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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Flex on September 04, 2006, 04:59:21 AM

Title: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on September 04, 2006, 04:59:21 AM
New airline to replace BWIA.
T&T Guardian Reports.
[/size]

BWIA is to be closed down and replaced with a new airline next year. Closure of the 66-year-old airline was confirmed by sources close to the Government, who revealed BWIA would be shut down when its replacement, Caribbean Airlines (http://www.caribbean-airlines.com/home.htm), begins operations next year.
Mass retrenchment, of close to 1,000 employees, the trimming of the fleet and the suspension of several routes, are expected to follow the airline's shutdown.
Despite the company's denials of the impending shutdown, Curtis John, president of the Aviation, Communication and Allied Workers' Union (Acawu), said the new airline had already been registered.
"We have not received official information from the company, but we have received information that BWIA would be shut down and a new airline would take its place."
He said the announcement should have taken place on Friday at a meeting the company called with BWIA's unions.
The meeting, scheduled to take place at Crowne Plaza hotel in Port-of-Spain, was cancelled late on Thursday evening.
John said no reason was given for the cancellation.
"Apparently they did not have everything in order," he speculated during an interview yesterday.
While BWIA officials said there was no truth to what they described as rumours of a permanent closure, John said there had been signs of drastic changes ahead for the airline.
One of the changes was the hiring of a organisational psychologist and implementation of two telephone hotlines.
"They have set up a hotline through the information technology department for counselling and another for media releases," John revealed.
He also said the security arrangements at Sunjet House had been changed and the staff of an air service company were being trained to take over the check-in function, now handled by BWIA staff at Piarco.
"Based on the fact that all these things are in place, something drastic is happening."
John said he would not be surprised if more than 1,000 people were retrenched from BWIA's local staff of 1,700-plus.
Among the areas John identified to fall under the hatchet were administration, maintenance and engineering.
"It is possible they will just keep overnight checks and gas and oil service. They will get rid of C and D checks and do that outside," John added.
Earlier this year, BWIA's Welsh chief executive officer Peter Davies hinted at substantial staff reductions, saying the airline had more staff than it needed.
Speaking at a staff seminar at Crowne Plaza in April, Davies also outlined several areas where the company could be more efficient, including reservations.
Sources said the reservations and revenue accounting departments were likely to be outsourced if BWIA was closed down.
John also said the airline's fleet would be reduced by three aircraft—two 737s and one A-340—which would affect several routes, including the profitable London route.
"The London route contributes to 40 per cent of BWIA's revenues, and they have taken the decision to cut down the route," John claimed.
This, he said, would pave the way for other airlines, like Virgin Atlantic, to make healthy profits.
"Virgin Atlantic has been behind that route and will take up the slack," he said.
There has been speculation in the past that founder of Virgin Airlines Sir Richard Branson was making a bid for BWIA, after his frequent visits to T&T and meetings with senior public officials.
John said his union was waiting on the company's next move before deciding on the next step. He was critical, however, of the Government if it allowed BWIA to be shut down.
"The Government of T&T does not care about the people. In a time when T&T had so much money, they are selling out the people's patrimony.
"It is ridiculous for the Government to allow things like this to happen to bring in foreigners to put out locals."
Contacted last night, Dionne Ligoure, BWIA's corporate communications manager, said she had no information regarding the airline's closure.
"All I can say is the company and union are due to meet to discuss the future of the company."
Responding to John's allegations of a reduction of the fleet, Ligoure said she did not know where he got that information.
"There are leases, but I am not in a position to know when the leases are due to end."
She said she was not aware of any counselling hotlines. Contacted last night for comment, Trade and Industry Minister Kenneth Valley referred all queries to Information Minister Dr Lenny Saith.
Decision on BWIA 'this week'
By: Sasha Mohammed (Express).
[/size]

Government is likely to make its final decision on the fate of cash- strapped national airline, BWIA, by this week. Confirmation of this came from Energy Minister, Dr Lenny Saith, who chairs the Cabinet committee that is handling the matter, yesterday.
In a telephone interview, Saith said the new business proposals for BWIA's future, which was handed to Cabinet six months ago by the Arthur Lok Jack team, is to be discussed by the Finance and General Purposes Committee of Cabinet.
This is a 10-member ministerial team, which includes Saith, Christine Sahadeo, Conrad Enill, Hazel Manning, Keith Rowley and Ken Valley, that fine tunes deliberations on major Cabinet decisions and makes the final recommendations on what course of action Government should take.
Sources said the BWEE proposals were discussed at length at last Thursday's Cabinet meetings, and Saith himself confirmed yesterday that after tomorrow's FNGP meeting, they would go back to Cabinet on Thursday, where it is likely a final decision would be made.
He said it has taken Government all of six months to determine the matter because time is needed to deliberate on such major issues.
Saith bluntly refused to comment, however, on newspaper reports yesterday quoting president of the Aviation and Communications Workers Union, Curtis John, as saying BWIA would be shut down next year when Caribbean Airlines comes on stream.
He said the new airline has already been registered, and the move would mean mass retrenchment at the company, where 1000 of the 1700 local staff quota would be affected.
John also claimed that BWEE's fleet size would be cut down and several routes would be suspended once the company is privatised. Saith said he was neither confirming nor denying reports, which first came out of the PNM General Council, that BWIA was to be privatised.

Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: boss on September 04, 2006, 06:23:41 AM
Tobago jet lag
William Lucie-Smith
Trinidad Express

Monday, September 4th 2006

Your correspondent was fortunate enough to spend last weekend with his family in beautiful Tobago. Not wishing to travel at peak times we were booked at 11 am on Thursday to Tobago and a 3.15 pm return flight on Sunday, both on Tobago Express.

My first hint that there may be something unusual afoot was a Tobago Express notice in the daily newspapers indicating some special security arrangements for those travelling on the 737-400. Surprisingly my tickets and reservations made no indication of what type of aircraft I was travelling on and my travel agency and the Tobago Express website were also unable to clarify this (making the press notice quite useless as an advisory). On arrival at the Tobago Express desk in Piarco there was also no notice that passengers for the 737-400 ("the jet") had to check in at an entirely different counter. On enquiry we found that we were indeed on "the jet" and had to check in at a counter near Bwee.

A 737-400 is a narrow-bodied Boeing jet with a capacity of approximately 155 seats compared to the 50 on the Dash-8 turbo prop aircraft. BWIA uses the latest version of this jet, the 737-800, on its North American routes to Miami, New York and Toronto. BWIA had previously determined that the use of a 737 on the Tobago route was grossly inefficient because of the excessive wear and tear on engines for continuous take-off and landing on a 15-minute flight. From a customer service viewpoint there are also challenges to handling a 737 on the Tobago route.

This was evidenced to me by the length of time check-in and boarding took, especially with the additional security required because this was a US-registered aircraft. The plane was systematically late and our boarding did not start until 12.10 and the plane did not take off until after 1 pm. Two hours late on a 15-minute flight and of course no announcements to passengers or explanations. As later flights departed on time this was a source of some frustration.

The decision to wet lease a United States-registered 737 was intended to ensure there was adequate capacity on the airbridge but really ignored the unsuitability of this type of aircraft to an inter-island shuttle. This is a false economy because that money is better spent ensuring that all the Dash-8 planes are in service at peak times.The five Dash-8s are more than sufficient to handle even peak loads with extra flights.


For our return flight I decided to take no chances and called ahead. There is no telephone number for Tobago Express at Crown Point in the phone book (that I could find), and so I called reservations in Port of Spain. They explained that all calls were routed through the call centre in Trinidad-627-5160. The young lady politely told me the bad news-that my return flight was indeed on "the jet", that check-in was two hours before the flight and the flight would be one hour late. Notwithstanding the lateness check-in was required on time because the flight would close when fully checked in.

We checked in on time, reconciled to the delay, and were slightly smug that we knew it was late and other passengers did not. I was able to show that I was an experienced traveller by telling other passengers who did not know that it was "the jet" and that it was usually late. My smugness wore off as time passed and there was no sign of "the jet"; 4 p.m. had reached and other scheduled flights departed. There were no announcements, mainly because the Tobago Express staff also had no idea where "the jet" was and when it was coming. At 4 p.m. there was also no answer from 627-5160 and no staff member could give any explanation because they had none. A few calls to Piarco finally made it clear that "the jet" wasn't coming at all. At this time Tobago Express also got the news and announced that we would be accommodated on a Dash-8 flight.

This is where the fun really started. We were already over an hour late but subsequent Dash-8 flights were going on time. "Operations", a sinister and secret department with no face in the airport, decided all "the jet" passengers would be accommodated on one extra Dash-8. Remember, there were four scheduled jet flights of up to 155 passengers now to be taken on one Dash-8 with a capacity of 50. A child could figure out how long this would take but apparently not Tobago Express. The obvious solution was to consolidate all flights and take passengers as soon as they were checked in on a shuttle basis, i.e. get rid of the delayed passengers on the next available planes. This would have delayed everybody by about one hour but would have eliminated the backlog quite quickly.

The first 50 jet passengers left at about 5.15 p.m. The next set of "jet" passengers were waiting (for a 5.30 p.m. flight) but passengers on Dash-8 flights were still being given priority. This caused obvious unrest as "just come" passengers left but those in the airport and checked in since before 2 pm were still there five hours later. Absolutely no consideration was given to passengers with small children or those with special needs. Information was impossible to get and needless to say there were no seats in the tiny departure lounge or even a drink of water. When those passengers whose complaints that other flights were being given unfair priority became too loud, they were warned by security that they would be put out or arrested.


There was certainly no logic to the Tobago Express decision to give priority to Dash-8 passengers and discriminate against those on "the jet" who were booked on that flight number through no fault or choice of their own.

So my weekend involved an unexpected additional seven hours in the airport; I know now how poor the facilities are in Tobago. No flight information monitors, no clear announcements and inadequate departure lounge. A lot needs to be done to improve the airbridge but the wet lease of an unreliable American 737 is not part of the answer. It's part of the problem. My advice to anybody travelling to Tobago is to try to fly off-peak and check that you are NOT on a wet-leased aircraft. If they try to book you on "the jet" take the boat or walk. Tobago Express needs to pull up its socks but maybe the service we get results from control of the fares at uneconomic prices, keeping Tobago Express on a shoestring budget. Certainly some improvements are needed.
Title: BWIA closing down
Post by: fishs on September 09, 2006, 02:58:35 AM
  Ah come home today and goverment decide that December 31st is the last day BWIA will exist !!!

 On the flight over ah realise the flight attendants just going trhough the motions , none of the normal banter or friendliness ah accustom too.

  Ah understand why now , the people only have jobs till the end of the year.
 The government claim they opening a new airline called Caribbean Airways that will have a different culture and that the big problem with BWIA was the workers attitude and culture.

 Sometimes ah does get real vex with BWIA an cuss an pull mih hair at them but having dem  actually shut down is like losing a good friend
 (ah almost type fiend)

Plus ah go be losing 200000 air miles and about 6 free upgrades. (f**k ah getting damn vex now).

Ah rell sorry for the 1800 employees.

 :( :( :( :( :( :( :(
Title: Re: BWIA closing down
Post by: Tallman on September 09, 2006, 05:45:53 AM
Ah understand why now , the people only have jobs till the end of the year.
The government claim they opening a new airline called Caribbean Airways that will have a different culture and that the big problem with BWIA was the workers attitude and culture.

I mehself feeling ah how fuh de employees, but in dis case ah tink emotions have to be put aside because nutten dat has been done in de past for de airline has worked and sometimes yuh need ah purge. Hopefully dis new airline does not repeat de same mistakes.
Title: Re: BWIA closing down
Post by: fishs on September 09, 2006, 07:25:44 AM
Ah understand why now , the people only have jobs till the end of the year.
The government claim they opening a new airline called Caribbean Airways that will have a different culture and that the big problem with BWIA was the workers attitude and culture.

I mehself feeling ah how fuh de employees, but in dis case ah tink emotions have to be put aside because nutten dat has been done in de past for de airline has worked and sometimes yuh need ah purge. Hopefully dis new airline does not repeat de same mistakes.

On that we going to just have to wait an see.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: Flex on September 09, 2006, 07:41:10 AM
I am sure the new airline to take BWEE's place will take most if not all the former BWEE employees. BWEE was poorly managed.

I feel sorry to see them go because they are like a trademark of the Caribbean. They were offered millions from Virgin Atlantic and some Texas millionaire for shares in the company and refused, instead they prefer to close shop. Does that make sense.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: AB.Trini on September 09, 2006, 12:02:34 PM
Here is an opportunity to provide some recommendations for improved service and what we the general public would like to see in a national airline. (maybe if some of these were implemented, ah go stop flying foreign airlines)

Some recommendations for the proposed airline:

1. serve bake and saltfish fuh breakfast

2. have the stewartess and then smile and serve yuh with ah smile

3. local dishes for dinner

4. pan music and local music on the channels

5. When yuh buy a ticket for TNT ; it should include Tobago ( like the old days.)

6. When we fly foreign, we eat foreign when foreigners fly we plane let them eat local.

7. Have the stewardess wear some sexy outfits

8. cheaper flights and more specials during the holiday season( wait nah every month is ah holiday season in TNT)

9. Expand international flights to western Canada

10. Bring back the frills!!!!!!! free rum  on flights.......
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: Feliziano on September 09, 2006, 12:57:21 PM
I am sure the new airline to take BWEE's place will take most if not all the former BWEE employees. BWEE was poorly managed.

I feel sorry to see them go because they are like a trademark of the Caribbean. They were offered millions from Virgin Atlantic and some Texas millionaire for shares in the company and refused, instead they prefer to close shop. Does that make sense.
yeah that was real dotishness on them part not to sell.
i don't think we need our 'own' airline though..creating a Caribbean Airline is going and have the same bachanal, then next yuh know is we Trinis go get the shaft with high fares plus government subsidy and them Grenadian and other small islanders go get the cheap fares.
this woulda been a good time to actually have some of the discount carriers or even major ones to come in and offer their services to and from Europe and North America...ah know we used to have Eastern and United Airlines etc running here but at that time they were always running at a loss.
now everybody travelling these days cause it cheap and them CEO's in dis modern time a lot more business savvy.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: AB.Trini on September 09, 2006, 01:23:54 PM
Here is an opportunity to provide some recommendations for improved service and what we the general public would like to see in a national airline. (maybe if some of these were implemented, ah go stop flying foreign airlines)

Some recommendations for the proposed airline:

1. serve bake and saltfish fuh breakfast

2. have the stewartess and then smile and serve yuh with ah smile

3. local dishes for dinner

4. pan music and local music on the channels

5. When yuh buy a ticket for TNT ; it should include Tobago ( like the old days.)

6. When we fly foreign, we eat foreign when foreigners fly we plane let them eat local.

7. Have the stewardess wear some sexy outfits

8. cheaper flights and more specials during the holiday season( wait nah every month is ah holiday season in TNT)

9. Expand international flights to western Canada

10. Bring back the frills!!!!!!! free rum  on flights.......

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ah go miss going to big time international airports and  feeling proud tuh see we airline park out dey.

Ah hope the new one have we flag and drape in we colours.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: Organic on September 09, 2006, 01:57:53 PM
I am sure the new airline to take BWEE's place will take most if not all the former BWEE employees. BWEE was poorly managed.

I feel sorry to see them go because they are like a trademark of the Caribbean. They were offered millions from Virgin Atlantic and some Texas millionaire for shares in the company and refused, instead they prefer to close shop. Does that make sense.
Maybe the money was offered in the incorrect manner.....meaning it was offered to help the airline..and none wa soffered to the ppl =MINISTERS IN GOVERNMENT... money was just for shares, not bribe money.
  I wonder baout some of de decisions this government makes sometimes.... to what end...did they acctually research..everythign that happens in some form ro fashion seems uinder handed and  doesnt make much sense..financially/ economically or even environmentally.
oh well if they fire 1800 and de manngers not part of the "see u later" crew
then its all for naught.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: lickslikefire on September 11, 2006, 07:39:11 AM
For the people who have already bought BWIA tickets for next year, or who have BWIA airmiles read below. 

source: http://www.bwee.com/

Caribbean Airlines: a new airline for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean

Port of Spain, September 08, 2006.  The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 97.188% shareholder of BWIA, has approved a substantial capital injection for the creation of a new regional airline, Caribbean Airlines based in Trinidad.  Caribbean Airlines will have its base at Piarco, the international airport of Trinidad and will, subject to local and international regulatory approval commence operations early in 2007. It will provide regional air transport within the Caribbean and between the Caribbean and major international cities. BWIA will continue uninterrupted service to its valued customers whilst management ensures a seamless transition to Caribbean Airlines.
Caribbean Airlines will inherit the long, safe and respected experience of BWIA West Indies Airways, which, after 66 years of service will close. This heralds an exciting phase in air travel and aviation history in Trinidad and Tobago and the region.
Chief Executive Officer, Peter Davies confirmed that the equity injection will allow Caribbean Airlines to operate an effective, efficient and profitable customer oriented service reflecting the needs of the communities within the Caribbean. It will also ensure that the vital connections to world centers continue to reflect the increasing commercial and industrial importance of Trinidad and Tobago whilst recognizing the essential responsibilities of trade and community within the region. Mr. Davies also stated that the mandate he received through the Board of Directors from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago allowed him, the management and staff of BWIA, to recognize the dynamic changes that are affecting the global airline industry and to position Caribbean Airlines in an ever increasing competitive context.
He stated, “We are looking to the 21st century whilst being empathic to our historical past; determination, passion and focus will allow us to build a future and respond honorably to the loyalty that customers have demonstrated over the years”.

All tickets already purchased for travel on BWIA will be honoured by Caribbean Airlines and BWEE Frequent Flyer air miles and Club BWEE memberships will transfer and qualify on the new airline to ensure customer continuity and confidence.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: pecan on September 11, 2006, 08:33:58 AM
on de surface, this sound like a big restruturing to get out of debt by stiffing yoh suppliers.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: Dutty on September 11, 2006, 09:00:28 AM
on de surface, this sound like a big restruturing to get out of debt by stiffing yoh suppliers.

I think yuh hit it right right dey

Nuttn aint go change...but creditors cyah get dey money
"yeah fren  is BWIA owe yuh money,,, we is carribean airlines, so we hadda negotiate ah new contract"

I doh know how dem fellahs over de years run dat into de ground so........true times get tougher for airlines but still.....
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: dcs on September 11, 2006, 09:03:08 AM
on de surface, this sound like a big restruturing to get out of debt by stiffing yoh suppliers.

and dumping staff and dumping the trade unions.
But I think it necessary...they were carrying a lot of deadweight.
Don't think they can/will stiff the suppliers since they cud repossess the aircraft.

It gives them a chance to start fresh with a new direction.  They say they are going to focus more on the Caribbean destinations.  Right now flying from T&T to JA is a long ass painful trip....so I hear.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: Organic on September 11, 2006, 04:28:54 PM
dey hadda get rid of de dead weight that weighing dem down form on top.. the big men is one shit ah ole fahsion shit snakes..steups
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: monty on September 11, 2006, 05:45:47 PM
I just hear that Manning looking to buy a jet to faciliate the international transport of the Prime Minister. Talk about wasting money! The man getting an Air CropDuster One!!!
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: dcs on September 11, 2006, 05:50:42 PM
I just hear that Manning looking to buy a jet to faciliate the international transport of the Prime Minister. Talk about wasting money! The man getting an Air CropDuster One!!!

tell him take one of the blimp dey ent using and put a lil jet engine on it
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: palos on September 11, 2006, 05:52:15 PM
I just hear that Manning looking to buy a jet to faciliate the international transport of the Prime Minister. Talk about wasting money! The man getting an Air CropDuster One!!!

 :rotfl:

But Manning is a real compound ass in trute eh.  He ego beyond inflated.  If a man could move to demolish a sportin facility fuh de public jes so he could convert it into he pussonal garden, den de jet lyrics jes addin fuel to he fuel to he metaphoric assholery.
Title: Re: New airline to replace BWIA.
Post by: monty on September 11, 2006, 07:18:23 PM
I just hear that Manning looking to buy a jet to faciliate the international transport of the Prime Minister. Talk about wasting money! The man getting an Air CropDuster One!!!

tell him take one of the blimp dey ent using and put a lil jet engine on it

Ent the criminals shooting at the blimps? You really don't give a damn about the welfare of our beloved PM.
Title: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: E-man on November 30, 2006, 04:37:11 PM
Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Wednesday, November 29, 2006

by Stephen Cummings
Caribbean Net News Trinidad and Tobago Correspondent
Email: stephen@caribbeannetnews.com


(http://www.newsday.co.tt/galeria/2006-11-24-8-1A.jpg)

(http://www.newsday.co.tt/galeria/2006-11-28-5-2A.jpg)
COMING AND GOING: The new Caribbean Airlines 737 jet on the runway at Piarco International Airport yesterday as an old BWIA arrives. Caribbean Airlines replaces BWIA on January 1, 2007.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Caribbean Airlines, the new air carrier to replace Trinidad and Tobago's national airline BWIA, unveiled its first aircraft in Port of Spain on Monday.

The aircraft is a Boeing 737 with a seating capacity for 150 persons.

It will officially begin flying on January 1 2007 immediately after the shutting down of BWIA which closes on December 31 st.

The 66-year-old BWIA has gotten some hard knocks from both the Trinidad government and private sector groups, who said BWIA had become unprofitable and a huge drain on the financial coffers of Trinidad and Tobago.

A team headed by Trinidad businessman, Arthur Lok Jack, was then appointed to look into ways of restructuring for viability but this met with a decision to shut down the airline, making way for the new Caribbean Airlines (CA).

At the launch of Caribbean Airlines, Lok Jack said it marked a new era in Caribbean aviation and that it came with what he called "a clean balance sheet"

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's Tourism Minister, Howard Chin Lee, in speaking with Caribbean Net News, was upbeat about the new Caribbean Airlines. He said he saw benefits for the tourism sector in the country in terms of increasing tourist arrivals hotel occupancy.

Chin Lee added that he believed new technology, which is being brought to Caribbean Airlines, will assist in making it a profitable venture, unlike BWIA. Some 1,8 00 BWIA workers are expected to receive termination letters by December 31, thus ending an era in Trinidad and Tobago air travel.

Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Organic on November 30, 2006, 04:41:16 PM
MY ASS
SAME MANGERS WHO RUN IT INTO the ground, they acting like coat of paint will change anything. steups
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on November 30, 2006, 04:58:24 PM
I hoping for the best with this restructuring.  The routes and scheduling will be key amongst other things.

On another note....this ain't inspiring confidence in the T&T Stock Market...people averse to investing in the first place now dis.  Hopefully they do right by the shareholders....plenty former employees according to the article.

Trinidad & Tobago Newsday
Wednesday, November 29 2006
BWIA shareholders face $38M loss (http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,48394.html)

"He also said the Boeing 737 plane which arrived at Piarco International Airport on Monday, was a BWIA plane that was repainted in Caribbean Airlines’ colours."
 ;D

Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: big dawg on November 30, 2006, 07:20:53 PM
BWEE boast for years that they never crash..

but in reality they crash and burn...

As far as I see only the logo change and the plane paint over... same people going and run it into the ground and hope the Governmet would bail them out for the next 66 years..
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Dr. Rat on November 30, 2006, 09:08:59 PM
same shit, different day.

I say give Air Jamaica the job as the official airline for the caribbean.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Patterson on November 30, 2006, 09:17:50 PM
same shit, different day.

I say give Air Jamaica the job as the official airline for the caribbean.

um why.....they don't even fly to trinidad
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: E-man on November 30, 2006, 10:33:34 PM
same shit, different day.

I say give Air Jamaica the job as the official airline for the caribbean.

um why.....they don't even fly to trinidad

I never understood why there are no direct flights between the the two largest countries in CARICOM. You would think there would be more business between the two. Barbados seems to be the hub as far as travel between islands.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Grande on December 01, 2006, 01:04:57 AM
I eh go lie I feeling a little nostalgia fuh BWEE

RIP
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: fishs on December 01, 2006, 01:57:44 AM

 I don't understand why they give up the London run
I doing the return run 6 times a year for the past 5 ( 60 flights) and only a couple of times they had less than 75% occupancy.
Of course most of the tourists dropping out Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados,
It have to be a lie that they losing money on that run.
Is all the other stupid decisions they make as far routes are concerned.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Blue on December 01, 2006, 02:22:59 AM

 I don't understand why they give up the London run
I doing the return run 6 times a year for the past 5 ( 60 flights) and only a couple of times they had less than 75% occupancy.
Of course most of the tourists dropping out Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados,
It have to be a lie that they losing money on that run.
Is all the other stupid decisions they make as far routes are concerned.

75% occupancy, but only 10% punctuality

good riddance
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: fishs on December 01, 2006, 02:28:21 AM

 I don't understand why they give up the London run
I doing the return run 6 times a year for the past 5 ( 60 flights) and only a couple of times they had less than 75% occupancy.
Of course most of the tourists dropping out Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados,
It have to be a lie that they losing money on that run.
Is all the other stupid decisions they make as far routes are concerned.

75% occupancy, but only 10% punctuality

good riddance

Only once I had a problem, the plane coming out of barbados had to turn back because of engine problems.
They put me up in a good hotel and we flew out about 11pm the flight was originaly due out at 11am.
But I suppose I am one of the few that did'nt have problems with Bwee but then again some of the airlines I have to fly with to get to work are not exactly recommended.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: TriniCana on December 03, 2006, 07:39:41 PM

 I don't understand why they give up the London run
I doing the return run 6 times a year for the past 5 ( 60 flights) and only a couple of times they had less than 75% occupancy.
Of course most of the tourists dropping out Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados,
It have to be a lie that they losing money on that run.
Is all the other stupid decisions they make as far routes are concerned.

75% occupancy, but only 10% punctuality

good riddance

yeah but at least ya ass was safe and sound
and ya sure tur reach where ya going
furthermore y aain't go find another airline dat flight attendants treat ya like dey know ya for years...
doh care dey hips useta slap ya in ya face in dey asle seat

Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: WestCoast on December 03, 2006, 07:44:18 PM
yeah service was real bad recently, my last flight I only had 4 rum punch ;D ;D
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: fishs on December 04, 2006, 11:21:17 PM
 De plane grounded now. Paint falling off de tail.  :rotfl: :rotfl:
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: fishs on December 04, 2006, 11:36:05 PM


   Barely one week after Caribbean Airlines hosted a gala launch to show off its newly branded Boeing 737, the Hummingbird-adorned aircraft has had its wings clipped.

