Anatolian Sky moves quickly to reassure agents and clients following collapse of XL

News date: 15/09/2008

Anatolian Sky Holidays is pleased to announce that they have managed to make alternative arrangements for all clients due to travel to and from Turkey on XL flights on Saturday 13th and Monday 15th September, with minimal changes to flight timings.

Managing Director, Akin Koç said:

“I am sure I am not the only one who had a very difficult and frustrating day on Friday, but, fortunately, after many phone calls I was able to book alternative flights for all of our passengers due to depart for Turkey with XL on the following day, Saturday and Monday, as well as for those due to return from Dalaman.”

Agents who have passengers due to travel with Anatolian Sky on XL flights on these dates have been informed of revised flight details and will be informed of return flight details as soon as arrangements have been finalised. Anatolian Sky are also working hard to find alternative flight arrangements for all other clients and will notify them in due course.

 Mr Koç expressed his frustration with some of the media coverage of the situation:

“TUI Travel’s Peter Long has been widely quoted in the press as urging customers to ‘go with the big companies’, but XL too was a big company, and is certainly not the first large tour operator to have gone into liquidation. I am sure that most clients and agents will realise that it is more important to book with a company - of whatever size - which is well-established and has solid foundations. There is a big difference between companies such as Anatolian Sky who have been in the market for almost 20 years and those who seem to have sprung up from nowhere. Being small and specialist can actually have significant advantages, especially in situations like these, as we can rely on our personal relationships with hotels and airlines to help us to cope."

Mr Koç said that his sympathies went out towards those who had been adversely affected by the demise of the XL group. He said that he hoped that there would be some positive outcomes for the industry as a whole:

“After this chaotic situation, I believe that agents and clients will value the security of dealing with an ATOL protected tour operator more then ever.  Sadly, those unprotected passengers stranded abroad or having to pay extortionate rates for airfares home show the true cost of cheap holidays.”

Anatolian Sky still has some availability in Turkey and North Cyprus for the rest of the summer season. Agents looking to rebook clients’ holidays in these areas should call               0845 365 1011        or visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk <http://www.anatoliansky.co.uk>