The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has applied to the Federal Court to "assist" in the hearing of the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission’s case against Flight Centre.
The ACCC alleges that on six occasions between 2005 and 2009 the retailer encouraged three airlines — Singapore, Emirates and Malaysia — not to sell fares cheaper direct to the public than those available through Flight Centre shops (Travel Today, March 9)
In an application filed on Wednesday, IATA said: “Subject to any further order, as amicus curiae (or as intervener) IATA have the right to assist the Court and participate in the proceedings by making written submissions on the relationship between IATA members and IATA accredited travel agents, including the field or range of activity in which they interact and the nature of that interaction.”
The implications of the legal action for airlines and the broader travel industry are likely to have prompted the IATA move, just ahead of the case's scheduled start on Monday.
Some commentators believe the case could have repercussions for the retail sector as a whole.