The Civil Aviation Authority grounded the newly painted Caribbean Airlines flagship after the Humming Bird logo on the aircraft’s tail started peeling-off, sources told the Guardian.

This comes less than two weeks after the aircraft’s new paint job was completed and amid concerns that Caribbean Airline's management did not receive the proper international authorisations for placing the logo.

Sources said the problems with the paint job were discovered on Saturday, during a routine stop in Barbados. They revealed that a member of the ground engineering team in Barbados informed the aircraft’s flight crew that patches were missing from the Humming Bird’s wings.

According to reports from airport staff, on the aircraft’s arrival at the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad, huge patches of the Humming Bird was seen to be missing.

Attempts to reach the airline’s director of corporate affairs Dionne Ligoure were futile. Sources said she was home on some sick leave.

When interviewed by the Guardian prior to the launch of Caribbean Airlines in October, the airline’s Welsh chief executive officer Peter Davies refused to give a figure for the cost of rebranding the BWIA fleet, which included painting the aircraft.

The flight of the Caribbean Airlines Hummingbird comes in the wake of concerns raised by Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold. Arnold expressed displeasure at Caribbean Airline’s decision to discard the steelpan in favour of the Humming Bird.

In a release, Arnold questioned why the management of Caribbean Airlines would choose to replace T&T’s indigenous instrument, the steelpan, with a bird that is not unique to our island.
 
 
Title: 'Keep pan logo on new airline'
Post by: WestCoast on December 05, 2006, 05:08:36 AM
I think that the name of the airline should indicate a closer affiliation to Trinidad and Tobago.

'Keep pan logo on new airline'
Kristy Ramnarine

Saturday, December 2nd 2006

Pan Trinbago has criticised Government for its decision to remove the steelpan motif from the tailfin of airplanes acquired to serve routes flown by Caribbean Airways.

The organisation is now calling on the Government to use the steelpan motif on Caribbean Airways aircraft, as it was on BWIA aircraft.

In a telephone interview with the Express yesterday, the organisation's president, Patrick Arnold, said the hummingbird, which has replaced the steelpan motif, is not a true representation of this country.

"Since the species is not unique to our country, it cannot be seriously proffered as a Trinidad and Tobago trademark," he said.

"As far as we are aware, there has been no complaint from the travelling public about the steelpan motif, nor does it contravene any known regulation regarding airplane makings.

"In fact, the change appears to have resulted from nothing but a mixture of capricious thought and unchallenged authority."

Arnold said if the inspiration for representing the steelpan on BWIA aircraft remained as a mechanism for steering attention to the nation's creativity, the promotional message displayed on the tailfins of local airplanes should reflect that concept in a more definitive way. A hummingbird, he said, could never achieve.

"While T&T was once described as the land of the hummingbird, several countries now claim it as their identifier," he said.

"We are therefore suitably astonished by the decision to use a logo of such ubiquity that no viewer is likely to perceive it as exclusively Trini. We have a problem with that. We can't see the hummingbird replacing the steelpan motif."

The Pan Trinbago president urged Caribbean Airways to reinstate the steelpan as a matchless identifier of cultural heritage.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161060812
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: WestCoast on December 05, 2006, 05:11:54 AM
De plane grounded now. Paint falling off de tail.  :rotfl: :rotfl:
dais like the time I see a fella painting he trades van with a roller :rotfl:
maybe they used a roller also  :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: pecan on December 05, 2006, 07:12:33 AM
De plane grounded now. Paint falling off de tail.  :rotfl: :rotfl:
dais like the time I see a fella painting he trades van with a roller :rotfl:
maybe they used a roller also  :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

nah .. was paint by numbers
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: WestCoast on December 05, 2006, 07:24:34 AM
(http://www.newsday.co.tt/galeria/2006-11-24-8-1A.jpg)
yeah if ya watch close it look like paint by numbers oui  :devil: :rotfl: :devil: :rotfl:
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: pecan on December 05, 2006, 07:54:11 AM
(http://www.newsday.co.tt/galeria/2006-11-24-8-1A.jpg)
yeah if ya watch close it look like paint by numbers oui  :devil: :rotfl: :devil: :rotfl:
a hummin bird is beat its wings up to 200 beats per second - if yuh look real close, dey wings beating - no wonder de paint fall off  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: fishs on December 05, 2006, 07:57:35 AM
 Yuh want tuh know de sad ting about dis.

 Ah finally get mih company tuh sponsor a business seat ting fuh mih going back home for xmas, arrange with de travel organiser to book bwee.....well hear dis on de 21st of dec or before bwee no longer flying from (bw 901) london to trinidad , de plane stopping in b'dos and ah have to connect. also on mih return on 8th Jan she cant find no where to book either bwee or air caribbean.
So already they lying to people.
Dais it the end of Bwee for me . >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: pecan on December 05, 2006, 08:07:05 AM
Yuh want tuh know de sad ting about dis.

 Ah finally get mih company tuh sponsor a business seat ting fuh mih going back home for xmas, arrange with de travel organiser to book bwee.....well hear dis on de 21st of dec or before bwee no longer flying from (bw 901) london to trinidad , de plane stopping in b'dos and ah have to connect. also on mih return on 8th Jan she cant find no where to book either bwee or air caribbean.
So already they lying to people.
Dais it the end of Bwee for me . >:( >:( >:(

good luck with yuh travel arrangements .. a man trying to support de local airlines but de airline not dere to support him ..
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: fishs on December 05, 2006, 08:17:16 AM
Yuh want tuh know de sad ting about dis.

 Ah finally get mih company tuh sponsor a business seat ting fuh mih going back home for xmas, arrange with de travel organiser to book bwee.....well hear dis on de 21st of dec or before bwee no longer flying from (bw 901) london to trinidad , de plane stopping in b'dos and ah have to connect. also on mih return on 8th Jan she cant find no where to book either bwee or air caribbean.
So already they lying to people.
Dais it the end of Bwee for me . >:( >:( >:(

good luck with yuh travel arrangements .. a man trying to support de local airlines but de airline not dere to support him ..

Ah have over 200K airmiles wid dem. Ah suppose ah could dream about where ah could of gone . :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: TriniCana on December 05, 2006, 08:54:54 AM
all i wanna know is wha happening tur meh bwee air miles  >:(
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on December 05, 2006, 11:37:33 AM
all i wanna know is wha happening tur meh bwee air miles  >:(


They say it rolling over to Caribbean Airlines.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: WestCoast on December 05, 2006, 02:07:08 PM
all i wanna know is wha happening tur meh bwee air miles  >:(
They say it rolling over to Caribbean Airlines.
the real question den is
"But Will The Points Arrive ?"
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: TriniCana on December 05, 2006, 03:28:26 PM
so wait
is dey same seta plane with different colouring on it
dey same seta flight attendances and YES ah know dat fur ah fact
is dey same board ah directors
is dey same people dat making dey food next tur ttpost
is dey same baggage carriers
is dey same 'doh study we late - but we sure tur reach' mission statement
bwee air miles is now caribbean air miles

so wha dey difference again ???
and since is now 'caribbean' does dat mean each island putting in in dey kitty ??
wasn't bwia stands fur british 'west indian' airways and still is trinidad and tobago dat fit dey bill and take dey airline out ah bankrutcy like 3 times already...

so again wha is dey difference ???
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: pecan on December 05, 2006, 04:43:14 PM
so wait
is dey same seta plane with different colouring on it
dey same seta flight attendances and YES ah know dat fur ah fact
is dey same board ah directors
is dey same people dat making dey food next tur ttpost
is dey same baggage carriers
is dey same 'doh study we late - but we sure tur reach' mission statement
bwee air miles is now caribbean air miles

so wha dey difference again ???
and since is now 'caribbean' does dat mean each island putting in in dey kitty ??
wasn't bwia stands fur british 'west indian' airways and still is trinidad and tobago dat fit dey bill and take dey airline out ah bankrutcy like 3 times already...

so again wha is dey difference ???

is called a re-organization ..

sell deh assets to a new company
stiff yuh creditors, get rid of debt
open up de new company
clean balance sheet

now I eh know if dis is what happen .. but I have seen it in action in Canada
stiff yuh creditors
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on December 05, 2006, 07:15:20 PM
so again wha is dey difference ???

No unions allowed...so they say.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on February 26, 2007, 12:36:25 AM
Trinidad Express
Stranded
Foreigners stuck in T&T after Carnival (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161108719)
Anna-Lisa Paul alpaul@trinidadexpress.com

Monday, February 26th 2007

   
A number of foreign visitors have been left stranded in Trinidad and Tobago after Carnival celebrations.

Despite having confirmed tickets to return to their respective countries, passengers could not depart Piarco International Airport yesterday because local carrier Caribbean Airlines overbooked flights leaving the country.

Several passengers, who came to Trinidad for Carnival last week, said they had been turned back at Piarco a number of times starting from Ash Wednesday.

They said they were told to return to the airport to catch another flight the next day but when they arrived, these flights were also fully booked.

Frustrated passengers said they were told by airline officials that they will have to spend at another week in the country, as seats will only become available on March 2.   :o

Passengers said they were also told they would have to pay extra to get a seat because there were no guarantees their current tickets would be honoured.
   :challenge:

A number of the stranded passengers said their jobs were now in jeopardy as they had already overstayed their vacation time in Trinidad.

Some of the visitors complained yesterday about the treatment meted out to them by airline officials.

At Piarco Airport yesterday, passengers were seen leaving the check-in counter, dragging their luggage behind them as they exited the doors to explain to family members what was happening.

Visitors also complained that they were not offered any kind of compensation by airline staff.

Leonard Hinds, a Trinidadian living in New York for the last nine years, feared that he would not have a job when he returned to the United States.

"I had a confirmed ticket and was supposed to leave Trinidad on February 23," he said.

Instead, Hinds, who was expected to return to his job as a technician with Yost and Campbell today, had been making the journey to the airport every day in the hope that he could get a flight.

He said he had been "bumped" from Caribbean Airlines's BW 526 flight departing Piarco last Friday. Hinds said the same thing occurred when he attempted to come to Trinidad on February 10.

He arrived in Trinidad on February 11, after being told the day before that the flight had been overbooked.

He has spent much of his time during the last few days travelling to the airport and back.

Margaret Welling, a teacher at the Cathedral School at Winchester, Hampshire, UK, was expected to resume her duties today as well.

Up to 2 p.m. yesterday, she was at the airport praying for her and partner, Clyde Paris, to get on a flight heading to Gatwick International Airport.

Welling and Paris had spent a week in St Kitts with their daughter, and after being sent to Barbados and then Trinidad to get a flight, the upset couple said they "get the impression that nobody cares".

Welling and Paris said they were also anxious about the type of treatment that could be meted out to visitors for the upcoming Cricket World Cup.

They said they had been given purple "Caricom bands" to wear around their wrists but the couple questioned the reason behind it as they believed that "nothing works".

Caribbean Airlines corporate communications director Dionne Ligoure was in London yesterday when she was contacted for comment.

She said she did not have information on the passengers and would have to contact the airline's local office for an update.

An industry source confirmed that the airline had overbooked flights and had been trying to accommodate passengers who were left behind.
Title: Caribbean Airlines first mis-step?
Post by: dcs on February 26, 2007, 12:40:07 AM

Well I waiting to see what the airline say...what is true, what is not but this not looking good.

I hope for their sake is only a handful of people but holding them for a whole week is serious pressure.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: A.B. on February 26, 2007, 08:26:31 AM
Same crap, different name. National shame, as usual.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: grskywalker on February 26, 2007, 08:34:41 AM
Jet Blue experienced the same type of situation here just last week, but that was weather related. I think the problem is that we have few planes in this fleet and it is hurting everyone big time. Carnival is the number one reason trini's come home and they should have been prepared to deal with this, but I wait to see the explanation for this one
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on February 26, 2007, 10:31:23 AM
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday
Monday, February 26 2007
Travelspan passengers stranded (http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,52954.html)

By RHONDOR DOWLAT

OVER 100 Travelspan passengers who came to Trinidad for the Carnival, were left stranded yesterday after their flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was delayed.

This delay caused an upsetting stir among the passengers, some of whom were there at the Piarco International Airport from as early as 8 am yesterday.

The airport security had to be called in to quell the angry crowd, when some of the passengers demanded that they see an airline official. "We are not dogs and don't treat us like that. We need an explanation as to why the long delay," a passenger shouted as she stood in front of the Travelspan check-in counter.

Newsday understands that the flight XP49 was carded to depart for Ft Lauderdale at 16.45 yesterday but was delayed to 3 am today.

Speaking with Newsday an airport official, who wished not to be identified, claimed that the flight was delayed because the pilots were weary, in addition to which there was some sort of mechanical problem with the airplane.

Irrate first-time visitor to Trinidad Juanita Armorgan of Ft Lauderdale yesterday told Newsday that she was due to report to work for 8 pm last night and therefore could not be on time because of the untimely delay.

"I contacted my boss and I told him what had happened but he knew that I came to play Carnival here in Trinidad so that when he heard that he automatically thought that I was still partying and told me to take the week off instead," Armorgan said.

"I had to demand from the airline to contact my boss and to send a correspondence via fax about the delay so that he would believe me and that I would not be suspended from my job for a week without pay," she added.

Another passenger Fernando Ruiz also had doubts about him reporting to work in time today. "This is frustrating to have a flight delayed for 10 hours. It is ridiculous. I have to report to work for 8 am in the morning and look at I am still in Trinidad when I am supposed to be on my way home to Miami. It is my first time and surely it is not a good experience here in the airport," Ruiz said.

By 5 pm yesterday most of the passengers were put up at the Piarco International Hotel, while some decided to wait around the airport until departure. Hollis Thomas, Travelspan's manager at the airport was unavailable for comment.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Jumbie on February 26, 2007, 10:33:26 AM
Jetblue did deal with it somewhat professionally, with the promise of compensation. Maybe due to all the press they got (pressure). Would be nice to know how this gets sorted out and how CA keeps these passengers happy.

What I don't understand..with this day of computers and real time bookings etc..how does overbooking happen. Are all the systems not tied into one main grid/computer? If the plane full, it full.. don't book more.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on February 26, 2007, 10:36:27 AM
Delta and Continental had problems before carnival with the weather in the North East.

This Travelspan problem sound like bad scheduling but might just be one flight?

Caribbean Airlines....how do you still overbook in 2007?   ???
Not just North American destinations but the UK too.

They need to get these people home fast and not let this run over into the World Cup with the International Press looking for stories.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Tallman on February 26, 2007, 10:37:32 AM
What I don't understand..with this day of computers and real time bookings etc..how does overbooking happen. Are all the systems not tied into one main grid/computer? If the plane full, it full.. don't book more.
Overbooking is standard practice. Check out dis FAQ from Delta:

How does an oversold situation happen?
Every major airline accepts more reservations for flights than it has seats available. This practice is known as overbooking. Flights are overbooked because a certain percentage of passengers are expected to be "no-shows." This means they change their travel plans but do not cancel their reservations.

If airlines only booked reservations according to the number of seats on a plane, then flights would leave with empty seats and people who would have wanted those seats would be left having to find other options. To avoid this situation, the airline industry monitors no-show trends and books reservations to meet the expected passenger load. But even with the best forecasting techniques, sometimes more customers show up than were expected. The result is an oversold flight.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: grskywalker on February 26, 2007, 10:42:38 AM
What I don't understand..with this day of computers and real time bookings etc..how does overbooking happen. Are all the systems not tied into one main grid/computer? If the plane full, it full.. don't book more.
Overbooking is standard practice. Check out dis FAQ from Delta:

How does an oversold situation happen?
Every major airline accepts more reservations for flights than it has seats available. This practice is known as overbooking. Flights are overbooked because a certain percentage of passengers are expected to be "no-shows." This means they change their travel plans but do not cancel their reservations.

If airlines only booked reservations according to the number of seats on a plane, then flights would leave with empty seats and people who would have wanted those seats would be left having to find other options. To avoid this situation, the airline industry monitors no-show trends and books reservations to meet the expected passenger load. But even with the best forecasting techniques, sometimes more customers show up than were expected. The result is an oversold flight.

Understood but would it not be prudent to have a 5% overbook and have those on stand-by in the event of a no-show?
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on February 26, 2007, 10:48:06 AM

What forecasting program Caribbean Airlines using?   ::)

Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: johnny_ringo on February 26, 2007, 11:02:25 AM
boy dias a real shame. Just like everything else in trini the folks in charge actin wrong and strong. Jetblue came out with a customers bill of rights, and i would love to see one of these companies do the same. Just like everything else in the country there is no accountability. Let a few high ranking officials from the airline get suspended or fired and it sure not to happen as bad again.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Bitter on February 26, 2007, 11:19:41 AM
Jetblue had to come out with that. They stock price drop and they get plenty bad press. Leaving ppl on a plane of 8-9 hrs is not good PR.

As for the airlines? they all overbook as was stated before. We get the BWEE stories, but American have the same issues. In fact, every American flight me or the family take to/from T&T have issues in either Puerto rico or Miami, but no great protest over that.
Perhaps is a case of wanting a higher standard from BWEE.
Perhaps you should take the people and them serious when they say reach 3 hrs early.
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on February 26, 2007, 11:56:59 AM

AA make you wait a whole week to go home Bitter?
And tell you that you might have to pay extra too?   :o
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: Bitter on February 26, 2007, 12:52:40 PM
They make me wait 2 days, tell me that i have to find my own hotel and didn't offer anything by way of compensation

I was in Boston a time, as i walk up to the counter the first thing the woman from AA tell me was "we not paying for a hotel" I like what? to find out after that the flight canceled. Them was the first words out her mouth. You feel is only Bwee ppl rude?

I doh fly AA for personal trips, only when the company insist. And I've never had a negative experience no a BWEE flight (other than from rude trinis who feel they must show they a** on the plane to impress? who?)
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: TriniCana on February 26, 2007, 03:08:56 PM
As Moses build he Ark, Ash Wednesday always have some bachannel in Piarco airport. As a regular Carnival masquardar you should know NEVER book your return flight on Ash Wedesday....Ash Friday or Saturday should be your best bet.

People doh call ahead to find out if dey flight cancel or on time anymore ?

The airline tell allyuh to come 3 hours prior to your flight. Is not because dey wicked, 3 hours is enough time to find out if your flight cancel because of the weather and over booking. You can't get vex with the people behind dey counter when it comes to the weather, and expect them to get a hotel FREE of charge for you also.

Over booking is another story....you could be frothing by dey mouth ya still ain't getting a flight out. Why cuss and carry on? All you have to do is ask for ah refund and go home, make ah overseas call to your boss and try ya damnest to explain. Sue dey airline for loss wages and your job. 

good luck in court
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: g on February 26, 2007, 04:23:35 PM
On the news this afternoon Caribbean Airlines made a response

2 Passengers was causing all the bachannal one to JFK and the other to Heathrow

the first passenger was going NY and reach late and the flight was already closed and they put him standby on another flight.

the second passenger was a passenger who was taken from another carrier who was put on standby to barbados. That person left this afternoon.

There is always another half of a story in the press. Look out for the media response
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: palos on February 26, 2007, 05:15:20 PM
Yield Management is an inexact science.

A good yield manager will always Oversell, especially in the airline industry because a seat on a plane is the ultimate perishable item.

If it left unsold and plane leave, yuh could never get dat seat sold again.  NEVER.  It done.

So u not just oversell, but you also try to sell your seats at the highest possible rate on that day.

Leh we say passenger X books all the time with Airline A.  Pay dey usual US$375 special corporate rate to go T&T.  Jes so happen dis time is at Carnival.  High demand time.

Passenger Y never book wit Airline A before.  Passenger book early and pay US$400 on de Travelspan "Special" and travelin same dates as Passenger X.

Passenger Z also never book wit Airline A before.  Dem book last minute and pay US$800 to go T&T fuh Carnival.  Same dates as de oddah t2.

Same Airline.  Same Seat.  Same dates. 3 different rates.


Time to come back,  flight oversold.  Of de 3, who yuh tink sure to get a seat on de return flight?

Passenger X de repeat customer who pay de lowest fare?

Passenger Y de one time booker who pay a lil more?

Or Passenger Z also a one time booker who pay de highest fare?


If yuh had to pick 2 a dem to get on de flight, which one yuh wuld leff out?
Title: Re: Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
Post by: dcs on February 26, 2007, 06:05:07 PM

CA say is just two passengers yuh say...and dem was the only two that get interview in the paper   ::)
Fishy.
Cah see Express writing the story on two people account alone...not even Express.  W will see what they come back with.
Title: Rectal exam a must at Caribbean Airlines
Post by: trinindian on October 14, 2007, 11:37:14 PM
Rectal exam a must at Caribbean Airlines (http://www.guardian.co.tt/news8.html)


As part of their terms of employment, Caribbean Airlines flight attendants must undergo mandatory anal examinations, or risk being dismissed.

Viewed as a draconian policy by staff, the company’s demand that flight attendants submit to the rectal procedure is just one in a series of developments that have contributed to flagging employee morale.

It has been less than one year since Caribbean Airlines took over from BWIA, but in the last month the company has seen a series of resignations among top echelons of the finance department, including treasurer Shelly Woo.

The demand that flight attendants, both male and female, submit to anal exams has ignited anger among the affected staff.

While the blood and urine tests fall in line with standard requirements for many local employers, affected Caribbean Airlines employees feel the compulsory anal exams are unreasonable.

As part of their contracts, all flight attendants must sign an “Authorisation for Release of Medical Records” in which they agree to “submit to a medical examination or test relevant to my employment and to my fitness for, and performance of, my duties.”

Reference to a rectal examination, however, is not outlined in the document.

According to a well-placed source, employees were not advised of the need for the rectal procedure prior to the physical examination, or before signing the medical records authorisation.

The flight attendants, the source added, only learnt of the requirement during the medical examination, when they were instructed to curl up in a foetal position for the procedure.

The source also said flight attendants were not informed by management of the reason for the anal examination.

More than 80 flight attendants were listed for the exams. In a recent document, Director of In-Flight Services, Patricia Ramsey, instructed her subordinates to “comply with instructions” and report for the medicals—but the message makes no mention of the special requirement.

Action condemned

“An anal exam goes beyond finding out if one is healthy to work. If that is what Caribbean Airlines is doing, I, Curtis John, condemn that type of behaviour!” thundered the president general of the Aviation, Communication and Allied Workers Union (ACAWU).

“The management of Caribbean Airlines must stop that behaviour they are carrying on with in this day and age,” he added during a telephone interview yesterday morning.

John said mandatory anal exams were never a requirement for employment as a flight attendant with an airline in Trinidad and Tobago.

“That is contrary to normal industry relations practice in Trinidad and Tobago…I am not sure why they would request that, but it is interfering with people’s democratic and constitutional rights,” he said.

While John said he could not think of any job related reason why the flight attendants should submit to an anal exam, he did speculate that it may be an intimidation tactic being used by the airline’s management.

“I told the nation come the end of September, Caribbean Airlines would get rid of flight attendants. This is one way of approaching that plan,” he said.

John also said Caribbean Airline workers were afraid to speak out on many of the issues they faced in the company, including the mandatory rectal examinations.

“The workers are in such a position they cannot divulge information between themselves and the company,” he revealed.

As a part of their employment, all Caribbean Airlines employees must sign a confidentiality agreement.

“Staff are so intimidated they are afraid to join a union or divulge information to a trade union,” he said.

“They may feel withholding information will be to their good, but in the long run they will regret not giving the information to save them from the practices being carried out by Caribbean Airlines,” John added.

He said once the flight attendants signed the contracts, they had little recourse.

“If they want to go in secret and sign a contract without seeking advice they will pay the price for it. It is sad for them, because once they have signed there is no recourse for them, because it is what they signed to.”

 
Title: Re: Rectal exam a must at Caribbean Airlines
Post by: Brownsugar on October 15, 2007, 06:47:20 AM
I hear bout dis on I95.5 fm dis morning......but it was just made mention in passing....dey about to talk about it detail now....

Title: Re: Rectal exam a must at Caribbean Airlines
Post by: Brownsugar on October 15, 2007, 07:05:21 AM
OK....dey now done talk to de Communications person at Caribbean Airlines......

He say....dat de flight attendants and Pilots.....have always been subjected to a medical examination including standard stuff like ears, eyes, etc etc.

Apparently, a hemorrhoids test was done, an EXTERNAL test not internal, was done.  The communications guy said that this test was always done, implying that it was being done since BWEE days. 

So he said, in response to a question, that the employees that were there from BWEE days were not the ones protesting this test, but newer employees who had the exam done for the first time were the ones who made noise. 

He said the company immediately moved to stop the EXTERNAL exams and is going to undertake a complete review of the medical tests being done on its employees.

He also said the Guardian never contacted them for Caribbean Airlines' side of the story....


There, ah sell it like ah buy it......
Title: Re: Rectal exam a must at Caribbean Airlines
Post by: WestCoast on October 15, 2007, 07:11:16 AM
Brown Sugar thanks for that
I go have to check wid my brudda an see what he have to say
Title: Re: Rectal exam a must at Caribbean Airlines
Post by: dcs on October 15, 2007, 09:01:25 AM

I could tell from the first time I read the article they didn't contact CA....probably because they damn well knew what the answer was and it woulda kill their story.

There should be a compilation of these irresponsible half baked articles suffering from bad journalism that published at the end of the year with an explanation why it made the list....and give the authors a space to respond with what they dispute.
Title: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on December 17, 2009, 08:56:47 AM
Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
NADALEEN SINGH
Published: 17 Dec 2009
http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/12/17/jamaica-pm-flies-air-jamaica-cal-talks

Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding flew into Trinidad yesterday to hold emergency talks on Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines aimed at securing the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a US$1.2 billion loan that would be a lifeline for the sinking Jamaican economy.

The IMF has insisted that Jamaica divest Air Jamaica as a conditionality of the loan. Golding is expected to announce the agreement with the IMF in a highly anticipated speech today and the surprise visit to Trinidad on eve of his address was immediately taken by Jamaican sources to mean that the merger or acquisition of Air Jamaica by Caribbean Airlines was discussed.

