Citywing liquidation - help needed

kidmiracleman · 13 March 2017 at 12:37PM

Hi,

I had purchased a flight with this company in November 2016 - due to commence April 2017.
Unfortunately the company issued a national press release on Friday stating that they have gone into liquidation.

(you can google for the announcement, since noobs cannot post links)
It looks like this is going to be a drawn out process - so I am looking into issuing a Visa dispute / chargeback in order to get a refund quicker.
I have contacted my bank (Halifax) and they have acknowledged that the transaction has taken place. However, there seems to be a sticking point in that they are asking for proof that the company is actually insolvent before issuing the chargeback.

Initially they asked for individual correspondence from the company that they would not be offering the service due to going into liquidation - only after I pointed out that this would not be feasible (who is even working there to issue such notes?). They then relented and asked for a screen grab of the press release AND a information listing from companies house or the insolvency service stating that this firm is currently being wound up.

This brings me to my problem (and my questions).

1.)This company is registered in the Isle of Mann - but when I check the register they are still marked as a going concern
2.)How long does it typically take for these records to be updated? does the company even have to update them?
3.)Is what Halifax are asking for standard practice? or a fob off?

Thanks in advance,
Kid

bris · 13 March 2017 at 1:06PM

It's standard practice, they can't just take your word for it.

If they are in liquidation then there will be a liquidator appointed, you just need to wait until the appointment is made which should be soon.

kidmiracleman · 13 March 2017 at 3:54PM

Thanks,

Seems slightly onerous that the burden of proof rests with the consumer here. I wait it out for a while. Hopefully the company register gets updated soon.

wealdroam · 13 March 2017 at 4:41PM

kidmiracleman wrote: »

Thanks,

Seems slightly onerous that the burden of proof rests with the consumer here. I wait it out for a while. Hopefully the company register gets updated soon.

Seems perfectly reasonable to me that you should be expected to justify why you should receive a refund.

lammy82 · 13 March 2017 at 5:46PM

Did you see this page on the CAA website?
https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Resolving-travel-problems/Travel-company-problems/Failure-of-scheduled-airlines/

There is a 'negative response letter' which may help you with your bank.

Also it indicates that some routes are being taken over by Eastern Airways- not sure if that helps you.

Manxman_in_exile · 13 March 2017 at 6:11PM

I'm often quite embarrassed when I read about Manx registered companies...

booksurr · 13 March 2017 at 6:27PM

Manxman_in_exile wrote: »

I'm often quite embarrassed when I read about Manx registered companies...

why? you chose to go into exile, so what happens on the Island surely has nothing to do with you any more

kidmiracleman · 13 March 2017 at 10:52PM

Justification has already been provided. What I consider onerous is the necessity for the consumer to provide physical evidence, (over and above the company actually issuing a press release stating categorically that they have entered liquidation), that a firm is under a winding up order.

I am reasonably au fait with the workings of company liquidation - but what about the layman ? having to faff about on the Gazzette and companies house register ..etc

Citywing liquidation - help needed

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