Travel Republic managing director Kane Pirie will face trial for allegedly breaching Atol regulations in a crucial "test case" for the travel industry.

Both Pirie and Travel Republic as a company have pleaded not guilty to the same 20 charges of breaking Civil Aviation Authority regulations over package holidays.

The case, which is being prosecuted by the CAA, was sent for trial during a hearing at the City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in London today.

The trial, which is expected to last for three weeks, will be heard by a district judge at Stratford Magistrates' Court in London starting on October 12.

Prosecuting barrister Anthony Scrivener QC said it was a test case which would create a legal ruling on what constitutes a package holiday.

Around 30 holidaymakers are expected to give evidence during the trial alongside officials from the CAA.

Nicholas Purnell QC, representing Pirie and Travel Republic, said: “The prosecution say they were entering into a single contact. What we say is that it’s demonstratively a series of different contracts. They did not enter into a package holiday contract.”

Pirie was released on unconditional bail until the trial in October.

• Travel Republic boss pleads not guilty (11 Mar 2009)