There was no acknowledgment of the relationship between Golding’s visit and the imminent IMF agreement in a statement put out by T&T’s Office of the Prime Minister, which said only that the talks “related to both Caribbean air carriers.” Trade and Industry Minister Mariano Browne has confirmed that a meeting to discuss Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines Ltd took place yesterday at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s. According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, issued at 6.02 pm, Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding and a high level delegation from Jamaica met with Acting Prime Minister Dr Lenny Saith, Finance Minister Karen Tesheira and Browne. Golding left T&T following the meeting.

In a brief phone call last evening, Browne said: “The meeting did take place and the talks took place, but I cannot disclose further. Whatever is in the press release is the only information to be released.” Ian Brunton, chief executive officer, Caribbean Airlines, said he was not part of the talks and could not divulge any information. But in an interview with the Business Guardian in October, Brunton said talks about a possible merger between Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines were ongoing.

“If Air Jamaica comes—it did come—we were asked to bid on it by the government of Jamaica. We did. It appears we were not winners in that process, but it has not settled yet because the government of Jamaica has not made up its mind yet. It can still happen,” Brunton had said.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on December 17, 2009, 07:33:19 PM
Interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Dutty on December 17, 2009, 09:46:24 PM
dese days everybody lookin for a bailout

Golding should approach Obama or Oprah
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on December 18, 2009, 08:55:14 AM
I was doing some reading about JA and the public service salary cut. The IMF have the government balls in a vice grip. The PM promised early in the year that he would do everything in his power to maintain jobs and salaries. Then they had to access emergency funding to the tune of more than USD 1 billion. The conditions of the loan comes right out of IMF hatchetman guidebook.

Golding had to annouce the closure and merger of several public service departments and pay cuts across the board. If I recall correctly he (PM Golding) took a pay cut of 20 % and asked his Cabinet to take 10 %.

The international recession hit Jamaica really tough because their major income earners are the tourism industry and money remitted by expatriates. They were trying to hold on to AJ for a while now. It looks like they trying iron a deal with the T&T government.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: grimm01 on December 18, 2009, 09:36:43 AM
The last thing we need is for Manning and dem to rush into an aquisition without proper due diligence. I read that Air JA just lose US$1B plus have some other ridiculous amount of debt.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on December 18, 2009, 09:53:18 AM
Funny how the USA can always spend its way out of a recession and everyone else is supposed to conduct a fire sale and live in a one-room flat next to the tracks.

As for the prospects of a merger, regionally it makes sense to have 1 long-haul and one inter-island airline service. I think you want to ensure that you can move about without having to rely on someone else. I'm not sure either airline is big enough to realize efficiencies, I don't think the routes overlap.

If you think that the finances are more important than the service, then let it go,  but then you rely on outside parties to give you access to fly. They go down too, Pan Am? Eastern?

From the article though, it looks like CAL bid on Air Jamaica and lost, but Jamaica prefers T&T to run the airline rather than whoever emerged at the top of that process. The meeting was probably something along the lines of "ay Patos, give CAL some cash so they could bid more. When we get back on we feet we go buy it back! Dollar Rescue to the Rescue!
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: weary1969 on December 18, 2009, 09:55:45 AM
I was doing some reading about JA and the public service salary cut. The IMF have the government balls in a vice grip. The PM promised early in the year that he would do everything in his power to maintain jobs and salaries. Then they had to access emergency funding to the tune of more than USD 1 billion. The conditions of the loan comes right out of IMF hatchetman guidebook.

Golding had to annouce the closure and merger of several public service departments and pay cuts across the board. If I recall correctly he (PM Golding) took a pay cut of 20 % and asked his Cabinet to take 10 %.

The international recession hit Jamaica really tough because their major income earners are the tourism industry and money remitted by expatriates. They were trying to hold on to AJ for a while now. It looks like they trying iron a deal with the T&T government.

Cosignnnnnnnnnn
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on December 18, 2009, 10:11:57 AM
Funny how the USA can always spend its way out of a recession and everyone else is supposed to conduct a fire sale and live in a one-room flat next to the tracks.

As for the prospects of a merger, regionally it makes sense to have 1 long-haul and one inter-island airline service. I think you want to ensure that you can move about without having to rely on someone else. I'm not sure either airline is big enough to realize efficiencies, I don't think the routes overlap.

If you think that the finances are more important than the service, then let it go,  but then you rely on outside parties to give you access to fly. They go down too, Pan Am? Eastern?

From the article though, it looks like CAL bid on Air Jamaica and lost, but Jamaica prefers T&T to run the airline rather than whoever emerged at the top of that process. The meeting was probably something along the lines of "ay Patos, give CAL some cash so they could bid more. When we get back on we feet we go buy it back! Dollar Rescue to the Rescue!
That is exactly whats going on.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Dumplingdinho on December 18, 2009, 10:29:01 AM
As usual trinidad trying to bail out jamaica then dey does turn around on heap scorn on we.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: weary1969 on December 18, 2009, 03:47:01 PM
As usual trinidad trying to bail out jamaica then dey does turn around on heap scorn on we.

ENTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
COSIGNNNNNNNNNNN
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on December 18, 2009, 08:44:34 PM
I knew the innuendos would start to fly soon.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: kounty on December 18, 2009, 10:14:14 PM
dem jkans sound like dey under real pressure boy.  I hope they pull thru.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: weary1969 on December 18, 2009, 11:19:51 PM
I knew the innuendos would start to fly soon.

D gospel truth u know how we get back d mney frm d 70's and 80's d central bank in JA wuld give mona students dey allowance. Dey use 2 take dey cool time 2 issue d money.   
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bakes on December 19, 2009, 01:16:56 AM
Funny how the USA can always spend its way out of a recession and everyone else is supposed to conduct a fire sale and live in a one-room flat next to the tracks.

What does the US have to do with anything?  I doh really have a dog in this fight but it always tickles me... the reflexive US bashing.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Brownsugar on December 19, 2009, 05:21:40 AM
In his presentation in the House last night Rowley warned the government about wanting to saddle T&T taxpayers with a sick airline (Air Jamaica), having just rescued BWEE from being grounded permanently.  He said when T&T was looking for help with BWEE we got none and had to fix the problem ourselves.  Why should we now want to burden T&T tax payers with a potentially new headache.

Oh btw, the Parliament Channel makes for very interesting viewing some times....
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: weary1969 on December 19, 2009, 06:02:13 AM
In his presentation in the House last night Rowley warned the government about wanting to saddle T&T taxpayers with a sick airline (Air Jamaica), having just rescued BWEE from being grounded permanently.  He said when T&T was looking for help with BWEE we got none and had to fix the problem ourselves.  Why should we now want to burden T&T tax payers with a potentially new headache.

Oh btw, the Parliament Channel makes for very interesting viewing some times....

Who Rowley did expect 2 help we wit BWEE. We is d C'bb godfadder. Not dat I sayin 2 bail out Air JA. But again I say if yuh vex wit d PNM LEAVE. Doh b in d people party and opposin evry minute. Ryan poll say peeps want u as leader go up again Patos yuh go win this time and take ovah d party and save we.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on December 19, 2009, 07:32:20 AM
In his presentation in the House last night Rowley warned the government about wanting to saddle T&T taxpayers with a sick airline (Air Jamaica), having just rescued BWEE from being grounded permanently.  He said when T&T was looking for help with BWEE we got none and had to fix the problem ourselves.  Why should we now want to burden T&T tax payers with a potentially new headache.

Oh btw, the Parliament Channel makes for very interesting viewing some times....
I don't think our government should take that debt either. AJ can continue to operate with private investment. They are just more confident that the T&T government won't screw them. If anything it is endorsement of T&T's record as a partner in CARICOM.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Brownsugar on December 19, 2009, 09:47:40 AM
In his presentation in the House last night Rowley warned the government about wanting to saddle T&T taxpayers with a sick airline (Air Jamaica), having just rescued BWEE from being grounded permanently.  He said when T&T was looking for help with BWEE we got none and had to fix the problem ourselves.  Why should we now want to burden T&T tax payers with a potentially new headache.

Oh btw, the Parliament Channel makes for very interesting viewing some times....

Who Rowley did expect 2 help we wit BWEE. We is d C'bb godfadder. Not dat I sayin 2 bail out Air JA. But again I say if yuh vex wit d PNM LEAVE. Doh b in d people party and opposin evry minute. Ryan poll say peeps want u as leader go up again Patos yuh go win this time and take ovah d party and save we.

Nah  he should stay right dey and remind Patrick why he is an idiot....
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: WestCoast on December 19, 2009, 10:28:53 AM
ah merger would be OK wid me
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on December 19, 2009, 11:00:53 AM
Funny how the USA can always spend its way out of a recession and everyone else is supposed to conduct a fire sale and live in a one-room flat next to the tracks.

What does the US have to do with anything?  I doh really have a dog in this fight but it always tickles me... the reflexive US bashing.

US was just a stand in for any G20 country. They are the most visible example right now of deficit spending during a recession rather than contracting.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: WestCoast on December 19, 2009, 02:09:49 PM
Funny how the USA can always spend its way out of a recession and everyone else is supposed to conduct a fire sale and live in a one-room flat next to the tracks.

As for the prospects of a merger, regionally it makes sense to have 1 long-haul and one inter-island airline service. I think you want to ensure that you can move about without having to rely on someone else. I'm not sure either airline is big enough to realize efficiencies, I don't think the routes overlap.

If you think that the finances are more important than the service, then let it go,  but then you rely on outside parties to give you access to fly. They go down too, Pan Am? Eastern?

From the article though, it looks like CAL bid on Air Jamaica and lost, but Jamaica prefers T&T to run the airline rather than whoever emerged at the top of that process. The meeting was probably something along the lines of "ay Patos, give CAL some cash so they could bid more. When we get back on we feet we go buy it back! Dollar Rescue to the Rescue!
Bitter that is de IMF "modus operandi", ya ent realsise that YEARS now
the big countries GRIP de stones of the smaller countries, yet dont treat their own kind the same wasy

is Orrite, if the USA keep borrowing, day go be speakin "Chineez" jez now ;)
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: weary1969 on December 19, 2009, 07:48:54 PM
In his presentation in the House last night Rowley warned the government about wanting to saddle T&T taxpayers with a sick airline (Air Jamaica), having just rescued BWEE from being grounded permanently.  He said when T&T was looking for help with BWEE we got none and had to fix the problem ourselves.  Why should we now want to burden T&T tax payers with a potentially new headache.

Oh btw, the Parliament Channel makes for very interesting viewing some times....

Who Rowley did expect 2 help we wit BWEE. We is d C'bb godfadder. Not dat I sayin 2 bail out Air JA. But again I say if yuh vex wit d PNM LEAVE. Doh b in d people party and opposin evry minute. Ryan poll say peeps want u as leader go up again Patos yuh go win this time and take ovah d party and save we.



Nah  he should stay right dey and remind Patrick why he is an idiot....

Dat eh go help we
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bourbon on December 20, 2009, 08:36:15 AM
Fuh me...personally.....i wouldnt bother.
De ingratitude post TCL have me skeptical.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Brownsugar on December 20, 2009, 08:53:15 AM
In his presentation in the House last night Rowley warned the government about wanting to saddle T&T taxpayers with a sick airline (Air Jamaica), having just rescued BWEE from being grounded permanently.  He said when T&T was looking for help with BWEE we got none and had to fix the problem ourselves.  Why should we now want to burden T&T tax payers with a potentially new headache.

Oh btw, the Parliament Channel makes for very interesting viewing some times....

Who Rowley did expect 2 help we wit BWEE. We is d C'bb godfadder. Not dat I sayin 2 bail out Air JA. But again I say if yuh vex wit d PNM LEAVE. Doh b in d people party and opposin evry minute. Ryan poll say peeps want u as leader go up again Patos yuh go win this time and take ovah d party and save we.



Nah  he should stay right dey and remind Patrick why he is an idiot....

Dat eh go help we

Ah have to admit that the UNC internal elections make mih start to think about the other parties conduct theirs.  How the PNM does elect their leader?  Ent they have some kinda delegate type something??  Ah have to do some checking...just to satisfy mih curiousity...
 
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bakes on December 20, 2009, 10:39:57 AM

US was just a stand in for any G20 country. They are the most visible example right now of deficit spending during a recession rather than contracting.

Yeah but dem G20's have collateral and good "credit history" on dey side.  If you gone tuh de bank fuh ah loan and they think yuh's ah risk they'll blank yuh same way and send yuh home tuh clean up yuh credit.  That is essentially what the IMF does tell borrowers... "if yuh want money den put yuhself in a much better position to recover financially.. as we see it".
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on December 20, 2009, 11:39:21 AM
The IMF don't force any country to come to them. If you can get China to bail you out, go for it. But I am almost sure China will want something in return. Any direction you go and you face the same predicament. The IMF basically is an institution of last resort. And it is certainly NOT a benevolent association.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: doc on December 20, 2009, 12:04:24 PM
The IMF don't force any country to come to them. If you can get China to bail you out, go for it. But I am almost sure China will want something in return. Any direction you go and you face the same predicament. The IMF basically is an institution of last resort. And it is certainly NOT a benevolent association.
That is the IMF line, Deeks.They have been shown to use their influence to block other options thereby tacitly coercing you to come to them as "the institution of last resort". Compton Bourne report and Davison Boodoo have shown this to be the case.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: ribbit on December 20, 2009, 12:42:02 PM
The IMF don't force any country to come to them. If you can get China to bail you out, go for it. But I am almost sure China will want something in return. Any direction you go and you face the same predicament. The IMF basically is an institution of last resort. And it is certainly NOT a benevolent association.

deeks, a bailout eh no investment opportunity in de conventional sense. china, saudi, and other swfs probably figuring dey cyah get no more than goodwill in de caribbean.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bakes on December 20, 2009, 01:08:44 PM
The IMF don't force any country to come to them. If you can get China to bail you out, go for it. But I am almost sure China will want something in return. Any direction you go and you face the same predicament. The IMF basically is an institution of last resort. And it is certainly NOT a benevolent association.
That is the IMF line, Deeks.They have been shown to use their influence to block other options thereby tacitly coercing you to come to them as "the institution of last resort". Compton Bourne report and Davison Boodoo have shown this to be the case.

That is francomen nonsense.

IMF hardly charges any kinda interest rates and the drawn out nature of payback schedules means these "loans" end up being more like grants.  That being the case, of what benefit is it to the IMF to "block other options thereby tacitly coercing you to come to them"?  So that they could give you their money?

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on December 20, 2009, 02:31:16 PM
FINANCE: Watchdog Faults IMF Loan Conditions
By Abid Aslam
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40686

WASHINGTON, Jan 6 (IPS) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to burden its borrowers with superfluous demands despite efforts to streamline loans, an internal watchdog has found.

"Progress had been made in better aligning IMF conditionality to its core areas of responsibility and expertise, but about one-third of conditions continued to reach outside these areas," said Tom Bernes, director of the fund's Independent Evaluation Office.

The findings seem bound to fuel criticism that the IMF has arrogated unto itself the power to set terms beyond its formal mandate. In particular, evaluators are urging the fund to ease or jettison demands that borrowers transfer public services and enterprises to private owners.

Requiring governments to sell off utilities, health and educational institutions, or national industries is a contentious business. In some borrowing countries, security forces have clashed with citizens concerned about job losses and price hikes for basic goods and services.

Yet, according to the evaluators, the IMF staff has succeeded in ensuring that loan conditions increasingly reflect core concerns about macroeconomic stability. Rather, the sprawl - some call it "mission creep" - is largely the fault of the agency's wealthy shareholders.

Donor countries impose conditions with little relevance to the IMF's remit, evaluators found. Instead, terms are designed to enable donors to track their own, separate aid programmes and to ensure borrowers meet their benchmarks for debt relief or for entry into the European Union.

The extraneous conditions often are detailed and intrusive, some going as far as dictating legislative proposals to borrowing countries' parliaments.

In consequence, an initiative launched in 2000 to reduce the volume and scope of conditions has had little impact. The effort, and guidelines issued two years later, required that demands be made sparingly and be limited to those considered critical to programme goals.

"The streamlining initiative did not reduce the volume of conditionality, partly because structural conditions continued to be used to monitor other initiatives such as donors' support programmes and the European Union accession process," the evaluation office said in a report released late last week.

The new evaluation of loans between 1995 and 2004 found that the number of structural conditions in IMF-supported programmes came to an average of about 17 a year. The figure did not change after 2000.

"Overall, the analysis underscores that achieving the objectives of parsimony and criticality remains an important challenge for the fund, and greater efforts are needed in this direction," said Bernes.

Wealthy IMF members' appetite for binding borrowers' hands appears to be proving counter-productive.

"Most of these conditions had little structural depth and only about half of them were met on time," the report said. "Compliance was only weakly correlated with subsequent progress in structural reform."

"Compliance and effectiveness were higher in the areas of IMF core competency, such as public expenditure management and tax-related issues, and lower in areas such as privatisation and reform of the wider public sector," it added.

Evaluators recommended limiting the number of conditions to four or five a year.

"The use of structural benchmarks should be discontinued and measures with low structural content should not be part of conditionality. Normally, conditionality should be restricted to the core areas of IMF expertise," the report said.

Anything else, it added, should be left to the fund's sibling, the World Bank.

Additionally, monitoring and evaluation must be improved to "provide a more robust basis for assessing programme results".

Development experts long have said governments and voluntary organisations in poor countries are overwhelmed by heavy-handed conditionality, whether in exchange for the IMF's budget support or as the price of bilateral finance. Dictation from abroad also has been said to undermine locals' sense that aid efforts and structural reforms are theirs in the first place.

"Ownership of the reform programme by the economic team and by the line ministries in charge of the specific measures was necessary both for compliance and for continuity of the reform," the report said.

Added the evaluators: "Programme documents should explain how the proposed conditionality is critical to achieve explicit objectives." This would help to ensure that conditions remain true to the fund's mission and that borrowers are kept securely on board.

Especially in the case of concessional financing provided to poor countries through the fund's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, they said, "programme requests should be accompanied by an operational roadmap covering the length of the programme, explaining the proposed reforms, their sequencing, and expected impact."

IMF managers and staff, in written responses to the report, invoked a need to improve understanding of conditionality among outside critics.

This would be a good idea, the evaluations office said, but: "To do so effectively will require greater clarity from the Executive Board and in operational guidance than currently exists."

Emphasis is mine.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bakes on December 20, 2009, 03:21:33 PM
Bitther, nothing you "emphasize" indicates that the onerous conditions are illegal or even unfair.  He who controls the purse strings calls the shots.  All that lenghty article says is that the IMF is conditioning loans on demands that are not part of its initial mandate.  The article is clearly biased against the actions of the IMF so I understand the tone reflected throughout.  Why is there only quotes by opponents of the policies?  Why not include a quote from the other side as well to lend perspective as to how and why this "mission creep" came about?  There has been an attempt to reign in the "extraneous" why has this movement not been embraced?  Oh right... the "wealthy shareholders... impose conditions with little relevance to the IMF's remit"

... meanwhile "Wealthy IMF members' appetite for binding borrowers' hands appears to be proving counter-productive."

--------------------

Taking a look at the IPS website the "About Us" message explains the bias, they tell the "story underneath" from the perspective of developing nations.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on December 20, 2009, 05:13:57 PM
Unfair is in the eyes of the beholder, and we can disagree on that.
The watchdog is the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office.
http://www.ieo-imf.org/
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: WestCoast on December 20, 2009, 05:18:52 PM
The IMF don't force any country to come to them. If you can get China to bail you out, go for it. But I am almost sure China will want something in return. Any direction you go and you face the same predicament. The IMF basically is an institution of last resort. And it is certainly NOT a benevolent association.
That is the IMF line, Deeks.They have been shown to use their influence to block other options thereby tacitly coercing you to come to them as "the institution of last resort". Compton Bourne report and Davison Boodoo have shown this to be the case.
That is correct
The underlining ideology is to further "capitalism"
which is a very constrictive model when followed to the "T"
look HOW converluted the discussion about universal Health Care has become.......
Republican politicians have universal health care (I KNOW as my cousin is a state Rep), YET they dont want average americans to have it

Unfair is in the eyes of the beholder, and we can disagree on that.
The watchdog is the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office.
http://www.ieo-imf.org/
very àpropos
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bakes on December 20, 2009, 07:51:22 PM
Unfair is in the eyes of the beholder, and we can disagree on that.
The watchdog is the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office. http://www.ieo-imf.org/

I honestly never would have guessed...

"Progress had been made in better aligning IMF conditionality to its core areas of responsibility and expertise, but about one-third of conditions continued to reach outside these areas," said Tom Bernes, director of the fund's Independent Evaluation Office. released late last week.

Note however, how neutral Berne's statements are in stark contrast to the way the report is presented by the writer, Abid Aslam.
Title: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: AirMan on December 25, 2009, 10:50:09 AM
Minister Keith Rowley was against this move saying Trinbagonians tax paying money should not be used to desperately help this airline survive..http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161574218



Ready to help Air J'ca
T&T vows to assist troubled airline
By: Juhel Browne (T&T Express).


Friday, December 25th 2009

Trinidad and Tobago is ready and willing to assist Jamaica if it wants any short-term help to raise Jca $21.8 billion (TT$1.53 billion) needed to meet the requirements for a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Energy Minister Conrad Enill said yesterday that although Trinidad and Tobago itself is facing a $7 billion deficit, any assistance for Jamaica is already available by way of this country’s (Caribbean Community) Caricom Petroleum Stabilisation Fund.

Enill’s comment comes on the heels of an address to the nation by Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding on Wednesday night, in which he rolled back some of the General Consumption Tax measures he had announced last week that were meant to raise much needed additional revenue.

The move had come after public outcry over the tax package designed to raise $21.8 billion, which is the amount required to satisfy the Medium Term Economic Programme the Jamaican government has submitted to the IMF.

In his address, Golding told citizens,’I want to commend the people of Jamaica because despite the strong opposition to the measures announced last Thursday, the country was not shutdown; there has been no disruption; no violent demonstrations. This Government does not have to await an eruption to recognise that it has to change course. We have listened and we have heard.’

However, he added, ’Without that additional revenue, there will be no IMF programme. I want you to understand what this would mean. Without the money from the IMF, the exchange rate would come under severe pressure because with the fallout in bauxite and alumina earnings, remittances and other inflows, we would have difficulty in meeting the demand for foreign exchange.

’Without an IMF agreement, the additional funds from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, which we need to support the budget, would not be forthcoming. We have to find this $21.8 billion of additional revenue. That is the stark reality.’

The Caricom Petroleum Stabilisation Fund was established by the Patrick Manning administration in 2004, while Enill was then serving as the Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

Manning had said during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) last month that the fund amounted to US$79 million (TT$502.6) million last year.

’The Petroleum Fund was intended to give support to economies in the Caribbean that found themselves in the kind of difficulty that Jamaica finds itself in, but with short term support,’ Enill said in a telephone interview, in reference to the dire economic situation outlined by Golding.

There was no official word yesterday as to whether Jamaica has, or plans to approach this country for any significant financial assistance.

Enill said, however, the real question is not about whether Jamaica needs a loan, but how the Golding administration plans to get the country out of its deep financial hole.

’It is whether they have to reduce their expenditure or increase their revenue internally. That is more of a structure of the economy rather than cash flow. You see if Trinidad and Tobago gives them some support, that is what you call cash flow, but that would not change the structure,’ Enill said.

As arguments continue to go back and forth about the new property tax due to take effect in this country from January 1, 2010, Enill said Golding appears to be asking Jamaicans for the kind of help that the Government had asked of all Trinbagonians during the recessionary period in the 1990s, by contributing more through their taxes.

Golding came to Port of Spain last week to hold discussion with acting Prime Minister Dr Lenny Saith over a proposal by the State-owned Caribbean Airlines to either acquire of become involved in the operation of cash-strapped Air Jamaica.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on December 25, 2009, 11:13:11 AM
Ready to help Air J'ca
T&T vows to assist troubled airline
Juhel Browne

Friday, December 25th 2009
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161574218


Trinidad and Tobago is ready and willing to assist Jamaica if it wants any short-term help to raise Jca $21.8 billion (TT$1.53 billion) needed to meet the requirements for a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Energy Minister Conrad Enill said yesterday that although Trinidad and Tobago itself is facing a $7 billion deficit, any assistance for Jamaica is already available by way of this country’s (Caribbean Community) Caricom Petroleum Stabilisation Fund.

Enill’s comment comes on the heels of an address to the nation by Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding on Wednesday night, in which he rolled back some of the General Consumption Tax measures he had announced last week that were meant to raise much needed additional revenue.

The move had come after public outcry over the tax package designed to raise $21.8 billion, which is the amount required to satisfy the Medium Term Economic Programme the Jamaican government has submitted to the IMF.

In his address, Golding told citizens,’I want to commend the people of Jamaica because despite the strong opposition to the measures announced last Thursday, the country was not shutdown; there has been no disruption; no violent demonstrations. This Government does not have to await an eruption to recognise that it has to change course. We have listened and we have heard.’

However, he added, ’Without that additional revenue, there will be no IMF programme. I want you to understand what this would mean. Without the money from the IMF, the exchange rate would come under severe pressure because with the fallout in bauxite and alumina earnings, remittances and other inflows, we would have difficulty in meeting the demand for foreign exchange.

’Without an IMF agreement, the additional funds from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, which we need to support the budget, would not be forthcoming. We have to find this $21.8 billion of additional revenue. That is the stark reality.’

The Caricom Petroleum Stabilisation Fund was established by the Patrick Manning administration in 2004, while Enill was then serving as the Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

Manning had said during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) last month that the fund amounted to US$79 million (TT$502.6) million last year.

’The Petroleum Fund was intended to give support to economies in the Caribbean that found themselves in the kind of difficulty that Jamaica finds itself in, but with short term support,’ Enill said in a telephone interview, in reference to the dire economic situation outlined by Golding.

There was no official word yesterday as to whether Jamaica has, or plans to approach this country for any significant financial assistance.

Enill said, however, the real question is not about whether Jamaica needs a loan, but how the Golding administration plans to get the country out of its deep financial hole.

’It is whether they have to reduce their expenditure or increase their revenue internally. That is more of a structure of the economy rather than cash flow. You see if Trinidad and Tobago gives them some support, that is what you call cash flow, but that would not change the structure,’ Enill said.

As arguments continue to go back and forth about the new property tax due to take effect in this country from January 1, 2010, Enill said Golding appears to be asking Jamaicans for the kind of help that the Government had asked of all Trinbagonians during the recessionary period in the 1990s, by contributing more through their taxes.

