AWA Launches Agency Compensation Program

In becoming the seventh major carrier to eliminate travel agency base commissions, America West Airlines yesterday introduced a new agency compensation program based on performance. Dubbed Agency AWArds, the program will categorize and compensate agencies based on business booked on the Phoenix-based carrier. "Elite-level" agencies that "perform at a significant market share premium," for example, will earn the highest compensation payments of 5 percent. America West said all U.S. agencies approved by the Airlines Reporting Corp. are eligible for the program, but must enroll by next Friday.