Starting next week, travellers will have to make adjustments to their flight plans as the Caribbean Airlines (CAL) streamlines its activities. Reports are that the airline will begin cutting back on the number of flights to Jamaica.
The question had been circulating for some time now, and was raised on Tuesday night during the sitting of Parliament's Standing Finance Committee. Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, told the committee that no information was forthcoming from CAL about the rumoured plans to reduce flights. However, head of communications at CAL, Clint Williams, confirmed with RJR News Wednesday night that the decision was made and becomes effective April 16.
He stated that it was made based on the travel patterns observed, and as part of the move for the airline to become more efficient.
“You will see that the schedule which comes in effect April 16 reflects a reduction in some flights where we saw that there was excess capacity in the load factors. We are not high now we will consolidate it to one where there will be a higher load factor,” said Mr. Williams.
The Caribbean Airlines spokesman explained that some of the scaling back had already started.
“We have reduced frequencies on a number of routes where we see that there was excess capacity, where loads were not as full,” Williams said.
With news that the Trinidad & Tobago carrier is facing serious financial challenges, Mr. Williams also addressed the question of whether further flight adjustments are coming.
“At this time we would not be in a position to look into the future. Naturally, we look at the most efficient use of all resources system wise,” said Mr. Williams.
Caribbean Airlines, which began operations in 2007, acquired Air Jamaica in 2011. The Jamaican Government has a 16 per cent stake in the Trinidadian air carrier.
In the meantime, the Parliamentary Opposition has raised concern about the reduction in Caribbean Airlines flights to Jamaica.
Concern
Karl Samuda, Spokesman on Transport, said the decision is contrary to the deal which was reached for the airline to acquire Air Jamaica.
“At the time of the divestment we certainly did it on the basis and had the clear understanding that not only would Caribbean Airlines continue to service, but hopefully in the near future expand the number of flights to Jamaica and from Jamaica. To hear now that they are cutting back, in addition to being disappointing, may well indicate the extent to which the airline is under financial pressure,” said Mr. Samuda.
Mr. Williams also gave an update on the controversy surrounding the recent termination of the services of five Jamaican pilots employed to CAL. The pilots did not get their contracts renewed, and reportedly were given 48 hours to leave their accommodations. They left Trinidad and Tobago without being paid.
Mr. Williams explained that the short notice is standard practice in the airline industry. He said four of the five pilots have now been paid. The pilot with payment outstanding reportedly has to return items of clothing before his salary is released.
All feeds