Golding came to Port of Spain last week to hold discussion with acting Prime Minister Dr Lenny Saith over a proposal by the State-owned Caribbean Airlines to either acquire of become involved in the operation of cash-strapped Air Jamaica.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: ProudTrinbagonian on December 25, 2009, 02:34:36 PM
it's Christmas and all but come on!
Ja is ungrateful and don't deserve a cent from us...help our own!
they ain't pay us back yet for time...steups
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Sando prince on January 07, 2010, 02:11:27 PM
I'm still waiting on the developments from this....my grand mother sister had to go for mmediate surgery recently. Cost her over $10,000. I wonder if she could have received one dollar from this 1.3 billion
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: TriniCana on January 07, 2010, 05:22:54 PM
Doh be surprised if allyuh ain't hear about some merger.
Man cyah be putting that substantial amount of money juss to help out.

Something playing in dey background
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: ribbit on January 07, 2010, 09:26:42 PM
Doh be surprised if allyuh ain't hear about some merger.
Man cyah be putting that substantial amount of money juss to help out.

Something playing in dey background

cana, ah doh know about a merger - de article saying funds are ready for use in a "short-term" crunch. dis suggesting some kind of low interest loan at best. imagine if de t&t taxpayer took a longer term position in jal. is either t&t taxpayer with an ownership stake and ja'n still managing de airline (dey eh running it well now) or de t&t taxpayer have to step in and take on de headache in some way - check de current govt projects to see how well one could expect a new venture to be managed. of course, either of these longer term situations offer patronage appts for pnm - maybe this what playing in de background.  :-\
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Dutty on January 07, 2010, 10:29:56 PM
I doh under stand dis ting at all

If yuh competitor go belly up...is ah perfect opportunity for CAL to take Air Jamaica routes and expand dey business
why trow yuh competition ah lifeline?
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: truetrini on January 08, 2010, 06:48:33 AM
Have any of you ever considered that we need our Caricom and Caribbean neighbors to be self sufficient as much as possible?  We enjoy a huge trade disparity with Jamaica, they buy many, many of our goods and services much more than we purchase from them!

If their economy were to flounder further, then it stands to reason our exports to there will decrease and negatively impact our economy more than the loan we provide.

Please stop looking with such a narrow minded view at everything this government does or tries to do.  It is always not as bad as the Press and Opposition makes it out to be.

Sando, I feel for your grandmother, but that fund was specially set up for a scenario just as this!   It is called The Caricom Petroleum Stabilisation Fund.

Now if you feel the government has the neeed to set up a fund to pay for citizens who need urgent medical care, then say so.  I feel the property tax could partly fund this. 
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Dutty on January 08, 2010, 06:45:16 PM
Have any of you ever considered that we need our Caricom and Caribbean neighbors to be self sufficient as much as possible?  We enjoy a huge trade disparity with Jamaica, they buy many, many of our goods and services much more than we purchase from them!

If their economy were to flounder further, then it stands to reason our exports to there will decrease and negatively impact our economy more than the loan we provide.



dais ah fair enough theory in de bucket..but it leakin water

Is not agriculture , textiles or manufacturing the billion goin for ..is to prop up ah service industry that does get dey planes, tires etc. from developed countries...air jamaica doh pay piarco landin fees
so I doh understand how caricom trade benfefittin...and T&T tax payers

CAL could well benefit from lucrative air routes if air JA goes under.  I self would be interested in the backstory

either way the way de ting readin it look like the $1bill for the airline is a crutch and is more to pad up the coffers so they could reach the $21billion IMF target
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: truetrini on January 09, 2010, 01:56:28 AM
Have any of you ever considered that we need our Caricom and Caribbean neighbors to be self sufficient as much as possible?  We enjoy a huge trade disparity with Jamaica, they buy many, many of our goods and services much more than we purchase from them!

If their economy were to flounder further, then it stands to reason our exports to there will decrease and negatively impact our economy more than the loan we provide.



dais ah fair enough theory in de bucket..but it leakin water

Is not agriculture , textiles or manufacturing the billion goin for ..is to prop up ah service industry that does get dey planes, tires etc. from developed countries...air jamaica doh pay piarco landin fees
so I doh understand how caricom trade benfefittin...and T&T tax payers

CAL could well benefit from lucrative air routes if air JA goes under.  I self would be interested in the backstory

either way the way de ting readin it look like the $1bill for the airline is a crutch and is more to pad up the coffers so they could reach the $21billion IMF target


The move to pad up the coffers is exactly what the loan was for!  What else?  Do you think that Caribben Airlines has been making money?

The Government spend about US$250 million to close down BWIA, then they spend an additional US$100 million to set up Caribbean Airlines with no service to europe.  Then dey spend another US$25 million to acquire Tobago Express. In 2006 when oil was 83 at barrel de CAL CEO say dat de airline go break even dat year and make a small profit in 2009.  At US$130 per barrel for oil in 2008, dat prediction also fall thru!

Air Jamaica has NEVER made a profit in 40 plus years...de world bank calling for ALL caribbean airlines to be shut down....as in ALL!

Read dis:

Caribbean Airlines should scrap the idea of a regional carrier as a merger with Air Jamaica will cost taxpayers billions and regional travellers will still face higher prices in the long run, local travel agents have said. “The talk of a regional carrier has been under consideration for decades now, but it requires compromise from the various governments, and none of them are interested in giving up their power or synchronising their regulation to bring down costs and make regional travel more efficient,” said Wayne Rodriguez, president, T&T Travel Agents Association. “Right now, both regional airlines are losing money at a phenomenal rate, so why must we sink more money into such a huge loss making enterprise? We simply cannot afford it at this time. The T&T government needs to focus on its own people, rather than sink hundreds of millions, or even billions of dollars, into this project as we did in the past.

“The deal sounds like a substitution of the Jamaican government spending money into the failing Air Jamaica, into the Trinidad government spending taxpayers’ money on the airline instead. We cannot take on the cost of bailing out two airlines as Caribbean Airlines is also losing money. “The global economy is struggling and the Caricom tourism industry isn’t reorganising its pricing structure to cater for regional tourism or inter-island travel,” Rodriguez said. Rodriquez said the vast majority of regional resorts and hotels are priced for the high-end US or European vacationer, and that T&T has totally priced itself out of the regional market. “How can you encourage a regional airline and travel industry, when no one in the region can afford to stay in our hotels? It is cheaper to fly from Trinidad to Miami and stay in a hotel there than it is to travel to Barbados, right next door, for your typical vacation.

“To me, a lot has to be done before we should even consider a regional airline, and that ground work has not been done, and no one is taking the initiative to make these changes. “Until these issues are addressed, we will just be wasting a lot of money, to fail in the final analysis. “For Trinidadians, this can turn out to be a very contentious issue because we cannot afford to be throwing billions into these airlines when we still have major issues to deal with at home, such as healthcare, social services, education and crime.” “We should not have closed down BWIA in the first place, as that whole process has alienated many of the airline’s stakeholders, including the travel agents who bought in a significant percentage of the airline’s revenues. Selling our airline slots at London at firesale prices was also a wrong decision, and we are still paying for that decision. Right now, British Airways has taken over the London route into the Caribbean, and we have no response to offer.

“In theory, a regional carrier sounds like a good idea, but practically, it will be a disaster. It was attempted by both government agencies and even the private sector with the (Allen) Stanford-run airline, and they all failed after consuming huge sums of money. “The fundamentals of the regional economy has not changed. In fact, it has become even worse, so you will not have the demand for air travel to warrant this kind of expenditure. “Hotels are not going to adjust their prices to cater for the regional market, and the low demand, as well as indifference among regional governments, will not facilitate competition to bring prices down. This will be a significant loss for taxpayers as well as travellers and it just should not be a project government should consider at this time.”

Home-grown airline
Kevin Kenny, president, Trinidad, Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Association, said, “without competition, a regional airline that has exclusive access to regional transportation will become inefficient and consumers will face higher prices and poor service.” Kenny said most stakeholders providing accommodation and ground services were optimistic about the announcement of a merger, and he’s hoping the authorities were serious about the proposals. “The move has been long overdue,” Kenny said. “It is obvious to all the stakeholders the region needs one airline that is home-grown, with one set of overheads, so it can compete with both international carriers and local providers. “The short answer is that the Caribbean is in dire need of a Caribbean-owned airline that is financially viable. That is the only way to keep fares down to match the large multinational airlines. If we have an airline that has a vested interest in the Caribbean, then we can have more control over our tourism industry.”

de only reason we sending dat money is as yuh say to pad de coffers!

Thanks
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: ProudTrinbagonian on January 09, 2010, 10:36:10 AM
I'm still waiting on the developments from this....my grand mother sister had to go for mmediate surgery recently. Cost her over $10,000. I wonder if she could have received one dollar from this 1.3 billion

Sorry to hear this kinda talk...

So much blasted money but where is the talent to manage it?
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Conquering Lion on January 09, 2010, 11:15:53 AM
Have any of you ever considered that we need our Caricom and Caribbean neighbors to be self sufficient as much as possible?  We enjoy a huge trade disparity with Jamaica, they buy many, many of our goods and services much more than we purchase from them!

If their economy were to flounder further, then it stands to reason our exports to there will decrease and negatively impact our economy more than the loan we provide.

Please stop looking with such a narrow minded view at everything this government does or tries to do.  It is always not as bad as the Press and Opposition makes it out to be.

Sando, I feel for your grandmother, but that fund was specially set up for a scenario just as this!   It is called The Caricom Petroleum Stabilisation Fund.

Now if you feel the government has the neeed to set up a fund to pay for citizens who need urgent medical care, then say so.  I feel the property tax could partly fund this. 


So how does this injection of money promote self-sufficiency?
Was due diligence performed? What has been put in place to ensure that Air Jamaica/Jamaica can repay the money.

1.53 billion could go a long way to help some of the problems in T&T with the health sector and general infrastructure. I would only agree with such a loan if it makes good business sense for T&T.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Sando prince on January 10, 2010, 12:21:29 PM
I'm still waiting on the developments from this....my grand mother sister had to go for mmediate surgery recently. Cost her over $10,000. I wonder if she could have received one dollar from this 1.3 billion

Sorry to hear this kinda talk...

So much blasted money but where is the talent to manage it?

Talent ?..maybe the talent is not being showcased because i cant point it out
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: AirMan on January 12, 2010, 09:32:13 PM
I'm still waiting on the developments from this....my grand mother sister had to go for mmediate surgery recently. Cost her over $10,000. I wonder if she could have received one dollar from this 1.3 billion


Caribbean Airlines set to acquire Air Jamaica
Tuesday 12th January, 2010


Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding is scheduled to deliver an address to the nation tomorrow night and expectations are running high in Kingston that he will announce a deal for Caribbean Airlines to acquire the troubled jamaican airline, Air Jamaica.


No details about the possible takeover of Air Jamaica by Caribbean Airlines have been made public in Port of Spain, but disposal of the debt-ridden airline is key to an agreement between the Jamaican government and the International Monetary Fund which is expected to be signed by the end of this month.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Deeks on January 13, 2010, 07:36:14 PM
what is the latest on this.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: TriniCana on January 13, 2010, 07:42:23 PM
hmmmmm ahhhh boy!!! :-X
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Bitter on January 13, 2010, 09:57:17 PM
Caribbean Airlines: fact and fiction
William Lucie-Smith

Wednesday, January 6th 2010
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_features?id=161578631
   

The recent announcement that Caribbean Airlines (CAL) is in discussions with Air Jamaica and the Jamaican government over the future of Air Jamaica has resulted in a significant number of press articles and letters about BWIA and CAL and the repetition of a number of myths.

I thought it might be appropriate to address some of these myths so that readers can separate fact from fiction and not believe these misconceptions simply because of repetition. I should add that I write from first-hand experience as I was a member of the Lok Jack Task Force appointed to review the future of BWIA and airlift for Trinidad. I was then appointed a director of BWIA to help implement the recommendations accepted by Cabinet, and later a director of Caribbean Airlines to launch the new company.

I resigned from Caribbean Airlines in December 2007 but have remained an adviser, so I still have access to the Board, although any opinions expressed are mine alone.

Myth #1: Closing BWIA was a mistake. The initial recommendation was to recapitalise and restructure BWIA because of its importance to Caribbean commerce and to guarantee airlift for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. This proved impossible because of the intractable nature of various contracts which prevented BWIA ever becoming viable. Complete closure was the only way to make a fresh start without all the ’baggage’ that BWIA carried.

Some have suggested closure was a mistake and that it alienated many stakeholders, but BWIA was insolvent and would have been a permanent and increasing drain on the treasury. This, unfortunately, is the current position with LIAT, Air Jamaica and Bahamas Air. CAL’s record of customer service and on- time performance is vastly better than BWIA’s and shows a clear differentiation between the airlines.

Myth # 2: The London route was profitable and should not have been given up. Unfortunately the maintenance of two airbuses and crews to support one daily flight was just not viable as there was insufficient traffic from Trinidad and Tobago. BA can make a success of three or four days a week because they can deploy their equipment and crews on the other days. There was no such option for BWIA and the attempt to build a Manchester route (or other European routes) was a failure.

Myth #3: BWIA had seven Heathrow slots that could have been sold for more. BWIA really had one pair. The decision that London must close meant that the Heathrow slots had to be traded. A slot is simply a time to land or take-off and if not used is lost. Although slots are not an asset that can be sold the British Airports Authority has allowed airlines to swap or trade them.

A slot is always in pairs because you must land and take-off. BWIA did this every day and had 730 slots annually or seven pairs weekly or one pair daily. Slots are traded as pairs of daily slots, of which BWIA had one not seven. These slots were tendered to both BA and Virgin. Although Virgin offered slightly more money, the BA proposal provided at least three direct flights to Trinidad a week and a code share through Barbados and an option on a slot at Gatwick.

Allegations that the slots were undersold are just plain ill-informed as the price received was similar to other trades at the time (e.g. SN Brussels) and independent reviews were carried out by experienced UK aviation lawyers. Shortly thereafter Air Jamaica traded their one pair of daily slots for a similar price.

Myth # 4: CAL purchases fuel at US$40 per barrel. At the time of the Lok Jack report oil was about US$40 per barrel. The report indicated that purchasing a hedge at current prices was a precondition to restructure or starting a new airline. Quotes were received from several financial institutions for a hedge and the Government was asked to provide this funding as part of the capitalisation of the new airline. In the event, being an oil exporter the Government preferred to provide a hedging arrangement at a US$50 oil price themselves rather than spend money in the open market, and that is the net of hedge price CAL currently pays.

Myth # 5: Caribbean Airlines is losing a lot of money and has required further subventions from the Government. The initial capital of the new company was approximately US$115 million. In the first year to December 2007 CAL made a net loss of US$18.7 million, but that included restructuring costs of US $25.6 million as well as losses for five months of the London route. This result was well within plan and financed from original capital.

In 2008 CAL made a small profit of US$5.5 million. In 2009 CAL is expected to make a loss partly because of the global recession and fierce competition on North American routes, but also because of the uneconomic regulated fare on the air bridge.

Other than the hedging arrangement and purchase of TABEX there have been no subventions or transfers and the airline has been managed within plan and the original capital.

All regional airlines (including CAL) currently face major commercial challenges. For many years integration has been recommended to achieve economies of scale over maintenance, equipment, parts and ground handling. Just as CAL took over the routes and responsibilities of TABEX, so CAL believes there are opportunities presented to integrate and reduce costs when governments recognise that the huge losses at Air Jamaica and LIAT are unsustainable. However, leaving the Caribbean without airlift (and/or dependent on foreign airlines) is just not a viable option.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Bitter on January 13, 2010, 10:03:36 PM
I would expect that if CA does buy AJ, then the same process for the creation of Caribbean Airlines from BWIA will follow. This may leave Jamaica with a "local" airline, but certainly won't be some sort of placeholder while they figure out how to buy it back.  If they think Spirit Airlines was going to be too harsh and that CA will be an softer touch then they are in for a shock. This will almost certainly mean job cuts at Air Jamaica and possibly even CA. 

On the other hand, there should be economic benefits from having 1 airline rather than 2. LIAT should also  eventually fall into the mix. The CEO of Caribbean Airlines has said that in the very least, LIAT and CA should negotiate airplane deals together under some sort of a strategic agreement thus gaining some clout if you’re buying 25 airplanes as opposed to five.

Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Bourbon on January 14, 2010, 12:23:00 PM
      Caribbean Airlines to own Air Jamaica within days  (http://www.caribbean360.com/News/Business/Stories/2010/01/14/NEWS0000010057.html)
Quote
KINGSTON, Jamaica, January 14, 2010 - Trinidad and Tobago's state owned Caribbean Airlines is now just days away from taking over Jamaica's national carrier.

A deal in which Air Jamaica will be absorbed into the Trinidad airline is expected to be consummated this weekend, according to a Jamaica government announcement.

Under the plan, Caribbean Airlines will grant Air Jamaica equity, but the Jamaican government will have to find J$27 billion (US$301.6 million) in this year's capital expenditure budget to meet debt and other costs, including the redundancy of hundreds of employees. It is believed that several hundred workers will be on the breadline as a result of the divestment.

Other details of the deal have not yet been released.

And just days ahead of the long-expected divestment, a new Board has been appointed by the Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw.

The five-member team, put in place this week following the expiration of the term of the previous Board, will oversee transitional arrangements and legacy issues surrounding the Air Jamaica divestment.

The new Board is led by businessman and Chairman of the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) Group, Dennis Lalor. The other members are Christopher Zacca, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister; Dr Wayne Henry, Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance and the Public Service; Sancia Templer, President of Jamaica Trade and Invest; and Christopher Berry, Chairman of Mayberry Investments.

In addition, an Air Jamaica transition management committee has been set up to help guide the divestment process. That will be led by the airline's President and CEO Bruce Nobles.

The divestment of Jamaica's national carrier is coming much later than originally hoped.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding had announced, in April 2008, government's plans to divest the airline by the end of that financial year.

He had said the decision was taken because government could no longer pile the losses of the airline on the backs of taxpayers "with no end in sight". Air Jamaica at that time had accumulated losses of over US$1 billion.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: TriniCana on January 14, 2010, 12:35:54 PM
Doh be surprised if allyuh ain't hear about some merger.
Man cyah be putting that substantial amount of money juss to help out.

Something playing in dey background

I should of choose my words properly....eh Ribbs?
Should have said buy out.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Dutty on January 14, 2010, 12:39:34 PM
Doh be surprised if allyuh ain't hear about some merger.
Man cyah be putting that substantial amount of money juss to help out.

Something playing in dey background

I should of choose my words properly....eh Ribbs?
Should have said buy out.

yuh should put in your application for CEO prem
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Brownsugar on January 14, 2010, 01:35:28 PM
How come all the news we getting on this coming from JA media??  Anybody in the T&T gov't say anything about this publicly yet??... :-\
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: TriniCana on January 14, 2010, 02:00:24 PM
Browning you ain't know every time you need to know what happening inside you hadda go outside and listen/ watch?

Ent the wife and the one closest to you is the last to know? :devil:

Dutts I prefer the CFO or COO positions
CEOs ain't know shit.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: g on January 14, 2010, 03:18:22 PM
How come all the news we getting on this coming from JA media??  Anybody in the T&T gov't say anything about this publicly yet??... :-\

I believe there may be some fidicuary laws which prevent public disclosure at least until the deal is finalized. Simply because official disclosure from the principles CA and Air Jam will impact the agreed shareprice of the sale. So while there will be speculation in the Jamaica market by way of news articles. All the major players have to play hush hush until the deal is closed. As far as the local press, it have too much bachannal happening locally. You may find something in the business editorials this week though if the deal is close to finalization.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Deeks on January 14, 2010, 04:49:11 PM
So what will be the name of this new airline. Amalgamated Caribbean Airline? Uni-CAL-Air? Air Uni-Cal. Air SocaReggae or Air reggaeSoca? Air Desperate?
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: AirMan on January 16, 2010, 10:31:19 AM
My question is when will the full details be announced by our government to the people of T&T..Latest developments from JA media..http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/tRINI-jAMAICA-b_7328993
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: WestCoast on January 16, 2010, 10:33:52 AM
My question is when will the full details be announced by our government to the people of T&T..Latest developments from JA media..http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/tRINI-jAMAICA-b_7328993


for allya who putdong Patos for buyin dat Big Flag
(http://assets.mediaspanonline.com/prod/3960463/trini-flag_w370.jpg) :devil:
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Sando prince on January 16, 2010, 05:53:00 PM
Published: Thursday | January 14, 2010

The Editor, Sir:
I am shocked, angry and horrified upon hearing the news (this morning, January 13) that the administration will be selling our beloved Air Jamaica to Trinidad.

Aren't these the people who refused to accept our patties into their ports, but they're getting some great deals on our national assets though! Are we serious here?

The possible actions of cutting staff at Air Jamaica by Caribbean Airlines should be the actions taken by us to save the airline and not by Trinidad, because really I don't think we need a large staff to man that airline, just a small, highly experienced, technical and dedicated team is needed which they already have to choose from. A bitter pill, but we must swallow to save Air Jamaica.

No legacy

I am a young Jamaican, in my 30s and I held an opinion or belief that the older generation is supposed to leave a legacy for us, the younger generation, to build on, fight for and be proud of.

What, I ask, has the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) left for people like me and those younger than me to live to see? All I can say is that is where Mutual Life used to be, and this is a ticket stub of Air Jamaica that was once owned by us.

Guilt-ridden

The move to sell is short-sighted. I feel guilt-ridden as I am an unwilling accomplice to the demise of Air Jamaica and I will never forgive myself for this. Rest assured I will not vote for this administration in the next election or ever again for that matter.

I thought I voted for change for good, not bad. Further, I will never take my money and go on Caribbean Airlines. So I beg, can we divest the JLP instead? I am not interested in playing with you anymore.

I am, etc.,

KATHY BROWN

yardie4eva@live.com

Red Hills

Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Bourbon on January 16, 2010, 06:02:53 PM
My question is when will the full details be announced by our government to the people of T&T..Latest developments from JA media..http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/tRINI-jAMAICA-b_7328993


for allya who putdong Patos for buyin dat Big Flag
(http://assets.mediaspanonline.com/prod/3960463/trini-flag_w370.jpg) :devil:

And dat comic jus show de ingratitude. De badmind in me woulda leave dem let dem ketch dey ass.

And dah letter....jus underline it.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Babalawo on January 16, 2010, 06:07:25 PM
im feeling proud. Now lets buy Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Usain Bolt next.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: WestCoast on January 16, 2010, 06:30:06 PM
im feeling proud. Now lets buy Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Usain Bolt next.
slowly
one thing at a time ;D
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: E-man on January 16, 2010, 07:10:27 PM
Back in the 60's (I think Air Jamaica was formed around 65?) there was a BWIA Sports Club. They used to compete against the BWIA staff in Jamaica. Once Air Jamaica was launched they played against them instead.

http://www.ttfootballhistory.com/taxonomy/term/1039

Now they can go back to playing the Caribbean Air staff in Ja - at least the ones they don't lay off.

Football results were:

1964 in Kingston:
Jamaica BWIA 3:3(2:0) Trinidad BWIA

1965 in POS:
Trinidad BWIA 4:2 Jamaica BWIA

1966 in Kingston:
Air Jamaica 0:7 Trinidad BWIA

Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: ribbit on January 18, 2010, 09:54:58 AM
jamaica tourism continue to shine even though AJ couldn't find a way to avoid dey current difficulties. cana, maybe de game is "flip dis airline"? ???

==

World tourism declines 4 per cent in 2009 - Africa most successful
 (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/304397,world-tourism-declines-4-per-cent-in-2009--africa.html)

Madrid - International tourism declined 4 per cent worldwide to 880 million arrivals in 2009, with Africa being the only region to defy the downward trend, the Madrid-based United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said Monday. The global economic crisis and the H1N1 influenza pandemic turned 2009 into "one of the toughest years for the tourism sector," UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai said.

"However, the results of recent months suggest that recovery is underway," he added.

Growth returned in the last quarter of 2009, after 14 months of negative results, according to preliminary figures issued by UNWTO.

The organization described the overall result as "unquestionably disappointing for an industry accustomed to continuous growth." It nevertheless saw the tourism industry as having been "resilient" in an "extremely difficult economic environment."

Europe and the Middle East were hit hardest by the decline. They recorded a 6 per cent drop in arrivals. Central, eastern and northern Europe were particularly affected.

Arrivals in the Americas fell by 5 per cent, with north and central America registering the largest decreases, while the Caribbean sustained the decline thanks to a recovery in the last four months of 2009.

Asia and the Pacific went down 2 per cent, achieving a strong upturn in the second half of the year.

The only region to buck the general decline was Africa, where tourism grew by 5 per cent, with sub-Saharan destinations doing particularly well.

Destinations reporting positive results included Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Chile, Colombia, Guayana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iceland, Sweden, Hungary, Macedonia, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

UNWTO forecasted a growth of between 3 and 4 per cent in international tourist arrivals in 2010.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: Jah Gol on January 18, 2010, 10:59:46 AM
This is a horrible deal. Air Jamaica could have survived with private investment elsewhere. The GoRTT just took up the debt of CL Financial last year now this. I understand the need for the airline but its not as if it would have folded if they sold it to Americans.

Does Manning hope to gain some political leverage in Caricom from this ?
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: TriniCana on January 18, 2010, 05:08:58 PM
This is a horrible deal. Air Jamaica could have survived with private investment elsewhere. The GoRTT just took up the debt of CL Financial last year now this. I understand the need for the airline but its not as if it would have folded if they sold it to Americans.

Does Manning hope to gain some political leverage in Caricom from this ?

Correct Jah, but they didn't accept it. There were 3 private firms that took interest in investing in the airline, but the Jamaican government said Nah, lemme go with meh boy Patos.

jamaica tourism continue to shine - <----only happening because of cruise ships
Aright Ribbs we done know that there is a merger happening now. Fact!
But that is not all that is happening, so hopefully now you'll understand that there's really something happening and ah not taking up air with meh words. 

Watch the next couple of months...maybe by April.

Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: jahkingdom on January 18, 2010, 08:51:44 PM
i am following this thing closely on the "Jamaica information service"news web site. and base on what i herd is that Jamaica gave Trinidad the airline for free, because Trinidad will be paying the dept. i also herd that 500 or 600 workers will be kept from the current 1,600. Jamaica will also keep its rout. three rout will be cut Nassau Bahamas, Orlando Florida and another one that i forget. Jamaica will now own shares in Caribbean airline, not sure if its 10,20  or how much and it will not be a merger so the name "Air Jamaica" will go. one of the problem is that we have expand this air line too quickly. it is sad that AJ will be sold but for the sake of our economy it is good. we currently has two new domestic airlines which could go international in the future.

http://skylanjamaica.com/

http://www.jamaicaairshuttle.com/

the most important thing is to get our economy on track and continue pursue vision 2030. this air line dept riddle and only serve the purpose of pride and no profit. i will just wait for the dust to settle , and wait for them to announce the deal.
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: jahkingdom on January 18, 2010, 09:21:19 PM
 for those who thing Jamaica tourism is experiencing growth because of cruise ship, do not know what they talking about.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091231/business/business1.html

Jamaica is the most connected island in the Caribbean by Air

and with this it could be more growth


http://jis.gov.jm/indus_tourism/html/20091210t160000-0500_22212_jis_tourism_ministry_working_on_deal_to_bring_more_visitors_to_the_island.asp

Title: Jamaican Union against Air Jamaica being sold to Trinidad
Post by: AirMan on January 25, 2010, 07:37:59 PM
JAMAICA: Union against sale of Air Jamaica to Trinidadian entity

"I can't believe that the government would spend J$28 billion (US316.9 million) to give away one of our best assets," Morrison said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The powerful National Workers Union (NWU) on Monday said it is against the sale of the cash-strapped national airline, Air Jamaica, to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL).

NWU president, Vincent Morrison, told the Jamaica Observer newspaper that his union believes the airline should be kept in local hands and that the 1,900 workers are more than equipped to run the airline that racked up huge losses over the last four decades.

“I can’t believe that the government would spend J$28 billion (US316.9 million) to give away one of our best assets,” Morrison said.

Last week, the airline’s chief executive officer, Bruce Nobles, told workers that the deal with CAL may be signed soon.

In a memorandum to staff, he said bidders for Air Jamaica were narrowed down to two finalists – one being Indigo Partners, the owners of several airlines, including Spirit airlines; and the other, Caribbean Airlines, owned by government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Nobles stated that Air Jamaica’s divestment committee initially recommended that an agreement be reached with Indigo partners but informed that after several months of negotiations, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. The government then turned to Caribbean Airlines.

The Bruce Golding administration has not confirmed that a deal has been reached with CA, but the Prime Minister has said that the government hopes to conclude an agreement soon.

Jamaica is seeking to borrow US$1.25 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the agency’s Standby Arrangement for balance of payment support, and among the conditions is the divestment of loss-resulting entities like Air Jamaica, for budget relief.

“We are going to communicate with the government both in writing and hopefully in a meeting to know the status of the discussions with Caribbean Airlines,” said Morrison, whose trade union represents some of the workers at Air Jamaica.

“We hope to convince the Government that selling out to Caribbean Airlines is not the best,” Morrison told the newspaper.

The NWU’s strategy is have the government write off the debt, which is estimated to reach US$1.4 billion, by the end of the fiscal year in March, something which, according to Morrison, would be offered to Caribbean Airlines.

The airline would be run under the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP), a sophisticated stock ownership, which would see 100 per cent ownership falling into the hands of workers.

“The workers are saying to the government: put the legacy into a fund from which the workers would be prepared to use their redundancy payments to run the airline. We would also be looking to float an IPO (Initial Public Offer) to involve Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, where we ask Jamaicans abroad to invest. Apart from getting a Paul Getty or someone with big money, that’s how you have to go,” Morrison said.

He added that Caribbean Airlines “does not have the capability, logistically and operationally” to deal with running Air Jamaica.

“If Air Jamaica is taken over by Caribbean Airlines, you could see a tremendous fallout in the Jamaican economy. Air Jamaica contributes J$6 billion (US$67.9 million) to the economy…Getting rid of 1,900 Air Jamaica employees would also indirectly affect the jobs of a further 10,000, plus there are other issues involved,” Morrison said.

Members of the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association have also proposed that the government use a portion of the funds being set aside for redundancy to recapitalise the airline and put it in a position to live on its own.

Morrison is firm in his view that if the workers are allowed to run the entity as their own, there would be a turnaround in its economic fortunes.

“Air Jamaica has never been properly capitalised since its inception. The workers over the years have made sacrifices. Some have worked for five years and more, without salary increases.

“Some have given back to the airline, in terms of salary cuts, so the commitment and love for the airline are there. The redundancy money could be used to recapitalise the airline.

“The brand Air Jamaica is golden. That would be gone if Caribbean Airlines takes over. The Air Jamaica brand is like Usain Bolt in terms of quality and this country should not give that up,” Morrison told the Observer newspaper.

http://www.caribbeandailynews.com/?p=4643

Title: Re: Jamaican Union against Air Jamaica being sold to Trinidad
Post by: TriniCana on January 25, 2010, 07:40:51 PM
Too late!! :-\
Title: Re: Jamaican Union against Air Jamaica being sold to Trinidad
Post by: AirMan on January 25, 2010, 07:44:29 PM


“The brand Air Jamaica is golden. That would be gone if Caribbean Airlines takes over. The Air Jamaica brand is like Usain Bolt in terms of quality and this country should not give that up,” Morrison told the Observer newspaper.

http://www.caribbeandailynews.com/?p=4643




.....
Title: Re: Jamaican Union against Air Jamaica being sold to Trinidad
Post by: Jah Gol on January 25, 2010, 08:34:40 PM


“The brand Air Jamaica is golden. That would be gone if Caribbean Airlines takes over. The Air Jamaica brand is like Usain Bolt in terms of quality and this country should not give that up,” Morrison told the Observer newspaper.

http://www.caribbeandailynews.com/?p=4643




.....
Let them keep their brand. CA did a lot of work in building up their brand by improving service and efficiency. Its a risky move putting your seal on that lame horse of an airline.
Title: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: davyjenny1 on January 26, 2010, 01:39:03 AM
Pilot shot dead in fight with bandits
From: Trinidad & Tobago Express


Tuesday, January 26th 2010

A CARIBBEAN Airlines pilot was shot dead after confronting bandits at his Glencoe home yesterday afternoon.

Riaz Baksh was 54 and lived at 19 Atlantic Avenue, Glencoe, a quiet, shaded, relatively upscale neighbourhood.

Police said at around 4.10 p.m., Baksh had pulled into the driveway of his home after opening his remote controlled gate. As he drove in he was confronted by ’an unknown number’ of bandits.

Police believe he struggled with these men when they attacked him. One of the bandits fired a shot, hitting Baksh to his chest. The bandits then fled.

A bleeding Baksh, police said, ran into the roadway where he collapsed. Neighbours telephoned both the police and some of Baksh’s relatives, who themselves arrived and took him to the St Clair Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police from both the Four Roads and the St James Police Stations arrived on the scene and conducted initial investigations. No arrests had been made up to last night.

The murder toll stood at 34 up to last night.

Title: Re: Jamaican Union against Air Jamaica being sold to Trinidad
Post by: AirMan on January 26, 2010, 11:17:55 AM


“The brand Air Jamaica is golden. That would be gone if Caribbean Airlines takes over. The Air Jamaica brand is like Usain Bolt in terms of quality and this country should not give that up,” Morrison told the Observer newspaper.

http://www.caribbeandailynews.com/?p=4643




.....
Let them keep their brand. CA did a lot of work in building up their brand by improving service and efficiency. Its a risky move putting your seal on that lame horse of an airline.

I was thinking along the same lines..
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Sando prince on January 27, 2010, 03:05:50 PM
Jamaicans formed Facebook group to stop sale of Air Jamaica to Trini owners...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=photos&ref=mf&gid=289770028372#/group.php?v=wall&ref=mf&gid=289770028372
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on February 02, 2010, 04:04:36 PM
Liat for airbridge?
By Vernon Khelawan Thursday, January 28 2010
http://www.newsday.co.tt/businessday/0,114931.html

DURING a forum on Caribbean aviation last week, consultant Ian Bertrand asked the question. Are you all prepared to give up the airbridge to Liat? Total silence from a filled conference room at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social Studies and Economic Studies (Salises) at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies.

He was one of the speakers on this, the Institutes first Forum for the year on the topic “Meeting the Challenges of the Aviation Industry in the Caribbean – Whither Air Jamaica.” Professor Norman Girvan, the other listed speaker was stuck in Kingston, but sent his notes, which were read by Martin Franklin, Head of the Economics Department at UWI.

Bertrand, answering the question himself said, “With the right kind of structure, it can be done. Liat does fly between Trinidad and Tobago now. I have used it.” He added, “Why not give Liat or negotiate with Liat to take over the airbridge?”

In making the case, Bertrand, a former Chief Executive Officer of BWIA, said if that happens Liat would then have a total Dash-8 fleet or the equivalent with significantly more economies of scale and they can enjoy the same subsidies that Caribbean Airlines now receives.

He pointed out that CAL could then switch to the regional jets that COPA Airlines has used very successfully in building the TT-Panama market and use that fleet to operate non-stop flights between TT-Jamaica, Jamaica-Belize or Haiti Bahamas and really tie up the Caribbean.

Bertrand said that Liat was the only Caribbean carrier these days that doesn’t get any subsidies. “For the last two or three years they have not been subsidised by their owners. They have danced and thing, but they have danced pretty well.”

Pointing out that Liat now needed to rejuvenate its Dash-8 fleet and CAL is reaching the stage where it too, needs to do the same with its Dash-8 fleet, now might be the time to move in that direction, since it seems to be the aim of everyone to improve service within the Caribbean, within Caricom and within the wider Caribbean.

Liat operating the airbridge. That’s food for thought.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Flex on February 06, 2010, 07:59:43 PM
'Air J'ca buy a good move'
...minus the US$900m debt
Curtis Rampersad Business Editor


Caribbean Airlines should attempt to take over struggling carrier Air Jamaica only if it does not include the company’s massive US$900 million debt.

This was the opinion expressed yesterday by Ian Bertrand, aviation consultant and former chief executive of BWIA, the predecessor company of Caribbean Airlines.

Air Jamaica’s government guaranteed debt stands at US$650 million, with another US$200 million in short-term debt, Bertrand said during a lecture titled Meeting the Challenges of the Aviation Industry in the Caribbean-Whither Air Jamaica at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.

If the airline has to be divested, it will involve another US$50 million to reduce personnel, he suggested.

’Once you are not taking all that debt and you don’t have the tourism obligation (that the Jamaican government demanded of Air Jamaica in past decades) and you had the money to capitalise the airline, then it might not be a bad time for a merger’ between Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica, Bertrand said.

The International Monetary Fund has specified that the Jamaican government must sell Air Jamaica if it is to qualify for a nearly US$1.3 billion aid loan.

But Bertrand said if anyone had to buy Air Jamaica from that country’s government, they should not spend more than one dollar for it because of its debt.

Another possible option would be for Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines to approach aircraft suppliers together, change their machinery to one type of airplane and thus reduce costs.

Prof Norman Girvan of UWI’s Institute of International Relations was also scheduled to comment at the seminar yesterday, but was delayed in Jamaica.

Head of Economics at UWI Martin Franklin delivered Girvan’s comments, which suggested that with Jamaica under pressure from the IMF to divest Air Jamaica, Caribbean Airlines might have ’considerable leverage’ to negotiate with the Jamaican government.

Caribbean Airlines and Government are continuing discussions with the Jamaican government to explore acquiring Air Jamaica.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: weary1969 on February 06, 2010, 11:02:58 PM
'Air J'ca buy a good move'
...minus the US$900m debt
Curtis Rampersad Business Editor


Caribbean Airlines should attempt to take over struggling carrier Air Jamaica only if it does not include the company’s massive US$900 million debt.

This was the opinion expressed yesterday by Ian Bertrand, aviation consultant and former chief executive of BWIA, the predecessor company of Caribbean Airlines.

Air Jamaica’s government guaranteed debt stands at US$650 million, with another US$200 million in short-term debt, Bertrand said during a lecture titled Meeting the Challenges of the Aviation Industry in the Caribbean-Whither Air Jamaica at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.

If the airline has to be divested, it will involve another US$50 million to reduce personnel, he suggested.

’Once you are not taking all that debt and you don’t have the tourism obligation (that the Jamaican government demanded of Air Jamaica in past decades) and you had the money to capitalise the airline, then it might not be a bad time for a merger’ between Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica, Bertrand said.

The International Monetary Fund has specified that the Jamaican government must sell Air Jamaica if it is to qualify for a nearly US$1.3 billion aid loan.

But Bertrand said if anyone had to buy Air Jamaica from that country’s government, they should not spend more than one dollar for it because of its debt.

Another possible option would be for Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines to approach aircraft suppliers together, change their machinery to one type of airplane and thus reduce costs.

Prof Norman Girvan of UWI’s Institute of International Relations was also scheduled to comment at the seminar yesterday, but was delayed in Jamaica.

Head of Economics at UWI Martin Franklin delivered Girvan’s comments, which suggested that with Jamaica under pressure from the IMF to divest Air Jamaica, Caribbean Airlines might have ’considerable leverage’ to negotiate with the Jamaican government.

Caribbean Airlines and Government are continuing discussions with the Jamaican government to explore acquiring Air Jamaica.
[/quote


These reporters serious Imbert say they not buyin Air Jam. They lokin into takin ovah any routes that maybe profitable
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on February 07, 2010, 12:55:04 AM
Jamaicans formed Facebook group to stop sale of Air Jamaica to Trini owners...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=photos&ref=mf&gid=289770028372#/group.php?v=wall&ref=mf&gid=289770028372
I joined and made a comment on the wall.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: AirMan on February 09, 2010, 08:18:47 PM
Workers, ICIs protest planned Air J sale to Trinidad (Check link below)


There is a Poll to the right of the article

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Air-jamaica-TUE_7401174#poll
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: lefty on February 09, 2010, 08:46:14 PM
the result of that poll is enough for me to tell dem take dat airline an shuv dey ass :P
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Sando prince on February 10, 2010, 01:22:13 PM
the result of that poll is enough for me to tell dem take dat airline an shuv dey ass :P

so harsh lol
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on February 10, 2010, 02:05:53 PM
There is a growing sense of frustration at the state of their economy. They feel that they don't own their country and they feel especially threatened by the presence of T&T in JA. They often cite TCL and RBTT's presence as a some form of Trini takeover of JA business. That poll suggests 1) opposition to T&T control of their airline 2) a feeling that the airline should be controlled by Jamaicans.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on February 10, 2010, 04:18:31 PM
There is a growing sense of frustration at the state of their economy. They feel that they don't own their country and they feel especially threatened by the presence of T&T in JA. They often cite TCL and RBTT's presence as a some form of Trini takeover of JA business. That poll suggests 1) opposition to T&T control of their airline 2) a feeling that the airline should be controlled by Jamaicans.


nobody in Jamaica don't feel no threatened by no Trinidad take over, because Trinidad cannot take over Jamaica. Jamaica has an abundant of companies. T&T has stake in 10 companies. the government has announce that he will be releasing 20 companies from his books which are dept riddle companies. Jamaica government only owns a small portion of Jamaican companies. sandals and a lot of other major Jamaican company are not own by the government, but by different Jamaican business man. the companies that T&T are buying are the ones that the government mismanage. and Jamaica understand that we have to get sell of these companies to improve the economy,but a lot of people do not want no more companies be sold to Trinidad even if it means closing it. for some strange reason Trinidadian have these weird attitude to walk around and talk crap about " we own Jamaica", i did not know that owning ten companies make you own a country. china own  a lot more companies in America but don't here them talking about they own America. i have also herd a Barbados youth talking about the same thing. say trinis say they own Barbados. Michal lee chin owns companies in Barbados, Trinidad, Canada but i never herd a Jamaican saying they own other people country. butch Stewart also bought business in Bahamas. i could care less if Air Jamaica is sold because flights are easy to get to Jamaica, farm workers may be affected. Jamaica has a total of three domestic air lines, i just hope they don't sell the name air Jamaica so in the future a new company can expand with that name. the people knows that Jamaicans own allot of stuff they only say they will not own anything because they do not want the government to sell air Jamaica to Trinidad, that the only reason.  some of these companies that T&T buy you would have taught they all would be profitable. T&T will have to sell back Mercado to make sure Clico do not close. Carib cement is still in dept with stock pill inventory because they now produce the worse cement, so Jamaicans now import cement rather than buy from Carib. Caribbean airlines have not yet turn a profit.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Blue on February 10, 2010, 04:35:38 PM
There is a growing sense of frustration at the state of their economy. They feel that they don't own their country and they feel especially threatened by the presence of T&T in JA. They often cite TCL and RBTT's presence as a some form of Trini takeover of JA business. That poll suggests 1) opposition to T&T control of their airline 2) a feeling that the airline should be controlled by Jamaicans.


nobody in Jamaica don't feel no threatened by no Trinidad take over, because Trinidad cannot take over Jamaica. Jamaica has an abundant of companies. T&T has stake in 10 companies. the government has announce that he will be releasing 20 companies from his books which are dept riddle companies. Jamaica government only owns a small portion of Jamaican companies. sandals and a lot of other major Jamaican company are not own by the government, but by different Jamaican business man. the companies that T&T are buying are the ones that the government mismanage. and Jamaica understand that we have to get sell of these companies to improve the economy,but a lot of people do not want no more companies be sold to Trinidad even if it means closing it. for some strange reason Trinidadian have these weird attitude to walk around and talk crap about " we own Jamaica", i did not know that owning ten companies make you own a country. china own  a lot more companies in America but don't here them talking about they own America. i have also herd a Barbados youth talking about the same thing. say trinis say they own Barbados. Michal lee chin owns companies in Barbados, Trinidad, Canada but i never herd a Jamaican saying they own other people country. butch Stewart also bought business in Bahamas. i could care less if Air Jamaica is sold because flights are easy to get to Jamaica, farm workers may be affected. Jamaica has a total of three domestic air lines, i just hope they don't sell the name air Jamaica so in the future a new company can expand with that name. the people knows that Jamaicans own allot of stuff they only say they will not own anything because they do not want the government to sell air Jamaica to Trinidad, that the only reason.  some of these companies that T&T buy you would have taught they all would be profitable. T&T will have to sell back Mercado to make sure Clico do not close. Carib cement is still in dept with stock pill inventory because they now produce the worse cement, so Jamaicans now import cement rather than buy from Carib. Caribbean airlines have not yet turn a profit.

From what I've read in this thread, the Jamaican press are reporting heavily (and no doubt quite rightyl) that Jamaicans dont support this deal. The Jamaican press should also be publicizing that noone in Trinidad wants Air Jamaica either. Surely that would put your govt under even more pressure to reconsider.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on February 10, 2010, 04:56:27 PM
There is a growing sense of frustration at the state of their economy. They feel that they don't own their country and they feel especially threatened by the presence of T&T in JA. They often cite TCL and RBTT's presence as a some form of Trini takeover of JA business. That poll suggests 1) opposition to T&T control of their airline 2) a feeling that the airline should be controlled by Jamaicans.


nobody in Jamaica don't feel no threatened by no Trinidad take over, because Trinidad cannot take over Jamaica. Jamaica has an abundant of companies. T&T has stake in 10 companies. the government has announce that he will be releasing 20 companies from his books which are dept riddle companies. Jamaica government only owns a small portion of Jamaican companies. sandals and a lot of other major Jamaican company are not own by the government, but by different Jamaican business man. the companies that T&T are buying are the ones that the government mismanage. and Jamaica understand that we have to get sell of these companies to improve the economy,but a lot of people do not want no more companies be sold to Trinidad even if it means closing it. for some strange reason Trinidadian have these weird attitude to walk around and talk crap about " we own Jamaica", i did not know that owning ten companies make you own a country. china own  a lot more companies in America but don't here them talking about they own America. i have also herd a Barbados youth talking about the same thing. say trinis say they own Barbados. Michal lee chin owns companies in Barbados, Trinidad, Canada but i never herd a Jamaican saying they own other people country. butch Stewart also bought business in Bahamas. i could care less if Air Jamaica is sold because flights are easy to get to Jamaica, farm workers may be affected. Jamaica has a total of three domestic air lines, i just hope they don't sell the name air Jamaica so in the future a new company can expand with that name. the people knows that Jamaicans own allot of stuff they only say they will not own anything because they do not want the government to sell air Jamaica to Trinidad, that the only reason.  some of these companies that T&T buy you would have taught they all would be profitable. T&T will have to sell back Mercado to make sure Clico do not close. Carib cement is still in dept with stock pill inventory because they now produce the worse cement, so Jamaicans now import cement rather than buy from Carib. Caribbean airlines have not yet turn a profit.

From what I've read in this thread, the Jamaican press are reporting heavily (and no doubt quite rightyl) that Jamaicans dont support this deal. The Jamaican press should also be publicizing that noone in Trinidad wants Air Jamaica either. Surely that would put your govt under even more pressure to reconsider.

there would be no pressure. two more bids came in after Trinidad, one is overseas and one is the Jamaica airlines association. but the government say he will not consider them unless the T&T bid falls through. that's because they reach an advance stage with Caribbean airlines.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on February 10, 2010, 06:14:23 PM
Trini own Ja, Trini own B'dos. All yuh real crazy. Because some TT journalist or politician looking to get milage on a situation and run their , they feel TT own the Caribbean? That is real crock. The opposition to TT anything goes way beyond that. TT could own just ONLY a chenette tree and they will complain. But we can't change the way people feel about. That is just human nature.

But I have no issues with intra-island ownership. Business owners only see after their self interest and interest of their shareholders. I oppose the investment in A JA because of TT gov't INCOMPETENCE. CAL barely keeping it head above water and they want to take on massive undertaking like that. NO. It may be good business move, but not with this administration.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on February 10, 2010, 07:43:12 PM
There is a growing sense of frustration at the state of their economy. They feel that they don't own their country and they feel especially threatened by the presence of T&T in JA. They often cite TCL and RBTT's presence as a some form of Trini takeover of JA business. That poll suggests 1) opposition to T&T control of their airline 2) a feeling that the airline should be controlled by Jamaicans.


nobody in Jamaica don't feel no threatened by no Trinidad take over, because Trinidad cannot take over Jamaica. Jamaica has an abundant of companies. T&T has stake in 10 companies. the government has announce that he will be releasing 20 companies from his books which are dept riddle companies. Jamaica government only owns a small portion of Jamaican companies. sandals and a lot of other major Jamaican company are not own by the government, but by different Jamaican business man. the companies that T&T are buying are the ones that the government mismanage. and Jamaica understand that we have to get sell of these companies to improve the economy,but a lot of people do not want no more companies be sold to Trinidad even if it means closing it. for some strange reason Trinidadian have these weird attitude to walk around and talk crap about " we own Jamaica", i did not know that owning ten companies make you own a country. china own  a lot more companies in America but don't here them talking about they own America. i have also herd a Barbados youth talking about the same thing. say trinis say they own Barbados. Michal lee chin owns companies in Barbados, Trinidad, Canada but i never herd a Jamaican saying they own other people country. butch Stewart also bought business in Bahamas. i could care less if Air Jamaica is sold because flights are easy to get to Jamaica, farm workers may be affected. Jamaica has a total of three domestic air lines, i just hope they don't sell the name air Jamaica so in the future a new company can expand with that name. the people knows that Jamaicans own allot of stuff they only say they will not own anything because they do not want the government to sell air Jamaica to Trinidad, that the only reason.  some of these companies that T&T buy you would have taught they all would be profitable. T&T will have to sell back Mercado to make sure Clico do not close. Carib cement is still in dept with stock pill inventory because they now produce the worse cement, so Jamaicans now import cement rather than buy from Carib. Caribbean airlines have not yet turn a profit.
I never suggested that T&T could take over Jamaica nor do I hold any such ambition. However, from the reports I've been reading and many of the comments I've heard It's clear to me that a significant number of Jamaicans are weary of the presence of T&T based companies in their country.  That poll while anything but scientific is an indicator of that sentiment. The are 3 choices, not two- Sell, Don't Sell and Don't Sell to 'Trinidad'.   

BTW try to insert some paragraphs

I'm sorry you misinterpreted the statement. 

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on February 10, 2010, 08:31:07 PM
There is a growing sense of frustration at the state of their economy. They feel that they don't own their country and they feel especially threatened by the presence of T&T in JA. They often cite TCL and RBTT's presence as a some form of Trini takeover of JA business. That poll suggests 1) opposition to T&T control of their airline 2) a feeling that the airline should be controlled by Jamaicans.


nobody in Jamaica don't feel no threatened by no Trinidad take over, because Trinidad cannot take over Jamaica. Jamaica has an abundant of companies. T&T has stake in 10 companies. the government has announce that he will be releasing 20 companies from his books which are dept riddle companies. Jamaica government only owns a small portion of Jamaican companies. sandals and a lot of other major Jamaican company are not own by the government, but by different Jamaican business man. the companies that T&T are buying are the ones that the government mismanage. and Jamaica understand that we have to get sell of these companies to improve the economy,but a lot of people do not want no more companies be sold to Trinidad even if it means closing it. for some strange reason Trinidadian have these weird attitude to walk around and talk crap about " we own Jamaica", i did not know that owning ten companies make you own a country. china own  a lot more companies in America but don't here them talking about they own America. i have also herd a Barbados youth talking about the same thing. say trinis say they own Barbados. Michal lee chin owns companies in Barbados, Trinidad, Canada but i never herd a Jamaican saying they own other people country. butch Stewart also bought business in Bahamas. i could care less if Air Jamaica is sold because flights are easy to get to Jamaica, farm workers may be affected. Jamaica has a total of three domestic air lines, i just hope they don't sell the name air Jamaica so in the future a new company can expand with that name. the people knows that Jamaicans own allot of stuff they only say they will not own anything because they do not want the government to sell air Jamaica to Trinidad, that the only reason.  some of these companies that T&T buy you would have taught they all would be profitable. T&T will have to sell back Mercado to make sure Clico do not close. Carib cement is still in dept with stock pill inventory because they now produce the worse cement, so Jamaicans now import cement rather than buy from Carib. Caribbean airlines have not yet turn a profit.
I never suggested that T&T could take over Jamaica nor do I hold any such ambition. However, from the reports I've been reading and many of the comments I've heard It's clear to me that a significant number of Jamaicans are weary of the presence of T&T based companies in their country.  That poll while anything but scientific is an indicator of that sentiment. The are 3 choices, not two- Sell, Don't Sell and Don't Sell to 'Trinidad'.   

