8 April ATIA CALLS FOR ACCC GUARDRAILS ON AIRLINE DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES April 8, 2026 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has called for specific "guardrails" to be put in place to protect a competitive travel market re-authorisation of the Qantas-American Airlines Joint Business Agreement (QAJB). In a formal submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), ATIA has called for the exclusion of agency distribution strategies from the proposed agreement. While the alliance allows the airlines to coordinate flights and frequent flyer schemes, ATIA is concerned that it also permits them to coordinate how they deal with travel agents and tour operators. The submission highlights that travel agents and tour operators act as a critical competitive constraint on airlines by facilitating price comparison and product substitution at the point of sale. ATIA argues that if major airlines are allowed to coordinate their agency strategies, it reduces the pressure on them to offer competitive commissions and fair access to fares. This ultimately makes it harder for travel professionals to negotiate the best outcomes for their clients. QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG “ATIA is committed to a level playing field where all our members including retail, corporate, and mobile agents can compete fairly. We don’t oppose these major airline partnerships but we are fighting for the safeguards that ensure travel professionals, including the 92% of our members who are small businesses, can continue to negotiate independently.” “The travel trade is responsible for an indirect market worth over $19.6 billion annually, supporting over 19.8 million Australians who choose to book through an expert. When airlines coordinate their distribution strategies, it weakens the ability of travel agents to act as independent advisors. We are asking the ACCC to put a ‘referee’ in place so that the travel trade can continue to compare, contrast, and steer demand based on merit, rather than facing coordinated restrictions from the major carriers.” Related Articles Success on ATIA’s call for return of ACCC monitoring of domestic airlines The reinstatement of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s monitoring of domestic airlines is great news for travellers and travel businesses and will support increased efficiency and reliability of flights. Travel has a new home – the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) The Australian Travel Industry has a new peak industry body representing travel agents and advisors, tour operators, consolidators and wholesalers replacing the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) effective today. ATIA Calls for Stronger Support for Travel Businesses in Federal Election With Australia’s airfares surging — up 13% nationally and as much as 95% on key routes — travellers are paying the price for a market dominated by just two airline groups controlling 98% of domestic passengers. Three ATIA Members Can Win a Famil to Fukushima Courtesy of ATIA’s New Japanese Partnership The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced the first major initiative of its new corporate partnership with Japan’s Fukushima prefecture, offering three travel industry members the opportunity to join a hosted familiarisation trip to the region in November. ATIA 'Aspire to Hire' Webinar: A must-attend industry discussion on hiring strategies In response to the current industry landscape, ATIA is set to host the 'Aspire to Hire' webinar on Tuesday, 5th September, at 12:30pm AEST ATIA CEO Dean Long on Singapore Airlines and Western Sydney International Airport QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG "Today is a massive leap forward for Sydneysiders and their connection to the world. Singapore Airlines is one of the best aviation players with one of the best products in the sky, and this gives them wonderful access to Europe. Showing 0 Comment