We have of course been sitting on this one for several months, knowing that soon the ever enigmatic Giovanni Bisignani was set to retire.Out of respect, political correctness and other various rubbish reasons we decided that it just wasn’t the time to run the following piece. But now that the IATA iconoclast is packing his bags for clean and green Singapore preparing for his new career as a lecturer, we reckon the time is as good as any! We’ve probably all received emails promising millions if we can just help out the poor soul at the other end whose über-rich uncle, you know the five-star general who amassed a great fortune but died suddenly, by sending a few thousand dollars to process the paperwork. Otherwise known as the Nigerian-scam emails…we present here the ultimate version, finely tuned for the airline industry. But on the other hand, maybe, just maybe, this is the real reason millions of dollars went missing in the great Thailand ‘CASS’ scandal. We’re only kidding, while that clearly isn’t really true, this email is indeed a real one, undoctored by us! Caveat emptor!

From: “IATA ” <[email protected]>
Date: December 7, 2010 6:11:09 PM GMT+01:00
To: ****
Subject: IATA Charges

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your good co-operation.

We like to inform you that that there is a change in our banking details and further payment should be paid into it and it takes immediate effect. As soon as you receive our invoice and you are ready to make any payment, endeavour to notify me so as to enable us furnish you with our new banking information.

Also, could you keep us informed as regards when your company is making the next outstanding payment to us (IATA). Kindly check your records/ system and get back to us as soon as possible for our new banking details for payment. Kindly confirm the receipt of this mail. We appreciate your usual cooperation and understanding.

Regards,
Giovanni Bisignani
IATA’s Director General & CEO.