program

"The decision, by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (A.C.C.C.) to authorise IATA's travel agency program is a victory for the industry and will help airlines and agents continue to provide efficient service at a lower cost to consumers, in Australia and around the world" said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO.

IATA is pleased that the A.C.C.C recognised that the IATA passenger agency program "provides clear and significant public benefits". This highlights the fact that IATA delivers benefits not just ot its Member airlines, but also to the public at large.

IATA's program allows accredited agents to sell tickets directly to the public and ensures that professional standards are an integral part of the system.

Through this program accredited agents have access to airlines worldwide, thereby providing carriers and travellers with an efficient network of sales agents, and providing consumers with a wider choice of destinations and services.