Travel firm in licence request

A TRAVEL company planning tour packages to Lapland and Dubai from next week has asked the Commercial Court to overturn the aviation regulator’s refusal to renew its operator’s licence.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) claims there are inadequate financial arrangements and resources in place to meet the company’s actual and potential obligations.

Manorcastle Ltd, of Clonkeen Road, Deansgrange, Dublin, trading as United Travel, has brought proceedings over the CAR’s decision not to renew its licence on October 24 last. The licence is required under the Transport Act 1982 to allow it carry on business as a tour operator over the period from November 1, 2008, to October 31, 2009.

The case was fast-tracked to the Commercial Court this month because the company wants to operate flights to Lapland and Dubai from early December.

It opened yesterday before Mr Justice Peter Charleton who was told the company can continue to operate pending the outcome of the proceedings. The first flight is due to go out on December 5. Another eight flights are scheduled up to December 23. The CAR claims the company’s financial, business and organisational resources are inadequate to meet its actual and potential obligations relating to its tour operating activities.

Manorcastle managing director Con Murphy said he had pioneered tours to Lapland over Christmas 21 years ago and based upon current bookings he was confident this season’s tours would be profitable.

The case continues.