BTW try to insert some paragraphs

I'm sorry you misinterpreted the statement. 



am not saying you said it. i was just referring to why some people are protesting the sale. i was talking about some Trinidadian, not that you said it. but like some who keep saying it to different Jamaicans which could cause anger and could cause violence because some Jamaican are very patriotic and short temper.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on February 10, 2010, 08:35:42 PM
There is a growing sense of frustration at the state of their economy. They feel that they don't own their country and they feel especially threatened by the presence of T&T in JA. They often cite TCL and RBTT's presence as a some form of Trini takeover of JA business. That poll suggests 1) opposition to T&T control of their airline 2) a feeling that the airline should be controlled by Jamaicans.


nobody in Jamaica don't feel no threatened by no Trinidad take over, because Trinidad cannot take over Jamaica. Jamaica has an abundant of companies. T&T has stake in 10 companies. the government has announce that he will be releasing 20 companies from his books which are dept riddle companies. Jamaica government only owns a small portion of Jamaican companies. sandals and a lot of other major Jamaican company are not own by the government, but by different Jamaican business man. the companies that T&T are buying are the ones that the government mismanage. and Jamaica understand that we have to get sell of these companies to improve the economy,but a lot of people do not want no more companies be sold to Trinidad even if it means closing it. for some strange reason Trinidadian have these weird attitude to walk around and talk crap about " we own Jamaica", i did not know that owning ten companies make you own a country. china own  a lot more companies in America but don't here them talking about they own America. i have also herd a Barbados youth talking about the same thing. say trinis say they own Barbados. Michal lee chin owns companies in Barbados, Trinidad, Canada but i never herd a Jamaican saying they own other people country. butch Stewart also bought business in Bahamas. i could care less if Air Jamaica is sold because flights are easy to get to Jamaica, farm workers may be affected. Jamaica has a total of three domestic air lines, i just hope they don't sell the name air Jamaica so in the future a new company can expand with that name. the people knows that Jamaicans own allot of stuff they only say they will not own anything because they do not want the government to sell air Jamaica to Trinidad, that the only reason.  some of these companies that T&T buy you would have taught they all would be profitable. T&T will have to sell back Mercado to make sure Clico do not close. Carib cement is still in dept with stock pill inventory because they now produce the worse cement, so Jamaicans now import cement rather than buy from Carib. Caribbean airlines have not yet turn a profit.
I never suggested that T&T could take over Jamaica nor do I hold any such ambition. However, from the reports I've been reading and many of the comments I've heard It's clear to me that a significant number of Jamaicans are weary of the presence of T&T based companies in their country.  That poll while anything but scientific is an indicator of that sentiment. The are 3 choices, not two- Sell, Don't Sell and Don't Sell to 'Trinidad'.   

BTW try to insert some paragraphs

I'm sorry you misinterpreted the statement. 



am not saying you said it. i was just referring to why some people are protesting the sale. i was talking about some Trinidadian, not that you said it. but like some who keep saying it to different Jamaicans which could cause anger and could cause violence because some Jamaican are very patriotic and short temper.
Cool. That person is misguided.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Sam on February 11, 2010, 09:29:45 AM
T&T taking over Jamaica.

We control JPS (Jamaica Public Services in Jamaica) which is manage by PJ Patterson two kids who is based in T&T.

Portmore Cement factories.

And now or soon Air Jamaica, which I think is a bad move because Air Jamaica is always grounded in USA and gets heavy fines.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on February 11, 2010, 04:10:09 PM
T&T taking over Jamaica.

We control JPS (Jamaica Public Services in Jamaica) which is manage by PJ Patterson two kids who is based in T&T.

Portmore Cement factories.

And now or soon Air Jamaica, which I think is a bad move because Air Jamaica is always grounded in USA and gets heavy fines.

keep making your self looking stupid this is what i was talking about earlier. even your own power grid have foreign owners in it.



In the early days, several towns had their own electric companies; but through a process of consolidation, buy-outs and amalgamations, Jamaica Public Service Company Limited emerged and was registered in 1923. At that time, JPS had 3,928 customers, a far cry from today's customer base of over 585,000. JPS was granted an all-island franchise in 1966, and today remains the sole public supplier of electricity.

The nature of the ownership of JPS has changed several times throughout our history. The company started out as a private company, owned by foreign shareholders. In 1970, the Government of Jamaica acquired controlling interest. In 2001, ownership of JPS returned to private hands when Mirant Corporation, a US-based energy service provider acquired 80 percent of the company, with the Government retaining almost 20 percent. The remainder, amounting to less than 1 percent, is owned by a small group of shareholders.


Quote
In 2007, Mirant sold its majority shares to Marubeni Caribbean Power Holdings (MCPH) Inc, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation of Japan. In early 2009 Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) of the United Arab Emirates, joined Marubeni as co-owner of the Jamaica Public Service Co. Ltd. Majority shares are therefore jointly held by Marubeni TAQA Caribbean. In addition to Jamaica, MCPH has interests in utility companies in Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and Curacao.

http://www.myjpsco.com/about_us/our_history.php

http://www.myjpsco.com/news/000003.php


http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070815/business/business2.html


Marubeni Caribbean Power Holdings (MCPH) Inc, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation of Japan

an just so you know you will not be owning air jamaica you will be getting the 6 aircrafs and some crap routs. jamaica will be geting stake in Caribbean airlines.


http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100211/lead/lead2.html


Quote
Golding noted it was made clear in the negotiations that the Air Jamaica brand was not for sale, as this would be retained by the Government.

In addition to keeping the name Air Jamaica, Government will also retain its popular Fort Lauderdale, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto and Baltimore destinations
.



BTW witch cement factory in portmore :rotfl:
any way you must mean Rockfort in Kingston, you could keep expand it, it getting larger.but  no one is buy from it any  more, because the cement quality is no good like in the pass. 
http://www.caribcement.com/news/project2.asp

http://www.caribcement.com/news/project1.asp


but you guys just wasting money better save for rainy days. oil will not be around for ever. that money could go well to make sure T&T have water and hospitals maybe like this.http://cayjam.com/

isn't this going to take away the little they getting?

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070815/business/business3.html

http://cemcorpcement.com/5401.html



does this means Jamaican owns the Caribbean?, because i sure T&T does not own half these company in any country. http://yourhiddenpotential.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/entrepreneur-profile-michael-lee-chin/


http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090225/business/business1.html


http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/chr/news/newsroom/item-details.html?id=4043013
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on February 11, 2010, 04:18:41 PM
I try to look up faring companies. but faring.com doh work...
Title: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: AirMan on February 12, 2010, 10:10:54 AM
Any news from our own T&T Government?? ..Check this..http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100212/lead/lead2.html
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: Jah Gol on February 12, 2010, 10:28:19 AM
This is a horrible move. For all the losses that AJ made their customers are loyal to the brand. This could backfire bigtime. There is already talk of a boycott.
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: AirMan on February 12, 2010, 10:30:25 AM
This is a horrible move. For all the losses that AJ made their customers are loyal to the brand. This could backfire bigtime. There is already talk of a boycott.

But why must we have to get most of the info from JA press ??..T&T taxpayers money is part of this too, so our Government is not feeling obligated to make all the info public when developments happen..??
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: jahkingdom on February 12, 2010, 12:07:56 PM
This is a horrible move. For all the losses that AJ made their customers are loyal to the brand. This could backfire bigtime. There is already talk of a boycott.

this will backfire on both county.

disadvantage Jamaica:

 lost of tourist. also remember their biggest passengers were the  Jamaican diaspora. and remember the diaspora was trying to get the airline with the airline association and got turn down. do they really thing they are going to fly on Caribbean airlines? :rotfl:


disadvantage Trinidad:
the profit that Caribbean airline is anticipating may turn in to dept. why?, because the deal states Jamaica will not sell its important routs, so therefore Caribbean airlines cannot redirect those routs, so what if the diaspora decide not to take Caribbean airlines?, are they going to fly empty planes?. the difference between Jamaica and Trinidad is that more planes fly to Jamaica than Trinidad, so a Jamaican can easily switch to Jet blue or whatever. if this happen Caribbean airline will be in trouble. i read an article in the Trinidad news paper a while back where a Trini at U.W.I state that air Jamaica would be a good buy only if Trinidad do not have to honer Jamaican routs and tourism obligations.but Trinidad will have to do the opposite because Jamaica will not sell those routs.


advantage Jamaica:

Jamaica will not sale "air Jamaica" so this could re open in the future are could be sold to a Jamaican million or billionaire who interested in starting a new national air line. or if one of three domestic airline wishes to expand internationally. Jamaica will also keep all its important routs. Jamaica will have no less than 10% shares in Caribbean airline so they would also have a say in its management.

advantage Trinidad:
any profit made will go to Trinidad




Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: Controversial on February 12, 2010, 12:27:00 PM
the tt govt is smart, all those losses by air jamaica will be used to write off profits by caribbean airlines, smart move, plus its a bigger reveune for CA if it is run properly
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: Bitter on February 12, 2010, 12:32:53 PM
The final step is to pull in LIAT and make an airline big enough to compete.

If Jamaicans feel that by boycotting CAL they will roll back the clock they are mistaken. The choices are: Caribbean Airlines or Nothing. And then you are relying on an airlines with zero connection to the island to provide service. CAL is doing its best to run profitable routes.

Routes/slots are not salable unless you are using them. You can't hold them for later. If you stop using them, they will be given to someone else.

I suppose we could look back to 1962 and talk about the demise of the Federation.  Bottom line, if the planes are empty, CAL will stop flying those routes unless the Jamaican Gov't want's to throw in some cash.
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: jahkingdom on February 12, 2010, 12:47:01 PM
The final step is to pull in LIAT and make an airline big enough to compete.

If Jamaicans feel that by boycotting CAL they will roll back the clock they are mistaken. The choices are: Caribbean Airlines or Nothing. And then you are relying on an airlines with zero connection to the island to provide service. CAL is doing its best to run profitable routes.

Routes/slots are not salable unless you are using them. You can't hold them for later. If you stop using them, they will be given to someone else.

I suppose we could look back to 1962 and talk about the demise of the Federation.  Bottom line, if the planes are empty, CAL will stop flying those routes unless the Jamaican Gov't want's to throw in some cash.

wouldn't this be a breach of contract if the airline is also a designated national carrier. so then the deal would turn upside down. anyway its going to be fun to watch this play out. am a bit sorry for Bruse Golding.


Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: Bitter on February 12, 2010, 12:52:37 PM
If Designated National Carrier mean that empty planes must fly where you tell them, then this will buss before the end of the year.

What it does mean is that CAL is offered subsidies or other fiscal incentives by the Jamaican Gov't. in other words. we'll pony up some cash if you hook us up.  Which is probably how we ended up here in the first place.
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: truetrini on February 12, 2010, 01:01:58 PM
This is a horrible move. For all the losses that AJ made their customers are loyal to the brand. This could backfire bigtime. There is already talk of a boycott.

this will backfire on both county.

disadvantage Jamaica:

 lost of tourist. also remember their biggest passengers were the  Jamaican diaspora. and remember the diaspora was trying to get the airline with the airline association and got turn down. do they really thing they are going to fly on Caribbean airlines? :rotfl:


disadvantage Trinidad:
the profit that Caribbean airline is anticipating may turn in to dept. why?, because the deal states Jamaica will not sell its important routs, so therefore Caribbean airlines cannot redirect those routs, so what if the diaspora decide not to take Caribbean airlines?, are they going to fly empty planes?. the difference between Jamaica and Trinidad is that more planes fly to Jamaica than Trinidad, so a Jamaican can easily switch to Jet blue or whatever. if this happen Caribbean airline will be in trouble. i read an article in the Trinidad news paper a while back where a Trini at U.W.I state that air Jamaica would be a good buy only if Trinidad do not have to honer Jamaican routs and tourism obligations.but Trinidad will have to do the opposite because Jamaica will not sell those routs.


advantage Jamaica:

Jamaica will not sale "air Jamaica" so this could re open in the future are could be sold to a Jamaican million or billionaire who interested in starting a new national air line. or if one of three domestic airline wishes to expand internationally. Jamaica will also keep all its important routs. Jamaica will have no less than 10% shares in Caribbean airline so they would also have a say in its management.

advantage Trinidad:
any profit made will go to Trinidad






Stop taking nonsense.  there are NO Jamaicans that fly Air Jamaica just for pride, they may say this now, but the bottom line is cost of air fare.  If what yu were sayin was truthful Spirit AA etc. would not be fling into Jamaica as their planes would have been empty.

Diaspora and JALPA were not in any real position to hold the airline that is Billions in debt.  The real advantage is CAL is taking over the airline without...WITHOUT the Air Jamaica debt.

Tourists look for the best prices when going on vacation first, frequent flier miles after and then whatever else is left.  Bottom line is Dominican Republic is number one tourist destination in the Caribbeana nd they DO NOT HAVE a national airline!

Air Jamaica is about to fold up anyway as the IRS (US TAX SERVICE) is owed US 40 million dollars, Jamaica has no cash to pay that, and the IRS can move on their planes, right now Air Jam is trying to sell 2 planes to pay the IRS!!!

The Jamaican government cannot even afford to keep the planes in the air after MArch due to serious cash flow problems, translated:  JAmaica is dead broke, as in bankrupt and thats why they ahd to go to the IMF!  The IMF says sell by march 31 or we not giving you money.  Bruce Golding is doing what many before did not have the belly, guts and brains to do..sell that piece of money sucking airline!

CAL is already in discussions with LIAT and they met in Antigua...soon LIAT will be part of Caribbean Airlines.  Financially, T&T is a Tiger in a sea of pussy cats.

Additionally, there is no way Air Jamaica can tell CA that they not having certain routes, that is stupid to believe, when we take it over we are taking ALL of it over EXCEPT the debt.

Airline tickets to be honoured

Also, the fuel hedge now enjoyed by Caribbean Airlines will be extended to the Jamaica operations.

Caribbean Airlines will honour airline tickets bought on Air Jamaica on routes which will comprise the Jamaican operation and have not yet flown at the time of the closing of Air Jamaica. On or before the closing, "the Government of Jamaica will pay to Caribbean Airlines an amount equal to 93 per cent of the passenger fare value of the Air Jamaica ticket fares".

In consideration for all of the above, the agreement shall contain an anti-dilution provision "to insure that Government of Jamaica retains no less than a 10 per cent equity interest in Caribbean Airlines after closing, giving effect to any equity funding post-closing needed to meet the requisite cash threshold. Such securities shall be of the same class of securities held by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and there shall be no securities senior to it".

The Government of Jamaica will also appoint one director to the board of Caribbean Airlines.
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: jahkingdom on February 12, 2010, 01:05:29 PM
the way this deal is. it does not look like sale of air Jamaica. it seems like air Jamaica will be close after march 31, and Caribbean airline will then get its aircraft and fly on does routs. the name is not sold and the routs are not sold, it seems a bit funny. there must be more to this.  
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: jahkingdom on February 12, 2010, 01:19:03 PM
This is a horrible move. For all the losses that AJ made their customers are loyal to the brand. This could backfire bigtime. There is already talk of a boycott.

this will backfire on both county.

disadvantage Jamaica:

 lost of tourist. also remember their biggest passengers were the  Jamaican diaspora. and remember the diaspora was trying to get the airline with the airline association and got turn down. do they really thing they are going to fly on Caribbean airlines? :rotfl:


disadvantage Trinidad:
the profit that Caribbean airline is anticipating may turn in to dept. why?, because the deal states Jamaica will not sell its important routs, so therefore Caribbean airlines cannot redirect those routs, so what if the diaspora decide not to take Caribbean airlines?, are they going to fly empty planes?. the difference between Jamaica and Trinidad is that more planes fly to Jamaica than Trinidad, so a Jamaican can easily switch to Jet blue or whatever. if this happen Caribbean airline will be in trouble. i read an article in the Trinidad news paper a while back where a Trini at U.W.I state that air Jamaica would be a good buy only if Trinidad do not have to honer Jamaican routs and tourism obligations.but Trinidad will have to do the opposite because Jamaica will not sell those routs.


advantage Jamaica:

Jamaica will not sale "air Jamaica" so this could re open in the future are could be sold to a Jamaican million or billionaire who interested in starting a new national air line. or if one of three domestic airline wishes to expand internationally. Jamaica will also keep all its important routs. Jamaica will have no less than 10% shares in Caribbean airline so they would also have a say in its management.

advantage Trinidad:
any profit made will go to Trinidad






Stop taking nonsense.  there are NO Jamaicans that fly Air Jamaica just for pride, they may say this now, but the bottom line is cost of air fare.  If what yu were sayin was truthful Spirit AA etc. would not be fling into Jamaica as their planes would have been empty.

Diaspora and JALPA were not in any real position to hold the airline that is Billions in debt.  The real advantage is CAL is taking over the airline without...WITHOUT the Air Jamaica debt.

Tourists look for the best prices when going on vacation first, frequent flier miles after and then whatever else is left.  Bottom line is Dominican Republic is number one tourist destination in the Caribbeana nd they DO NOT HAVE a national airline!

Air Jamaica is about to fold up anyway as the IRS (US TAX SERVICE) is owed US 40 million dollars, Jamaica has no cash to pay that, and the IRS can move on their planes, right now Air Jam is trying to sell 2 planes to pay the IRS!!!

The Jamaican government cannot even afford to keep the planes in the air after MArch due to serious cash flow problems, translated:  JAmaica is dead broke, as in bankrupt and thats why they ahd to go to the IMF!  The IMF says sell by march 31 or we not giving you money.  Bruce Golding is doing what many before did not have the belly, guts and brains to do..sell that piece of money sucking airline!

CAL is already in discussions with LIAT and they met in Antigua...soon LIAT will be part of Caribbean Airlines.  Financially, T&T is a Tiger in a sea of pussy cats.

Additionally, there is no way Air Jamaica can tell CA that they not having certain routes, that is stupid to believe, when we take it over we are taking ALL of it over EXCEPT the debt.

Airline tickets to be honoured

Also, the fuel hedge now enjoyed by Caribbean Airlines will be extended to the Jamaica operations.

Caribbean Airlines will honour airline tickets bought on Air Jamaica on routes which will comprise the Jamaican operation and have not yet flown at the time of the closing of Air Jamaica. On or before the closing, "the Government of Jamaica will pay to Caribbean Airlines an amount equal to 93 per cent of the passenger fare value of the Air Jamaica ticket fares".

In consideration for all of the above, the agreement shall contain an anti-dilution provision "to insure that Government of Jamaica retains no less than a 10 per cent equity interest in Caribbean Airlines after closing, giving effect to any equity funding post-closing needed to meet the requisite cash threshold. Such securities shall be of the same class of securities held by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and there shall be no securities senior to it".

The Government of Jamaica will also appoint one director to the board of Caribbean Airlines.



i am 100% with the sale of air Jamaica and i also know that this should have happen along time, i already know we will have to sell the two aircraft and  all that already. i  think Golding is doing the right thing and i think Jamaica economic future is bright.you say they just talking they not going to take Caribbean airline?, more Jamaican fly on air Jamaica than tourist and the funny thing so far is that Caribbean air line is not yet flying to Jamaica and five person i know already cancel there ticket. that why i say its going to be interesting to watch. watch 
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: JDB on February 12, 2010, 01:25:08 PM
the way this deal is. it does not look like sale of air Jamaica. it seems like air Jamaica will be close after march 31, and Caribbean airline will then get its aircraft and fly on does routs. the name is not sold and the routs are not sold, it seems a bit funny. there must be more to this.  

keeping the routes and the name is a moot point if CA is the National Carrier for as long as they choose to be and Air Jamaica is bankrupt. They are a worse prospect for revival by a third party now because the Govt has to support CA.

Form the looks of it for all the talk about pride and supporting the national airline Air Jamaica was a massive failure. The posters who lamenting the loss of an intra-island route probably missing the fact that the route is not profitable. If it is CA will take it on, if it isn’t they won’t

As for flying it will be all about cost. Jamaicans would have to be dotish to fly on a service where they get less value just to spite CA.
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: jahkingdom on February 12, 2010, 01:36:55 PM
the way this deal is. it does not look like sale of air Jamaica. it seems like air Jamaica will be close after march 31, and Caribbean airline will then get its aircraft and fly on does routs. the name is not sold and the routs are not sold, it seems a bit funny. there must be more to this.  

keeping the routes and the name is a moot point if CA is the National Carrier for as long as they choose to be and Air Jamaica is bankrupt. They are a worse prospect for revival by a third party now because the Govt has to support CA.

Form the looks of it for all the talk about pride and supporting the national airline Air Jamaica was a massive failure. The posters who lamenting the loss of an intra-island route probably missing the fact that the route is not profitable. If it is CA will take it on, if it isn’t they won’t

As for flying it will be all about cost. Jamaicans would have to be dotish to fly on a service where they get less value just to spite CA.


it seems like you never been to Jamaica before  :rotfl:,fact is a lot of Jamaicans do not support anything if its not from Jamaica. if they say they going to do that trust me they will. the media is run by the people if they say don't play so and so, and that channel still play it. that channel would lose listeners or viewers very quickly.
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: Jah Gol on February 12, 2010, 01:57:09 PM

Tourists look for the best prices when going on vacation first, frequent flier miles after and then whatever else is left.  Bottom line is Dominican Republic is number one tourist destination in the Caribbeana nd they DO NOT HAVE a national airline!

There no good reason for the state to be in this business.
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: truetrini on February 12, 2010, 02:31:38 PM

Tourists look for the best prices when going on vacation first, frequent flier miles after and then whatever else is left.  Bottom line is Dominican Republic is number one tourist destination in the Caribbeana nd they DO NOT HAVE a national airline!

There no good reason for the state to be in this business.

My point exactly, however they had one, just too many crashes, drugs etc.  Not to mention it lost money..lol
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: jahkingdom on February 12, 2010, 04:03:39 PM
this is where a lot of Jamaicans will be heading

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF7YHmPkOtA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAU01drFLwg&feature=related
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: Brownsugar on February 12, 2010, 06:45:03 PM
From the beginning I have been a bit uncomfortable that any news we get on this thing has come from the JA press or gov't officials first...... ??? :-\
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: truetrini on February 12, 2010, 08:02:19 PM
Nthing is official as yet...it is just a non-binding letter of intent..emphasis on non-binding.  we have until 31st March.
Title: Re: ITS OFFICIAL: CA to become JA Exclusive National Carrier
Post by: AirMan on February 12, 2010, 08:04:22 PM
Nthing is official as yet...it is just a non-binding letter of intent..emphasis on non-binding.  we have until 31st March.

oh ok so maybe our leaders can say atleast two words PUBLICLY TO THE T&T MEDIA about this topic by then..we may have to wait until March 30th..
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Flex on February 14, 2010, 07:34:36 AM
CAL-AirJamaica deal on hold.
By Vernon Khelawan (Newsday).


In the last few weeks there have been several assurances, both in Kingston and Port-of-Spain, that the debt-ridden, state-owned Air Jamaica would be either merged or sold to Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines. Now there is word that nothing would be made public until April 01 2010.

As a matter of fact there are reports that the Bruce Golding administration last week signed a non-binding letter of intent with Caribbean Airlines. Finance Minister Audley Shaw, while admitting negotiations were still going on, he would have nothing to say about the deal until he delivers his 2010/2011 Budget Speech now scheduled for April 01.

Hinting that his government was not about to look at any other proposals, the finance minister said the focus of his government right now was to negotiate with Trinidad and Tobago, notwithstanding that there was a proposal from the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association (JALPA) as well as another from an unnamed overseas investor.

He said the only way the Jamaican government would consider talking to JALPA was if talks with TT broke down.

Shaw said the pilots association had been sending correspondence to both himself and the prime minister, but he said their letter of interest had come too late in the day and as such could not be allowed to supersede the procurement process which had been clearly established.At one time the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which last Thursday approved a 27-month standby facility of (US)$1.27 billion to assist in the country’s economic reforms, was insistent that the Air Jamaica issue had to be settled before the facility would be considered.

That is no longer the case since (US)$640 million of that money has now become available to Jamaica although there has been no conclusive arrangement regarding the sale or merger of Air Jamaica.

Shaw disclosed that under the agreement being negotiated Caribbean Airlines would have an equity stake in Air Jamaica, but would not contribute any cash.

Air Jamaica last year lost (US)$90 million and is currently carrying a debt of (US)$900 million. The airline would need (US)$300 million to take care of severance benefits for about 900 staff, who will be laid off and aircraft that would be taken out of service.

Meanwhile it was revealed last week that Caribbean Airlines had made a (TT)$34 million profit in 2009, following losses totalling (TT)$117 million in 2007. This was disclosed when the Consolidated Financial Statements were laid in the Upper House last week Tuesday.

Ex-BWIA executives quarrel
By Vernon Khelawan (Newsday).


A WAR of words has erupted between a former vice-president of BWIA and a former Board member of the same airline.

Peter Hill, who served as a management executive for Customer Service and Operations, has challenged some of the statements made by William Lucie Smith in a recent newspaper column.

He stated that Lucie Smith, who was part of the BWIA Board when it was closed down, attempted to defend several things:

1) the government’s use of the Treasury to the tune of $2 billion to close BWIA;

2) the decision to sell (undersell?) the grandfather route rights on London and cause Trinbagonians and other Caribbean people to suffer as second class citizens to get back and forth to Europe and beyond;

3) the government’s fuel “hedge” which any third party professional investment analyst would admit is nothing more than a “Government subsidy”, since there is no financial consideration paid for the fuel hedge (which is what BWIA purchased and paid for in the open market for its fuel hedges when it was making profits in 1998-2001);

4) the on time performance of Caribbean Airlines; and

5) the supposed financial success of CAL.

Hill explained that the Trinidad and Tobago government spent (TT)$2 billion “to close one airline (BWIA) and then opened another (CAL) giving it (TT)$735 million in cash, provided a subsidy for any fuel costs in excess of (US)$50, railroaded the employees into “imposed” contracts, with the brilliant result that it is still losing money.”

Hill, who now lives in Ontario, Canada, forecast that the “supposed financial success of CAL, which when the audited accounts come out (if they ever do), will likely reveal the numbers to be net losses.”

