ARTA Canada is outraged by Eustache's remarks which reflect a complete lack of understanding of and appreciation for the hard work retail travel agents provide carriers in both selling and servicing the airlines' air and air/tour products. What is even more surprising is that Transat has not only vertically integrated travel agencies within its own nest, it also pays travel agencies a variety of commission levels to push its products to consumers throughout the entire agency distribution channel.

"I think Transat's agency sales and marketing team would be quite taken back to hear Eustache's comments, and travel agents themselves do not appreciate this kind of rhetoric which undermines the growing and improved airline/agent relationships which have evolved over the past few years. Frankly, I'm shocked that Eustache evidences so little support for effectively remunerating the travel agency distribution channel", said ARTA Canada President Bruce Bishins.

ARTA Canada is equally concerned about any public remarks made by any carrier criticizing agent pay levels. Competition authorities in many jurisdictions do not take kindly to such public pronouncements which have the potential of being perceived as remuneration signaling.

It is equally surprising that Transat feels that agencies are so profitable that they can rebate their commissions to travellers. Agencies work under very narrow income margins, and few if any travel agencies can simply give away their commissions which are otherwise needed to pay agency operating costs and salaries.

If Transat is having a bad year, it is not because of travel agencies. Get a mirror, Mr. Eustache.