Nobody is worried that lawyer Axel Bierbach might not be up to his job as FTI insolvency administrator. On the contrary: those involved in the bankruptcy describe him as absolutely reliable and professional. However, the lawyer attracts attention again due to unfortunate communication…
The latest case: During FTI-Vacationers (there are 170,000 bookings) are eagerly waiting for reimbursement from the Travel Insurance Fund (DRSF), Bierbach is confusing customers with sometimes contrary requests. BILD says what’s going wrong.
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Already immediately after FTI bankruptcy Bierbach had given the disappointed customers false hope: Many trips could possibly take place after all, he wrote in press releases. He believed at the time that other tour operators could take over this. Bierbach had nothing in his hand. BILD research even showed that none of the FTI competitors seriously considered the Bierbach plan. Awkward …
Now the next mistake: Bierbach’s office sent everyone RTI victims the request, their Report claims to the insolvency administrator. From a formal legal point of view, Bierbach certainly acted correctly. But many customers are unsure: “What’s the point now? I submitted everything to the travel insurance fund.” Those involved there also frown: the communication with Bierbach was discussed differently, it was said.
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The lawyer’s letter states: “Your claim results from a package trip and you can of course register this in the insolvency table.” Then the restriction: Please only register if the DRSF does not pay. Those involved in the process shake their heads: the travel insurance fund is even legally obliged to pay.
That’s what Bierbach says
What did Bierbach do there? When asked by BILD, his spokeswoman remained general and referred to the so-called insolvency regulations. Registration there is a right. In fact, this only applies to travelers who have booked a rental car or other individual services with FTI. The security fund does not reimburse this. In these cases, the Bierbach tips will definitely help.
At the same time, the insolvency administrator sends the insolvency decision of the Munich district court. This sets a tight deadline for vacationers to report: October 30, 2024. Why the rush? In response to BILD’s request, Bierbach’s office said: “In his cover letter, Mr. Bierbach deliberately refrained from setting a deadline. No creditor has to worry about missing a deadline because the registration deadline is not a deadline. So FTI customers have a lot of time to file their claims.”
This means: The court sets a deadline for vacationers, but it is not that important. Laypeople should understand that. The insolvency administrator admits that “the various reimbursement options are not easy to understand for package holiday customers”. However, he does not provide any real clarification.