However, according to the Consolidated Financial Statements (2009) laid in the Senate last week, Caribbean Airlines last year recorded a profit of (TT)$34 million a major change from its recorded loss in 2007 of $117 million. The profit thus reduced CAL’s accumulated deficit from $117 million in 2007 to $83 million.

On the other hand Hill pointed out that BWIA West Indies Airways produced three consecutive years of profit from 1998 through 2000 amounting to (TT)$88 million, even after absorbing interest costs of some (TT)$75.3 million on debt which was inherited from the previous Acker and Filiatreault management teams’ failures.

“In fact,” Hill continued, “until the 9/11 tragedy in 2001, which decimated the airline industry, BWIA had already racked up a (US)$9 million profit and was enroute to a fourth consecutive year of profit. The Iraq war and SARS which came soon after 9/11 were further financial blows which could have flattened any airline.”

He reminded Lucie-Smith that BWIA’s 1998 profit performance was the first in 62 years and added that in 2000 BWIA was financially damaged to the tune of (US)$5 million when the government gave Air Caribbean permission to fly to Miami with a proliferation of charter flights.

In that same year, according to Hill, BWIA trashed Air Jamaica’s open competition on the Port-of-Spain-Kingston route and despite these challenges was able to still make a profit without a single cent from the government.

Making a comparison, the former executive said if BWIA had a fuel subsidy to cover prices over (US)$50; cash in the bank of (US)$115 million instead of inherited debt of more than (US)$40 million and “imposed” labour contracts rather than contracts negotiated in good faith, “think of where BWEE could have been today.”

Making reference to the two A340 aircraft which operated the London route and which was claimed not to be financially viable, Hill explained that those aircraft were acquired to operate not only London, but New York and Toronto as well. However, they were compelled to be used only on the London service when the TT government lost its Category One status and Bwee was banned from flying this new aircraft type to the US or though its airspace.

He described the sale of the slots at Heathrow and both Airbus aircraft as “short-sighted” since TT has regained its Category One status and now there is no wide-body aircraft to service the US and Canadian routes.

While Hill commends CAL’s on time performance, he said most airlines can be on time if they are prepared to lose money to do so. “Flying from point A to point B, padding buffer minutes to the historical flight operating times, scheduling a long enough turnaround time at point B and returning directly to point A should always produce a great on time performance, but you can’t make money that way,” said Hill.

He stated that in a small market like the Caribbean there is need for a larger network of intermediate island stops and connecting flights to have enough passengers to generate the revenues required to make money and you must have high utilisation of the expensive aircraft. “The risk, he added, “is that delay of one flight could cause another delay and so on, which invariably will happen.”
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: dreamer on February 14, 2010, 04:13:32 PM
Cast your vote in de Jakan papers over Air J vs Caribbean Airlines
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Air-J-protest-Sat-Feb-13-2010_7414198#poll
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on February 14, 2010, 08:38:24 PM
Dreamer,
               why should we vote on a JA survey. It will be misleading  Leh we hear the full details from the TT govt., then we should post our likes or dislikes on a different post.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on February 16, 2010, 11:29:09 AM
 I smell this coming from a distance!

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100216/lead/lead3.html


http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/JALPA--pg-4-tue_7423572


it seems like there are an influx of air line suddenly flying in to Jamaica.

http://www.jis.gov.jm/indus_tourism/html/20100214T160000-0500_22899_JIS_ANOTHER_AIRLIFT_BOOST_FOR_TOURISM.asp
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on February 17, 2010, 12:06:46 AM
If i was the TNT govt i would stay far away from dat deal!!! reason being, jet blue is ah very efficient airline and it would be extremely difficult to compete against them.

they have ah new fleet, their fares are extremely competitive and difficult to match! they have video capability in every single seat, it's like watching your own cable tv on ah plane, they are also one of the few airlines that have free meals on international flights. and i will go further to say, the day jet blue start flying to TNT caribbean airlines would be finished!!!

if i was manning, i would consult wid ah very good eccomonist on this move. jamaicans are a very disgruntled sort of ppl, and i seriously doubt they would fly CAL especially seeing the way their national carrier was taken over by ah bunch of trinis.

 even this negative view was taken by the stinkin gleanor who always have less than complimentary things to say about TNT and it's industries in JA(remember that man head chick who wrote that moronic article " boombastic trini's" ).

i could see the jamaican media gassing up the JA public against supporting caribbean air. the only way i could possibly see this working out is if air jamaica retains it's name and caribbean air executives are left too addministrate and run the airlines behind closed doors.

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on February 19, 2010, 10:29:49 AM
Caribbean Airlines to be Jamaica's exclusive national carrier

Friday, February 19, 2010

THE Jamaican Government has agreed to ensure that Trinidadian company Caribbean Airlines (CA) is designated the exclusive national carrier of Jamaica under the air services agreements between itself and other territories.

This was stated in the non-binding letter of intent signed on January 22 by the Jamaican Government, Air Jamaica Ltd, Air Jamaica Holdings Ltd and Caribbean Airlines.




Caribbean Airlines will commence its Jamaican operations on or before July 1 upon the cessation of operations of Air Jamaica.


Under this agreement, the parties are committed to making best efforts to sign legally binding agreements by March 31.

In this regard, the GOJ and Air Jamaica will take all necessary steps to effect the cessation of operations of Air Jamaica on or before July 1, and as soon thereafter close Air Jamaica.

Caribbean Airlines will commence its Jamaican operations on or before July 1 upon the cessation of operations of Air Jamaica.

Effective as of the consummation of the closing, the Jamaican government has agreed that 'Caribbean Airlines shall be the exclusive national carrier of Jamaica and, in this regard, will not request designation of national carrier status for any other air carrier for as long as the Jamaican operations maintain a minimum level of service and meet certain other criteria, which in each case will be set forth in the definitive agreements'.

Prior to the cessation of operations, Air Jamaica will 'implement revenue management and communication measures as determined by Caribbean Airlines and reasonably acceptable to the Government of Jamaica in order to actively manage market share, enhance passenger loyalty to the national carrier, and help preserve the competitiveness of the launch of the Jamaican operations (of Caribbean Airlines)'.

For some time now Air Jamaica has flown to five destinations on 13 routes. The destinations being the United States, Canada, Cuba, The Bahamas and Curacao. Last year, the airline carried 1.1 million passengers on these routes. Those routes have now been reduced.

In Appendix I, attached to the letter of intent, Caribbean Airlines stated it would start up its Jamaican operations by adding a network of routes to its international network.

Caribbean Airlines will also operate a Kingston-Port of Spain-Georgetown (Guyana) route, one flight/seven days per week, but this route will not form part of the Jamaican operations.

In addition, Caribbean Airlines has indicated that possible intra-island flights between Kingston and Montego Bay are 'to be considered'.

For the initial Jamaican operations, it is estimated that the routes will be operated with 'five to seven aircraft with an estimated number of cockpit and crew, respectively, of 70 to 90 and 140 to 160'.

Caribbean Airlines will honour airline tickets bought on Air Jamaica on routes which will comprise the Jamaican operation and have not yet flown at the time of the closing of Air Jamaica. On or before the closing, 'the Government of Jamaica will pay to Caribbean Airlines an amount equal to 93 per cent of the passenger fare value of the Air Jamaica ticket fares.'
_________________________
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: nunu on February 25, 2010, 03:48:54 PM
listen up you , the jamaican people do not want Air Caribbean to take Air J
they are angry as you .
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on February 25, 2010, 04:36:26 PM
listen up you , the jamaican people do not want Air Caribbean to take Air J
they are angry as you .
This isn't news.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on February 25, 2010, 04:37:07 PM
listen up you , the jamaican people do not want Air Caribbean to take Air J
they are angry as you .
When big educated ppl meet tuh discuss business, they don't take petty squables into consideration, they look @ projections and feasible income. when i look @ this move, it's not about TNT vs JA, i see it as ah bad move economically for who ever assumes responsibility of this airline.

air jamaica will not survive, whether the govt of TNT bail them out or abandon the deal. JA needs this bail out more than TNT needs the routes, BC the airline is in ah tail spin with debts up the wazoo and losing credability! there is simply no other way, state ownership of these kind of industries seldom workout and normally lead to this end.


as for the jamaican ppl, they have no say in the matter! this is purely business and nothing personal.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on February 25, 2010, 06:42:38 PM
listen up you , the jamaican people do not want Air Caribbean to take Air J
they are angry as you .
When big educated ppl meet tuh discuss business, they don't take petty squables into consideration, they look @ projections and feasible income. when i look @ this move, it's not about TNT vs JA, i see it as ah bad move economically for who ever assumes responsibility of this airline.

air jamaica will not survive, whether the govt of TNT bail them out or abandon the deal. JA needs this bail out more than TNT needs the routes, BC the airline is in ah tail spin with debts up the wazoo and losing credability! there is simply no other way, state ownership of these kind of industries seldom workout and normally lead to this end.


as for the jamaican ppl, they have no say in the matter! this is purely business and nothing personal.


T&T will not be taking over Air Jamaica. Air Jamaica will be closed, Caribbean Air line will fly on its routs. and who say Jamaica people have no say?, who do you think take the airline mostly the business people with private jets?, or the Jamaica diaspora witch is the largest travelers in the English Caribbean?.

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on February 25, 2010, 08:01:02 PM
listen up you , the jamaican people do not want Air Caribbean to take Air J
they are angry as you .
When big educated ppl meet tuh discuss business, they don't take petty squables into consideration, they look @ projections and feasible income. when i look @ this move, it's not about TNT vs JA, i see it as ah bad move economically for who ever assumes responsibility of this airline.

air jamaica will not survive, whether the govt of TNT bail them out or abandon the deal. JA needs this bail out more than TNT needs the routes, BC the airline is in ah tail spin with debts up the wazoo and losing credability! there is simply no other way, state ownership of these kind of industries seldom workout and normally lead to this end.


as for the jamaican ppl, they have no say in the matter! this is purely business and nothing personal.


T&T will not be taking over Air Jamaica. Air Jamaica will be closed, Caribbean Air line will fly on its routs. and who say Jamaica people have no say?, who do you think take the airline mostly the business people with private jets?, or the Jamaica diaspora witch is the largest travelers in the English Caribbean?.


bredder, yuh must learn tuh read before jumpin the gun eh. i did state that "JA needs this bail out more than TNT(CAL) needs it's ROUTES". contrary to what you think, i'm fully aware of the deal @ hand, and i still maintain that jamaicans have no say in the matter, the govt will do what's best for the airline regardless of what the ppl say.

as for the business @ hand, i couldn't care less if jamaicans accept or refuse tuh fly CAL just BC it belongs tuh TNT, BC @ the end of the day i eh getting ah single penny from it and neither are you! so who the fack cares!!!
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on February 25, 2010, 08:23:02 PM
listen up you , the jamaican people do not want Air Caribbean to take Air J
they are angry as you .
When big educated ppl meet tuh discuss business, they don't take petty squables into consideration, they look @ projections and feasible income. when i look @ this move, it's not about TNT vs JA, i see it as ah bad move economically for who ever assumes responsibility of this airline.

air jamaica will not survive, whether the govt of TNT bail them out or abandon the deal. JA needs this bail out more than TNT needs the routes, BC the airline is in ah tail spin with debts up the wazoo and losing credability! there is simply no other way, state ownership of these kind of industries seldom workout and normally lead to this end.


as for the jamaican ppl, they have no say in the matter! this is purely business and nothing personal.


T&T will not be taking over Air Jamaica. Air Jamaica will be closed, Caribbean Air line will fly on its routs. and who say Jamaica people have no say?, who do you think take the airline mostly the business people with private jets?, or the Jamaica diaspora witch is the largest travelers in the English Caribbean?.


bredder, yuh must learn tuh read before jumpin the gun eh. i did state that "JA needs this bail out more than TNT(CAL) needs it's ROUTES". contrary to what you think, i'm fully aware of the deal @ hand, and i still maintain that jamaicans have no say in the matter, the govt will do what's best for the airline regardless of what the ppl say.

as for the business @ hand, i couldn't care less if jamaicans accept or refuse tuh fly CAL just BC it belongs tuh TNT, BC @ the end of the day i eh getting ah single penny from it and neither are you! so who the fack cares!!!

i do don't bombora****skl***t care neither, but explain to me the bail out, will T&T pay the dept?, NO.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on February 25, 2010, 09:13:04 PM
listen up you , the jamaican people do not want Air Caribbean to take Air J
they are angry as you .
When big educated ppl meet tuh discuss business, they don't take petty squables into consideration, they look @ projections and feasible income. when i look @ this move, it's not about TNT vs JA, i see it as ah bad move economically for who ever assumes responsibility of this airline.

air jamaica will not survive, whether the govt of TNT bail them out or abandon the deal. JA needs this bail out more than TNT needs the routes, BC the airline is in ah tail spin with debts up the wazoo and losing credability! there is simply no other way, state ownership of these kind of industries seldom workout and normally lead to this end.


as for the jamaican ppl, they have no say in the matter! this is purely business and nothing personal.


T&T will not be taking over Air Jamaica. Air Jamaica will be closed, Caribbean Air line will fly on its routs. and who say Jamaica people have no say?, who do you think take the airline mostly the business people with private jets?, or the Jamaica diaspora witch is the largest travelers in the English Caribbean?.


bredder, yuh must learn tuh read before jumpin the gun eh. i did state that "JA needs this bail out more than TNT(CAL) needs it's ROUTES". contrary to what you think, i'm fully aware of the deal @ hand, and i still maintain that jamaicans have no say in the matter, the govt will do what's best for the airline regardless of what the ppl say.

as for the business @ hand, i couldn't care less if jamaicans accept or refuse tuh fly CAL just BC it belongs tuh TNT, BC @ the end of the day i eh getting ah single penny from it and neither are you! so who the fack cares!!!

i do don't bombora****skl***t care neither, but explain to me the bail out, will T&T pay the dept?, NO.
Breds , i have no stake in the deal whether on the TNT or JA end, so why should i care. i livin in foreign and katching meh nenen as it is tuh get by, so if JA get their debt paid off or they get shanked on the deal, who CARES !

and if you don't care like you said you don't , then why bother ask " will TNT pay the debt"? i promise you wont see ah cent of it anyway, so why bother.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: AirMan on March 04, 2010, 11:27:11 AM
April 12's the day  http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100304/lead/lead1.html
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: AirMan on March 04, 2010, 11:27:42 AM
April 12's the day  http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100304/lead/lead1.html

Interesting comments under this article
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: che on March 04, 2010, 12:03:31 PM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on March 04, 2010, 01:44:00 PM
If CAL profits from the deal then it's a good deal. Everything else is sentimentalism and secondary.
Jamaica doesn't have a shortage of airlines willing to fly.

Airlines flying from United States to Jamaica:

Delta
Continental Airlines
United
American Airlines
jetBlue
Sun Country Airlines
US Airways
Air Jamaica
airTran Airways
Spirit Airlines
      
Other airlines flying to Jamaica:

Air Canada
Skyservice
flythomascook.com charter flights
Copa
Air Berlin
Livingston
Cayman Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Cubana
WestJet
Caribbean Airlines
ArkeFly
British Airways
JetairFly
TUIfly
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: che on March 04, 2010, 03:16:33 PM
If CAL profits from the deal then it's a good deal. Everything else is sentimentalism and secondary.
Jamaica doesn't have a shortage of airlines willing to fly.

Airlines flying from United States to Jamaica:

Delta
Continental Airlines
United
American Airlines
jetBlue
Sun Country Airlines
US Airways
Air Jamaica
airTran Airways
Spirit Airlines
      
Other airlines flying to Jamaica:

Air Canada
Skyservice
flythomascook.com charter flights
Copa
Air Berlin
Livingston
Cayman Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Cubana
WestJet
Caribbean Airlines
ArkeFly
British Airways
JetairFly
TUIfly


That's my point. Most said that they would rather fly with another airline rather the fly with CAL. So why bother? We will just loose in the end.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on March 04, 2010, 03:33:02 PM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, while the most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaicans are totally jealous of trinidad's success, and reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on March 04, 2010, 04:13:15 PM
After looking at how some of the other entities are run locally by the gov't, I say backoff that deal. This administraation needs to run our house properly before going to clean someone else's. I ain't bothering with the JA responses. Let Air Jamaica go chapter 11.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on March 04, 2010, 05:08:12 PM
After looking at how some of the other entities are run locally by the gov't, I say backoff that deal. This administraation needs to run our house properly before going to clean someone else's. I ain't bothering with the JA responses. Let Air Jamaica go chapter 11.
I think ah big part of the disgruntled responses was due to the fact that the pilots and staff together with prominent jamaican businessmen wanted tuh purchase the airline but the govt declined tuh sell them.

now this makes me wonder,could it be possible that the JA govt knew for a fact that the airline would crumble no matter who took it over, and they were saving their ppl from the financial back lash.

maybe it was said " let the trinis go down wid the airline and save uno money for ah better business venture". wont put it pass them, we all know they could be that facked up.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: che on March 04, 2010, 05:51:06 PM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaican are totally jealous of trinidad's success, but reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.

Good post. I agree 100%.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on March 04, 2010, 08:43:10 PM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, while the most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaicans are totally jealous of trinidad's success, and reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.

stop get carried away. no one in Jamaica jealous of any thing that Trinidad have, Trinidad name would not be mention if Trinidad were not trying to buy something in Jamaica. in a Jamaican community either in Jamaica, England, Canada or U.S.A you don't hear people talk about Trinidad unless it is something like this. Jamaica has allot of companies both private and public. the problem is the government run the country in dept.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Blue on March 05, 2010, 12:48:41 AM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, while the most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaicans are totally jealous of trinidad's success, and reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.

stop get carried away. no one in Jamaica jealous of any thing that Trinidad have, Trinidad name would not be mention if Trinidad were not trying to buy something in Jamaica. in a Jamaican community either in Jamaica, England, Canada or U.S.A you don't hear people talk about Trinidad unless it is something like this. Jamaica has allot of companies both private and public. the problem is the government run the country in dept.

boss, its not dept, its debt. its gettin on my nerves lol

Imbert: CAL to take over Air Jamaica’s profitable routes  
http://guardian.co.tt/business/business/2010/03/05/imbert-cal-take-over-air-jamaica-s-profitable-routes

There will be no merger or acquisition of Air Jamaica by Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL), says Works Minister Colm Imbert.

The financially-strapped Air Jamaica will be shut down and CAL will take over its profitable routes to ensure Jamaica maintains its tourism lifeline with its major markets in North America and Europe, Imbert said. Speaking at the yesterday’s weekly post-Cabinet meeting at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, Imbert said Government will not take over any of Air Jamaica’s debts and that CAL will not acquire or merge with Air Jamaica. Quoting from a memo written by Bruce Nobles, president and chief executive officer of Air Jamaica, which stated that Air Jamaica will be closing down on April 12, Imbert said all of its employees will be made redundant on that day. He said CAL has been contracted to take up the slack to service Air Jamaica’s routes.

“The tourism industry is the lifeblood of the Jamaican economy, so even though they may be having problems with their airline, they still need to have access to these markets. “We have been involved in the process as they are unwilling to relinquish this control to airlines outside of the region as they may not have the kind of commitment to regional development and the growth of the tourism sector that Caribbean Airlines will have. Profitable routes. “We will be focusing on the profitable routes because our stipulation is that there should be a business emphasis on the deal, so the unprofitable routes will be dropped as neither the Jamaican or T&T Government is able to put more money into airlift. “We are now negotiating the acquisition of the route rights from Air Jamaica. These routes have value and it would cost a lot in marketing, business development, time and other issues if we were to develop them ourselves.

“In addition, the government of Jamaica also has a vision about what they want to achieve and where the emphasis will be placed with the new arrangement. Imbert said acquiring these routes, infrastructure and codes can save T&T a lot of time and money and ensure many jobs at Air Jamaica are saved because CAL will need the support on the ground. From April 12, Air Jamaica will cease to exist and Caribbean Airlines will take over these routes and will provide the airlift that they need to keep their economy going. “It will be a blow to close Air Jamaica down and not replace the airlift and ensure continuity and air transport for their tourism industry. “We are also aware that Air Jamaica has industrial relations issues pertaining to the closing of the airline and the Jamaican government is working on those issues and, hopefully, they will be resolved by the closure date as well,” Imbert said.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on March 05, 2010, 03:47:48 AM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, while the most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaicans are totally jealous of trinidad's success, and reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.

stop get carried away. no one in Jamaica jealous of any thing that Trinidad have, Trinidad name would not be mention if Trinidad were not trying to buy something in Jamaica.in a Jamaican community either in Jamaica, England, Canada or U.S.A you don't hear people talk about Trinidad unless it is something like this. Jamaica has allot of companies both private and public. the problem is the government run the country in dept.
You better stop tell lies! i lived in JA for ah while, and many times i had tuh play it off like i was from there, that's BC almost every time i told someone where i was from they were taken aback, and behaved like bells went off in their heads!

it was always ah competition thing between jkans and trinis from as early as the 1930ies. jkans always feel they could out do ah trini in almost every thing, and to me it was just childish and silly.

in trinidad on the other hand, we accept jamaicans as our caribbean brothers, but jkans always have tuh act like they better than every other caribbean nation , which iz ah real slave mentality!

just look @ the way those ppl behave in the comment section of the gleanor! " we would rather fly on ah U.S. carrier than on ah trini airline", real hater ting!

allyuh need tuh wake up and realize that allyuh eh no better than no one else in the caribbean, as ah matter of fact , allyuh iz the poorest caribbean nation after haiti and dominican republic!

jamaicans should be glad tuh get rid of that money pit called air jamaica. we too in trini had our own airline, and the govt sold it over to ah private entity, that's BC a state owned airline drinks money like ah drunken sailor, what's national pride when your state owned airline is operating @ a huge lost.

wise up fella and forget that nonsense called national pride.

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: AirMan on March 05, 2010, 08:55:27 AM
Boycott For Caribbean Airlines Coming

The youth arm of the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) is calling for a boycott of Trinidad's Caribbean Airlines if the government does not give due consideration to the bid by the pilots' group to acquire Air Jamaica.

In a statement Tuesday night, the PNP Youth Organization
said it takes issue with the government's unwillingness to engage the Jamaica airline Pilots' Association (JALPA) in its bid to take over and operate the airline.

Damion Crawford, PNPYO President, is suggesting that Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora boycott Caribbean Airlines, if the Bruce Golding led administration proceeds with the sale of Air Jamaica without giving JALPA an equal opportunity.

"The government has been treating the workers of Air Jamaica with scant regard which is reminiscent of the way that they've treated all the other worker including teachers, nurses etc. We believe that the people of this country should therefore take affirmative action as it relates to what the government is doing and how they're doing it and boycott Caribbean Airlines if Air Jamaica is sold to it," he said.

On Tuesday, JALPA suffered a setback in its bid for Air Jamaica.

The Office of the Contractor General said it will step in if the government bows to pressure and breaches the law in order to facilitate the Air Jamaica staff's bid to acquire the ‘Lovebird'.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on March 05, 2010, 09:27:23 AM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, while the most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaicans are totally jealous of trinidad's success, and reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.

stop get carried away. no one in Jamaica jealous of any thing that Trinidad have, Trinidad name would not be mention if Trinidad were not trying to buy something in Jamaica.in a Jamaican community either in Jamaica, England, Canada or U.S.A you don't hear people talk about Trinidad unless it is something like this. Jamaica has allot of companies both private and public. the problem is the government run the country in dept.
You better stop tell lies! i lived in JA for ah while, and many times i had tuh play it off like i was from there, that's BC almost every time i told someone where i was from they were taken aback, and behaved like bells went off in their heads!

it was always ah competition thing between jkans and trinis from as early as the 1930ies. jkans always feel they could out do ah trini in almost every thing, and to me it was just childish and silly.

in trinidad on the other hand, we accept jamaicans as our caribbean brothers, but jkans always have tuh act like they better than every other caribbean nation , which iz ah real slave mentality!

just look @ the way those ppl behave in the comment section of the gleanor! " we would rather fly on ah U.S. carrier than on ah trini airline", real hater ting!

allyuh need tuh wake up and realize that allyuh eh no better than no one else in the caribbean, as ah matter of fact , allyuh iz the poorest caribbean nation after haiti and dominican republic!

jamaicans should be glad tuh get rid of that money pit called air jamaica. we too in trini had our own airline, and the govt sold it over to ah private entity, that's BC a state owned airline drinks money like ah drunken sailor, what's national pride when your state owned airline is operating @ a huge lost.

wise up fella and forget that nonsense called national pride.




we may be poor base on money or per Capita GDP, but how much English Caribbean have infrastructure as Jamaica?. most of the English Caribbean study in Jamaica we have  about 10 university and 30 to 40 colleges. Jamaica has what all the Caribbean have combine in mixture from tourism, commercial cities, industrial, sports, music. our poorness is very different from Haiti or Guyana or whatever. even after that Jamaica has the second largest economy after Trinidad and that because Trinidad have oil.when you combine all our industries from ethanol, bauxite....etc, but some of these industries got hit because world recession. dollar wise of-course  we slide, but there was a time when Jamaica was strong in that department. and even after these debt or poor however you call it. i can show allot of large mega projects  all over island even more than what T&T doing, because Jamaica is a tourism destination. buy 2012 Jamaica will have 4 large major international airport, and is in talking with china to become the Caribbean transhipment hub. you already have car transhipment companies moving from San Juan Puerto Rico to Kingston.  Jamaica poorness is base financial and we now have to put things in place for economic  growth for the future so closing the airline is a must. i think only Bahamas and Dominica republic attract more foreign investment than Jamaica. if Trinidad did not have oil they could have been in this same position financially, because both Jamaica and T&T suffer from high level of crime and corruption. and it is also funny how you try to emphasize that Jamaica is poor, but not outline that Jamaica is also one of the most important economy in the Caribbean. Jamaica is 50% of the english Caribbean therefore we import allot of goods  from small Caribbean island if we stop doing that allot of small island could suffer, just as when Guyana was crying about rice. and tell me a few well know international Trinidad companies if there is any?. am give you two Jamaican ones for now: sandals and golden crust. i think the quote above explain what i was tell you a while back. that Trinidad will not be taking over air Jamaica, it will be closing and Caribbean air line will fly on its routs. they say that the route are profitable, but who knows if it will still be profitable after they start flying.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on March 05, 2010, 09:37:08 AM
Boycott For Caribbean Airlines Coming

The youth arm of the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) is calling for a boycott of Trinidad's Caribbean Airlines if the government does not give due consideration to the bid by the pilots' group to acquire Air Jamaica.

