Webtrade completes new website for Commission for Aviation Regulation

Published 18th September 2008

- New Webtrade designed site includes online complaints form for travellers who experience delays or cancellations
- Automatic upgrades and easy to use Content Management System (CMS), called Siternity, mean website is always up to date
- Updates can be made quickly if a tour operator or airline folds

Dublin, 16th September 2008 – Webtrade, one of Ireland’s longest established web development companies, today announced the launch of its new website for the Commission for Aviation Regulation – www.aviationreg.ie. The site allows travellers to submit complaints about delayed or cancelled flights electronically, and has been specifically designed to meet high accessibility standards. It is built on Webtrade’s Siternity content management system (CMS), which means that Commission staff can easily update the site while always having the latest web technologies at their disposal.

In recent years, the Commission for Aviation Regulation has become responsible for an increasing variety of consumer and licensing issues. The new website allows passengers who experience a flight delay or cancellation, or who are denied assistance if they have mobility difficulties, to submit their claims through the website. This means the Commission can deal with those complaints more expediently.

The Commission is also responsible for licensing and bonding tour operators and travel agents. Licensing and bonding forms are being made available online through the new site, which is also a valuable source of information for travellers if a tour operator or airline folds. Customers are now able to source information on refunds and alternative arrangements through the website.

A second phase of the website development is due in 2009. This will involve integrating it more closely with the Aviation Regulator’s in-house systems. Phase two will allow travel agents, tour operators, airlines and ground handling agents to apply for licenses and bonds online. This will speed the process significantly, and reduce the administrative burden on the Commission.

Alan Richardson, manager, licensing division, Commission for Aviation Regulation, said “Our new website allows air travellers to get straight to the point when they feel they have been mistreated by an airline. That was our key aim when planning this project, and Webtrade have delivered on it. It’s also very easy for us to update our website without needing to turn to technical staff thanks to their Siternity content management technology.”

Patrick Bates, managing director, Webtrade, said “With passenger complaints to the Commission for Aviation Regulation up this year, it’s important that consumers have an easy-to-use system for lodging their grievances. Air travellers are also much more aware of the impact of airport charges on their ticket prices, so the Commission is to be commended for its work through this website to increase transparency in charges and fees.”

--ENDS--


About Webtrade:
Webtrade is one of Ireland’s longest established web design, development and online marketing companies. Founded in 1998, it has developed more than 500 websites for a wide range of leading companies and Government agencies. Webtrade’s services include: web design, web development, content management systems, online booking and reservation systems, online marketing and search engine optimisation, email and website hosting. For more information, see www.webtrade.ie


About the Commission for Aviation Regulation:
The Commission for Aviation Regulation is an independent public body under the auspices of the Department of Transport, and is accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas. It regulations airport charges at Dublin Airport and Aviation Terminal Services Charges at Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports. The Commission is also responsible for licensing tour operators and travel agents. As part of this function, the Commission administers a bonding scheme to reimburse consumers in the event of a travel agent collapse. The Commission also licenses airlines and approves ground handling services providers under regulations implementing EU legislation. The Commission also has a significant consumer protection role, and is the national enforcement body tasked with the monitoring and regulation of EU legislation covering Air Passenger Rights and the provision of assistance to Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).