XL boss ”devastated” at leaving thousands of holiday makers stranded
Chief executive of XL Leisure, Phil Wyatt, said he was “devastated” about the collapse of the package tour operator. The collapse of Britain’s third biggest package tour operator has lefty at least 67,000 passengers stranded overseas.
A tearful Mr Wyatt admitted it would be a “huge challenge” for passengers stuck at overseas airports to get home, adding “The CAA, believe me, will have a huge challenge on their hands to re-protect 67,000 people that are overseas now - 67,000 people who could have flown back on XL Airways, that are going to come back on God-knows-what carriers that the CAA find.”
Mr Wyatt said that none of the company’s planes were allowed to fly blaming “the authorities” for the decision to keep the aircraft grounded.
XL has a fleet of 21 aircraft which were grounded early Friday morning. This means that holidaymakers who are spread across 50 countries were unable to return to or fly out of the UK. XL in France and Germany are still operating.
Those customers that booked through a travel agent will be able to claim a refund. However, customers who made bookings through the company’s website, xl.com or via XL call centres will not qualify for a refund. This is because those customers who booked their holiday as a package will be covered by insurance for the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL).
Those who have booked holidays in the future with XL should also be able to reclaim their money.
On its website XL released a statement which blamed the high price of fuel, the economic downturn and the failure to reach a refinancing deal with creditors for its collapse.
According to company documents, its total debt is more than £200 million. For more information and advice please visit http://www.xl.com.