Dublin – 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.”

Posted: 09|17|08 at 8:47 am. Filed under: News.