Flyglobespan’s the only Scottish based airline.
Tonight it’s parent company The Globespan Group is in administration. Almost all of the firm’s 800 employees will lose their jobs and all flights will end this evening creating significant travel disruption.
A spokesman for the administrator PricewaterhouseCoopers said: “Unfortunately I am obliged to confirm that, the Group will not longer be able to operate flights. We would strongly advise those passengers who had expected to travel tomorrow to remain at home or make alternative arrangements as there is no prospect of their planned flight taking place.”
Read the full statement: http://bit.ly/4YbZkv
The Globespan Group includes both the tour operator Globespan and the airline Flyglobespan.
Customers who booked package holidays are insured. 1,100 currently on holiday in Egypt and the Mediterranean will be flown home. 27,000 customers with forward bookings will receive a refund.
But those who booked direct through Flyglobespan are not protected and must make their own way home. It means 3,400 customers are stranded in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Egypt. Tonight the rival airline Ryanair has launched a “rescue” fare for those passengers affected.
Flyglobesman operated 10 aircraft from five UK airports, including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and here at Glasgow. Last year it carried more than 1.6 million passengers across 12,000 flights.
The airline’s demise comes just days after it denied claims it was on the brink of collapse. The firm insisted it was close to finalising a major new funding package.
Tonight such assurances will count for little for either customers or staff.
The Civil Aviation Authority has provided the following information and contact details for those affected:
“Edinburgh-based tour operator The Globespan Group PLC, trading as Globespan, was placed in administration today and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has stepped in to protect customers on its package holidays. Customers who booked package holidays with Globespan will be protected by ATOL and can complete their holidays. Customers with package holidays who are yet to travel, will be able to claim a refund.
As a result of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as administrators, Flyglobespan flight operations will cease this evening. Airlines are outside the ATOL Scheme, so people who booked directly with Flyglobespan are not protected. Airline customers who were due to fly back to the UK are advised to make alternative arrangements with other airlines.
Globespan held Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) 701, and operated package holidays from Scotland to holiday resorts in Europe, Egypt, Florida and Canada. It also operated a smaller holiday programme from Gatwick, Manchester and Belfast airports. The company sold holidays through travel agents and direct through its website.
A CAA spokesperson said: “The Globespan Group PLC includes two companies, Globespan, a tour operator that sold package holidays protected by ATOL, and Flyglobespan, an airline whose passengers are not ATOL protected.”
Customers who are currently abroad on package holidays booked with Globespan are protected under the CAA’s ATOL scheme. The CAA will therefore be making arrangements to bring these customers home after they have completed their holidays. All future holiday bookings are cancelled. Customers are advised not to travel to their UK airport, but to claim a refund.
Information is available on the CAA’s website: www.atol.org.uk
Globespan customers who are currently abroad should contact the CAA for more information on 0044 203 441 0846. Globespan customers with forward bookings can contact the CAA for more information on 0844 856 2585.
The CAA is currently issuing the following advice for customers who have a package holiday booking with Globespan:
The CAA understands there are approximately 1,100 ATOL protected customers currently abroad on holiday, in Egypt and the Mediterranean.
David Moesli, Deputy Director of the Consumer Protection Group, said, “Customers abroad who have booked a holiday package with the tour operator Globespan are ATOL protected. We are making the necessary arrangements to allow people who are currently on a package holiday with Globespan to complete their holidays and fly home. Customers will be booked on to new flights by the CAA to bring them home. We are making arrangements for overseas representatives to provide information to Globespan customers.”
There are an estimated 27,000 customers with forward bookings for air holiday packages.
All departures from the UK are now cancelled and customers are advised not to go the airport. They should instead claim a refund.
Detailed information about making a claim is on the ATOL website: www.atol.org.uk.
As a result of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as administrators, Flyglobespan flight operations will cease this evening.
The CAA understands there are approximately 3,400 Flyglobespan customers currently abroad in Spain (including the Balearics and Canaries), Portugal, Cyprus and Egypt.
The Edinburgh based airline operated low fare scheduled services from Edinburgh and Glasgow airports to points in Europe, Egypt, the US and Canada. It also operated from Aberdeen, Gatwick, Manchester and Belfast airports.
Flyglobespan passengers already abroad will need to make their own arrangements to return to the UK using alternative airlines. Other airlines may make available special ‘repatriation’ fares to help Flyglobespan passengers – these are usually available, by telephone only, within a few hours of an airline going bust (but maybe not immediately) and last about two weeks.
Information about alternative air services is available on the CAA website: www.atol.org.uk.
Flyglobespan customers can also call 0871 271 9000 for UK calls and +44 141 332 3233 for those calling from Europe.
There is also information about consumer rights on the Directgov website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/TravellingAbroad/BeforeYouTravel/DG_175232.
In addition, the Foreign Office website can be accessed at www.fco.gov.uk
Flyglobespan customers who paid by debit or charge card should contact their card company for advice about full or a partial refund where only part of the journey has been completed. Customers with travel insurance should check their policy to see whether airline insolvency cover is included.
Customers of other tour operators booked with Flyglobespan flights should speak to their tour operator or their travel agent to find out whether or not they are able to travel.
In addition, there are an estimated 90,000 customers with forward bookings for Flyglobespan flights.”
ENDS
Jamie is a broadcast journalist with a track-record of fair, accurate and balanced reporting. He has extensive experience of live and pre-recorded reporting on national television; advanced editing skills; an in-depth understanding of daily and weekly newspapers; well-developed political contacts; a proven ability to deliver to high standards under tight deadlines; and a passion for foreign affairs. 
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