European Commission "Receptive" to Multicom’s Complaint, Says Howell

Travel software specialists Multicom have described the European Commission (EC) as "receptive" following a meeting in Brussels on Friday with representatives from the Bristol-based company.

The delegation, led by Multicom Managing Director John Howell, met with EC officials in Brussels to discuss the company's complaint against Ryanair after they claimed that the carrier’s stance was anti-competitive. 

Multicom, suppliers of online booking software to over half of the UK travel agents, presented a significant file of evidence in support of its claims against Ryanair and official questioned them on various aspects of the complaint. 

The decision to take the case to the European Commission was the latest move by the Bristol based firm to protect what it believes is its right to offer the no frills airlines' flights to agents and retailers. 

Speaking after the meeting in Brussels John Howell, Managing Director of Multicom, said: "I was very pleased with the progress we made during these discussions and EC officials were receptive to our arguments. 

"Clearly, our business, and that of the thousands of hard working Agents who are just trying to get the best deal for their customers, is being restricted by what we are advised is a breach of the EU legislation regarding anti-competitive trading. 

"If this is not challenged – and challenged successfully – it will leave the door open for others to follow Ryanair’s lead which will have enormous and damaging consequences for the whole of the industry and ultimately it will be customers who lose out.

"I'm confident the EC recognise those concerns and will find in favour of open, transparent and competitive trading conditions that benefits the consumer not penalizes them."

The company has been advised by Simon Halberstam of Solicitors Sprecher Grier Halberstam and Barrister Jonathan Turner while the co-correspondent in the EC complaint Bravofly, the leading independent online provider of travel agency services in Europe, has been supported by Dewey Le Beouf.

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