In a statement Tuesday night, the PNP Youth Organization
said it takes issue with the government's unwillingness to engage the Jamaica airline Pilots' Association (JALPA) in its bid to take over and operate the airline.

Damion Crawford, PNPYO President, is suggesting that Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora boycott Caribbean Airlines, if the Bruce Golding led administration proceeds with the sale of Air Jamaica without giving JALPA an equal opportunity.

"The government has been treating the workers of Air Jamaica with scant regard which is reminiscent of the way that they've treated all the other worker including teachers, nurses etc. We believe that the people of this country should therefore take affirmative action as it relates to what the government is doing and how they're doing it and boycott Caribbean Airlines if Air Jamaica is sold to it," he said.

On Tuesday, JALPA suffered a setback in its bid for Air Jamaica.

The Office of the Contractor General said it will step in if the government bows to pressure and breaches the law in order to facilitate the Air Jamaica staff's bid to acquire the ‘Lovebird'.


the government cannot stop in the middle of an agreement just to give the JALPA the airline. and as much as it is sad that air J will be close i do not think JALPA can handle Air Jamaica. but i do not think  Caribbean airlines should get national carrier statues, because that would affect for a starting up of a new airlines in the future. at the same time i have no problem with Caribbean airlines flying on the important routes because that's a win win for both parties.



interesting
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=17412


Quote
Captain Capelton also says the association’s quest to operate an airline owned by Jamaicans remains in an advanced stage.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on March 05, 2010, 10:38:22 AM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, while the most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaicans are totally jealous of trinidad's success, and reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.

stop get carried away. no one in Jamaica jealous of any thing that Trinidad have, Trinidad name would not be mention if Trinidad were not trying to buy something in Jamaica.in a Jamaican community either in Jamaica, England, Canada or U.S.A you don't hear people talk about Trinidad unless it is something like this. Jamaica has allot of companies both private and public. the problem is the government run the country in dept.
You better stop tell lies! i lived in JA for ah while, and many times i had tuh play it off like i was from there, that's BC almost every time i told someone where i was from they were taken aback, and behaved like bells went off in their heads!

it was always ah competition thing between jkans and trinis from as early as the 1930ies. jkans always feel they could out do ah trini in almost every thing, and to me it was just childish and silly.

in trinidad on the other hand, we accept jamaicans as our caribbean brothers, but jkans always have tuh act like they better than every other caribbean nation , which iz ah real slave mentality!

just look @ the way those ppl behave in the comment section of the gleanor! " we would rather fly on ah U.S. carrier than on ah trini airline", real hater ting!

allyuh need tuh wake up and realize that allyuh eh no better than no one else in the caribbean, as ah matter of fact , allyuh iz the poorest caribbean nation after haiti and dominican republic!

jamaicans should be glad tuh get rid of that money pit called air jamaica. we too in trini had our own airline, and the govt sold it over to ah private entity, that's BC a state owned airline drinks money like ah drunken sailor, what's national pride when your state owned airline is operating @ a huge lost.

wise up fella and forget that nonsense called national pride.




we may be poor base on money or per Capita GDP, but how much English Caribbean have infrastructure as Jamaica?. most of the English Caribbean study in Jamaica we have  about 10 university and 30 to 40 colleges. Jamaica has what all the Caribbean have combine in mixture from tourism, commercial cities, industrial, sports, music. our poorness is very different from Haiti or Guyana or whatever. even after that Jamaica has the second largest economy after Trinidad and that because Trinidad have oil.when you combine all our industries from ethanol, bauxite....etc, but some of these industries got hit because world recession. dollar wise of-course  we slide, but there was a time when Jamaica was strong in that department. and even after these debt or poor however you call it. i can show allot of large mega projects  all over island even more than what T&T doing, because Jamaica is a tourism destination. buy 2012 Jamaica will have 4 large major international airport, and is in talking with china to become the Caribbean transhipment hub. you already have car transhipment companies moving from San Juan Puerto Rico to Kingston.  Jamaica poorness is base financial and we now have to put things in place for economic  growth for the future so closing the airline is a must. i think only Bahamas and Dominica republic attract more foreign investment than Jamaica. if Trinidad did not have oil they could have been in this same position financially, because both Jamaica and T&T suffer from high level of crime and corruption. and it is also funny how you try to emphasize that Jamaica is poor, but not outline that Jamaica is also one of the most important economy in the Caribbean. Jamaica is 50% of the english Caribbean therefore we import allot of goods  from small Caribbean island if we stop doing that allot of small island could suffer, just as when Guyana was crying about rice. and tell me a few well know international Trinidad companies if there is any?. am give you two Jamaican ones for now: sandals and golden crust. i think the quote above explain what i was tell you a while back. that Trinidad will not be taking over air Jamaica, it will be closing and Caribbean air line will fly on its routs. they say that the route are profitable, but who knows if it will still be profitable after they start flying.
Paragraphs are cool too.

You are right that Jamaica is important to CARICOM's economy but you refuse to recognise that much of the opposition to this move is based on Jamaican resentment of T&T's presence in their economy. Much of the sentiment is anti-Trini. We oppose the move for different reasons but the views of many Jamaicans I've heard are indicative of an underlying insecurity about T&T .

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: JDB on March 05, 2010, 10:48:32 AM
we may be poor base on money or per Capita GDP, but how much English Caribbean have infrastructure as Jamaica?. most of the English Caribbean study in Jamaica we have  about 10 university and 30 to 40 colleges. Jamaica has what all the Caribbean have combine in mixture from tourism, commercial cities, industrial, sports, music. our poorness is very different from Haiti or Guyana or whatever. even after that Jamaica has the second largest economy after Trinidad and that because Trinidad have oil.when you combine all our industries from ethanol, bauxite....etc, but some of these industries got hit because world recession. dollar wise of-course  we slide, but there was a time when Jamaica was strong in that department. and even after these debt or poor however you call it. i can show allot of large mega projects  all over island even more than what T&T doing, because Jamaica is a tourism destination. buy 2012 Jamaica will have 4 large major international airport, and is in talking with china to become the Caribbean transhipment hub. you already have car transhipment companies moving from San Juan Puerto Rico to Kingston.  Jamaica poorness is base financial and we now have to put things in place for economic  growth for the future so closing the airline is a must. i think only Bahamas and Dominica republic attract more foreign investment than Jamaica. if Trinidad did not have oil they could have been in this same position financially, because both Jamaica and T&T suffer from high level of crime and corruption. and it is also funny how you try to emphasize that Jamaica is poor, but not outline that Jamaica is also one of the most important economy in the Caribbean. Jamaica is 50% of the english Caribbean therefore we import allot of goods  from small Caribbean island if we stop doing that allot of small island could suffer, just as when Guyana was crying about rice. and tell me a few well know international Trinidad companies if there is any?. am give you two Jamaican ones for now: sandals and golden crust. i think the quote above explain what i was tell you a while back. that Trinidad will not be taking over air Jamaica, it will be closing and Caribbean air line will fly on its routs. they say that the route are profitable, but who knows if it will still be profitable after they start flying.

Such a silly discussion. This diatribe is the equivalent of

"My daddy bigger and stronger than your daddy though"

Who cares? The point everybody is making is that Jamaicans feel this ridiculous need to compete and measure themselves as being above TnT. Your response is to write a long paragraph that is a perfect example of that insecure attitude.

Especially love the part where you give credit to JA for having Bauxite and minerals but then mention that "if TnT didn't have oil it could have been in the same position". Including those two sentiments in the same "argument" make any sense to you.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on March 05, 2010, 11:06:13 AM
we may be poor base on money or per Capita GDP, but how much English Caribbean have infrastructure as Jamaica?. most of the English Caribbean study in Jamaica we have  about 10 university and 30 to 40 colleges. Jamaica has what all the Caribbean have combine in mixture from tourism, commercial cities, industrial, sports, music. our poorness is very different from Haiti or Guyana or whatever. even after that Jamaica has the second largest economy after Trinidad and that because Trinidad have oil.when you combine all our industries from ethanol, bauxite....etc, but some of these industries got hit because world recession. dollar wise of-course  we slide, but there was a time when Jamaica was strong in that department. and even after these debt or poor however you call it. i can show allot of large mega projects  all over island even more than what T&T doing, because Jamaica is a tourism destination. buy 2012 Jamaica will have 4 large major international airport, and is in talking with china to become the Caribbean transhipment hub. you already have car transhipment companies moving from San Juan Puerto Rico to Kingston.  Jamaica poorness is base financial and we now have to put things in place for economic  growth for the future so closing the airline is a must. i think only Bahamas and Dominica republic attract more foreign investment than Jamaica. if Trinidad did not have oil they could have been in this same position financially, because both Jamaica and T&T suffer from high level of crime and corruption. and it is also funny how you try to emphasize that Jamaica is poor, but not outline that Jamaica is also one of the most important economy in the Caribbean. Jamaica is 50% of the english Caribbean therefore we import allot of goods  from small Caribbean island if we stop doing that allot of small island could suffer, just as when Guyana was crying about rice. and tell me a few well know international Trinidad companies if there is any?. am give you two Jamaican ones for now: sandals and golden crust. i think the quote above explain what i was tell you a while back. that Trinidad will not be taking over air Jamaica, it will be closing and Caribbean air line will fly on its routs. they say that the route are profitable, but who knows if it will still be profitable after they start flying.

Such a silly discussion. This diatribe is the equivalent of

"My daddy bigger and stronger than your daddy though"

Who cares? The point everybody is making is that Jamaicans feel this ridiculous need to compete and measure themselves as being above TnT. Your response is to write a long paragraph that is a perfect example of that insecure attitude.

Especially love the part where you give credit to JA for having Bauxite and minerals but then mention that "if TnT didn't have oil it could have been in the same position". Including those two sentiments in the same "argument" make any sense to you.

this type of reply is base on the fact JUST COOL trying to Aline Jamaica with Haiti or close to.so my point is T&T would not be much better off financially if there was not oil. and i herd the same thing from all my Trinidad friends. i would say the most successful island on human development is Barbados. 
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on March 05, 2010, 12:02:32 PM
we may be poor base on money or per Capita GDP, but how much English Caribbean have infrastructure as Jamaica?. most of the English Caribbean study in Jamaica we have  about 10 university and 30 to 40 colleges. Jamaica has what all the Caribbean have combine in mixture from tourism, commercial cities, industrial, sports, music. our poorness is very different from Haiti or Guyana or whatever. even after that Jamaica has the second largest economy after Trinidad and that because Trinidad have oil.when you combine all our industries from ethanol, bauxite....etc, but some of these industries got hit because world recession. dollar wise of-course  we slide, but there was a time when Jamaica was strong in that department. and even after these debt or poor however you call it. i can show allot of large mega projects  all over island even more than what T&T doing, because Jamaica is a tourism destination. buy 2012 Jamaica will have 4 large major international airport, and is in talking with china to become the Caribbean transhipment hub. you already have car transhipment companies moving from San Juan Puerto Rico to Kingston.  Jamaica poorness is base financial and we now have to put things in place for economic  growth for the future so closing the airline is a must. i think only Bahamas and Dominica republic attract more foreign investment than Jamaica. if Trinidad did not have oil they could have been in this same position financially, because both Jamaica and T&T suffer from high level of crime and corruption. and it is also funny how you try to emphasize that Jamaica is poor, but not outline that Jamaica is also one of the most important economy in the Caribbean. Jamaica is 50% of the english Caribbean therefore we import allot of goods  from small Caribbean island if we stop doing that allot of small island could suffer, just as when Guyana was crying about rice. and tell me a few well know international Trinidad companies if there is any?. am give you two Jamaican ones for now: sandals and golden crust. i think the quote above explain what i was tell you a while back. that Trinidad will not be taking over air Jamaica, it will be closing and Caribbean air line will fly on its routs. they say that the route are profitable, but who knows if it will still be profitable after they start flying.

Such a silly discussion. This diatribe is the equivalent of

"My daddy bigger and stronger than your daddy though"

Who cares? The point everybody is making is that Jamaicans feel this ridiculous need to compete and measure themselves as being above TnT. Your response is to write a long paragraph that is a perfect example of that insecure attitude.

Especially love the part where you give credit to JA for having Bauxite and minerals but then mention that "if TnT didn't have oil it could have been in the same position". Including those two sentiments in the same "argument" make any sense to you.

this type of reply is base on the fact JUST COOL trying to Aline Jamaica with Haiti or close to.so my point is T&T would not be much better off financially if there was not oil. and i herd the same thing from all my Trinidad friends. i would say the most successful island on human development is Barbados. 

True ,and true but what is the point really?  It's like saying Saudi Arabia would poorer if they didn't have oil.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: oconnorg on March 05, 2010, 12:10:53 PM
The talk of boycott will dies down soon after CAL takes over the routes. And they should remember. this is only for a time.. AIR Jam is not being sold.. They just giving it a rest for the hour.

CAL has a proven track record of efficiency since it started.

After a while, price, and reliability will win out. Talk of rather using AA will diminish..

It is not suprising tho the comments by our Jamaican "Brothers and sisters"

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Brownsugar on March 05, 2010, 12:20:27 PM
Aye, aye......what de hell I seeing here??!!..... :o :o :o

O'connorg....dais you??!!...boy yuh must PM people and tell dem yuh going to post....ah nearly dead from the shock  ;D ;D.....what's up??
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: oconnorg on March 05, 2010, 12:42:30 PM
Aye, aye......what de hell I seeing here??!!..... :o :o :o

O'connorg....dais you??!!...boy yuh must PM people and tell dem yuh going to post....ah nearly dead from the shock  ;D ;D.....what's up??

 ;D I dey girl.. Fighting de good fight.

Checking out de forum to see how things going with your guys..
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on March 05, 2010, 06:39:28 PM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, while the most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaicans are totally jealous of trinidad's success, and reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.

stop get carried away. no one in Jamaica jealous of any thing that Trinidad have, Trinidad name would not be mention if Trinidad were not trying to buy something in Jamaica.in a Jamaican community either in Jamaica, England, Canada or U.S.A you don't hear people talk about Trinidad unless it is something like this. Jamaica has allot of companies both private and public. the problem is the government run the country in dept.
You better stop tell lies! i lived in JA for ah while, and many times i had tuh play it off like i was from there, that's BC almost every time i told someone where i was from they were taken aback, and behaved like bells went off in their heads!

it was always ah competition thing between jkans and trinis from as early as the 1930ies. jkans always feel they could out do ah trini in almost every thing, and to me it was just childish and silly.

in trinidad on the other hand, we accept jamaicans as our caribbean brothers, but jkans always have tuh act like they better than every other caribbean nation , which iz ah real slave mentality!

just look @ the way those ppl behave in the comment section of the gleanor! " we would rather fly on ah U.S. carrier than on ah trini airline", real hater ting!

allyuh need tuh wake up and realize that allyuh eh no better than no one else in the caribbean, as ah matter of fact , allyuh iz the poorest caribbean nation after haiti and dominican republic!

jamaicans should be glad tuh get rid of that money pit called air jamaica. we too in trini had our own airline, and the govt sold it over to ah private entity, that's BC a state owned airline drinks money like ah drunken sailor, what's national pride when your state owned airline is operating @ a huge lost.

wise up fella and forget that nonsense called national pride.




we may be poor base on money or per Capita GDP, but how much English Caribbean have infrastructure as Jamaica?. most of the English Caribbean study in Jamaica we have  about 10 university and 30 to 40 colleges. Jamaica has what all the Caribbean have combine in mixture from tourism, commercial cities, industrial, sports, music. our poorness is very different from Haiti or Guyana or whatever. even after that Jamaica has the second largest economy after Trinidad and that because Trinidad have oil.when you combine all our industries from ethanol, bauxite....etc, but some of these industries got hit because world recession. dollar wise of-course  we slide, but there was a time when Jamaica was strong in that department. and even after these debt or poor however you call it. i can show allot of large mega projects  all over island even more than what T&T doing, because Jamaica is a tourism destination. buy 2012 Jamaica will have 4 large major international airport, and is in talking with china to become the Caribbean transhipment hub. you already have car transhipment companies moving from San Juan Puerto Rico to Kingston.  Jamaica poorness is base financial and we now have to put things in place for economic  growth for the future so closing the airline is a must. i think only Bahamas and Dominica republic attract more foreign investment than Jamaica. if Trinidad did not have oil they could have been in this same position financially, because both Jamaica and T&T suffer from high level of crime and corruption. and it is also funny how you try to emphasize that Jamaica is poor, but not outline that Jamaica is also one of the most important economy in the Caribbean. Jamaica is 50% of the english Caribbean therefore we import allot of goods  from small Caribbean island if we stop doing that allot of small island could suffer, just as when Guyana was crying about rice. and tell me a few well know international Trinidad companies if there is any?. am give you two Jamaican ones for now: sandals and golden crust. i think the quote above explain what i was tell you a while back. that Trinidad will not be taking over air Jamaica, it will be closing and Caribbean air line will fly on its routs. they say that the route are profitable, but who knows if it will still be profitable after they start flying.
Breds yuh talkin out of emotion and national pride, but truth be told, JA's economy iz trashed! that's why yuh govt have tuh sell of most state own enterprises.

right now yuh country looking tuh run tuh the IMF again for financial bail out. as for jamaica having better infrastructure than most english speaking caribbean countries, infrastructure does not exclude ah country from the poverty line bro.

venezeula has very good infrastructure on par with the US and canada, so iz brazil, columbia, uruguay, and Ecuador, but they are still high up on the poverty level!

barbados have small stubby colonial looking buildings in their tiny town, with the tallest being no more than 15 floors, their roads are small and industries limited, but they have the best economy in the caribbean, with their dollar fluctuating between two and 195 to one.

let me inform yuh of something yuh don't know about trinidad, we have ah shyte load of BIG industries, not some damn BAKERY AND PATTY HOUSE( GOLDEN CRUST ) OR AH BEACH RESORT(SANDALS). trinidad gave up on the tourist annie business tuh concentrate on industrialization.

we produce ethanol, natural gas, steal, ammonium, gas, petroleum, bauxite, and i believe we still refine your bauxite for you if i not mistaken!

we also have asphalt, assembly plants, refineries up the wazzo, jus to name ah few. why yuh think most caribbeans used tuh leave their country and come tuh trinidad looking for work and ah better life.

we have one of the biggest sea ports in the caribbean! ah really don't think yuh know who trinidad really iz my friend, there's absolutely no comparison wid JA.

like ah man mentioned earlier, this iz turning into ah, my daddy bigger and stronger than your daddy! and i  don't want tuh be in dat kinda petty discourse, BC @ the end of the day, i cyar enjoy none of the success that my country experiencing, that's BC the capitalist in trinidad iz the whites and syrians, and dem fdellas want every ting for themselves!

 as yuh know most black ppl work for the state/ govt, very few of us are in the private sector, or own big companies, so trinidad sucess has nothing whatsoever tuh do wid me, and i not in no braggin rights thing with no poor black man who came on the same ship wid me tuh cut cane or plant cocoa tuh make massa rich, and guess what? massa kids still runnin the show and controlling all the big industries in the whole of the caribbean and beyond!

as for the oil argument, ah think right about now the govt is in the process of making TNT one of the big business hubs of the world, like hong kong and dubai, that's Bc they don't want tuh rely only on the petroleum industry.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on March 05, 2010, 08:44:43 PM
CAL should stay far away from this deal. The Jamaican people don't want us. So why bother trying to help.
And therein lies the problem! i hope they are not depending on the jamaican public tuh patronize this airline , BC by the looks of it, they wont be supportive of this venture.

i read the unsavory comments below the article , and to my suprise, most of them were so superficial without any knowledge of fiscal responsibility, that it was just mind boggling. airlines normally flop that are state owned, while the most successful airline are private enterprises.

and yet again , the national squabling was @ the forefront, i always knew over the yrs that most jamaicans are totally jealous of trinidad's success, and reading this article only solidify this notion. imagine, they would rather fly an american carrier than support another caribbean nation, how scary.

if i was CAL, i would back off this deal, and let the airline fall into bankruptcy. we definitely don't need this problem.

stop get carried away. no one in Jamaica jealous of any thing that Trinidad have, Trinidad name would not be mention if Trinidad were not trying to buy something in Jamaica.in a Jamaican community either in Jamaica, England, Canada or U.S.A you don't hear people talk about Trinidad unless it is something like this. Jamaica has allot of companies both private and public. the problem is the government run the country in dept.
You better stop tell lies! i lived in JA for ah while, and many times i had tuh play it off like i was from there, that's BC almost every time i told someone where i was from they were taken aback, and behaved like bells went off in their heads!

it was always ah competition thing between jkans and trinis from as early as the 1930ies. jkans always feel they could out do ah trini in almost every thing, and to me it was just childish and silly.

in trinidad on the other hand, we accept jamaicans as our caribbean brothers, but jkans always have tuh act like they better than every other caribbean nation , which iz ah real slave mentality!

just look @ the way those ppl behave in the comment section of the gleanor! " we would rather fly on ah U.S. carrier than on ah trini airline", real hater ting!

allyuh need tuh wake up and realize that allyuh eh no better than no one else in the caribbean, as ah matter of fact , allyuh iz the poorest caribbean nation after haiti and dominican republic!

jamaicans should be glad tuh get rid of that money pit called air jamaica. we too in trini had our own airline, and the govt sold it over to ah private entity, that's BC a state owned airline drinks money like ah drunken sailor, what's national pride when your state owned airline is operating @ a huge lost.

wise up fella and forget that nonsense called national pride.




we may be poor base on money or per Capita GDP, but how much English Caribbean have infrastructure as Jamaica?. most of the English Caribbean study in Jamaica we have  about 10 university and 30 to 40 colleges. Jamaica has what all the Caribbean have combine in mixture from tourism, commercial cities, industrial, sports, music. our poorness is very different from Haiti or Guyana or whatever. even after that Jamaica has the second largest economy after Trinidad and that because Trinidad have oil.when you combine all our industries from ethanol, bauxite....etc, but some of these industries got hit because world recession. dollar wise of-course  we slide, but there was a time when Jamaica was strong in that department. and even after these debt or poor however you call it. i can show allot of large mega projects  all over island even more than what T&T doing, because Jamaica is a tourism destination. buy 2012 Jamaica will have 4 large major international airport, and is in talking with china to become the Caribbean transhipment hub. you already have car transhipment companies moving from San Juan Puerto Rico to Kingston.  Jamaica poorness is base financial and we now have to put things in place for economic  growth for the future so closing the airline is a must. i think only Bahamas and Dominica republic attract more foreign investment than Jamaica. if Trinidad did not have oil they could have been in this same position financially, because both Jamaica and T&T suffer from high level of crime and corruption. and it is also funny how you try to emphasize that Jamaica is poor, but not outline that Jamaica is also one of the most important economy in the Caribbean. Jamaica is 50% of the english Caribbean therefore we import allot of goods  from small Caribbean island if we stop doing that allot of small island could suffer, just as when Guyana was crying about rice. and tell me a few well know international Trinidad companies if there is any?. am give you two Jamaican ones for now: sandals and golden crust. i think the quote above explain what i was tell you a while back. that Trinidad will not be taking over air Jamaica, it will be closing and Caribbean air line will fly on its routs. they say that the route are profitable, but who knows if it will still be profitable after they start flying.
Breds yuh talkin out of emotion and national pride, but truth be told, JA's economy iz trashed! that's why yuh govt have tuh sell of most state own enterprises.

right now yuh country looking tuh run tuh the IMF again for financial bail out. as for jamaica having better infrastructure than most english speaking caribbean countries, infrastructure does not exclude ah country from the poverty line bro.

venezeula has very good infrastructure on par with the US and canada, so iz brazil, columbia, uruguay, and Ecuador, but they are still high up on the poverty level!

barbados have small stubby colonial looking buildings in their tiny town, with the tallest being no more than 15 floors, their roads are small and industries limited, but they have the best economy in the caribbean, with their dollar fluctuating between two and 195 to one.

let me inform yuh of something yuh don't know about trinidad, we have ah shyte load of BIG industries, not some damn BAKERY AND PATTY HOUSE( GOLDEN CRUST ) OR AH BEACH RESORT(SANDALS). trinidad gave up on the tourist annie business tuh concentrate on industrialization.

we produce ethanol, natural gas, steal, ammonium, gas, petroleum, bauxite, and i believe we still refine your bauxite for you if i not mistaken!

we also have asphalt, assembly plants, refineries up the wazzo, jus to name ah few. why yuh think most caribbeans used tuh leave their country and come tuh trinidad looking for work and ah better life.

we have one of the biggest sea ports in the caribbean! ah really don't think yuh know who trinidad really iz my friend, there's absolutely no comparison wid JA.

like ah man mentioned earlier, this iz turning into ah, my daddy bigger and stronger than your daddy! and i  don't want tuh be in dat kinda petty discourse, BC @ the end of the day, i cyar enjoy none of the success that my country experiencing, that's BC the capitalist in trinidad iz the whites and syrians, and dem fdellas want every ting for themselves!

 as yuh know most black ppl work for the state/ govt, very few of us are in the private sector, or own big companies, so trinidad sucess has nothing whatsoever tuh do wid me, and i not in no braggin rights think with no poor black man who came on the same ship wid me tuh cut cane or plant cocoa tuh make massa rich, and guess what? massa kids still runnin all the big industries in the whole caribbean and beyond!

as for the oil argument, ah think right about now the govt is in the process of making TNT one of the big business hubs of the world, like hong kong and dubai, that's Bc they don't want tuh rely only on the petroleum industry.


mr JUST COOL am going to leave it right at this. because if i go further it going to look like i am competing.  i will left this to the neutrals to judge does who travel to both Jamaica and Trinidad.i have been to port of Spain before, at this point wont even say anything.  i  have seen more Trini who want to be Jamaican than be Trini so they ten to give me allot of info. and on the poverty comment every Caribbean island have poverty. and the poverty in Jamaica has create a lot of legends. with out ghetto i don't think there would be reggae. suburbs, middle class, ghetto or poverty play different aspect in shaping Jamaica both good and bad. and when i was talking about barbados i was not talking dollar value or building size :rotfl: ::), sad mentality. human development is living standard, less crime, clean drinking water, less corruption....etc.   
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Sando prince on March 05, 2010, 09:22:13 PM
http://www.youtube.com/v/K8RQDOiXsvY&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on March 05, 2010, 09:43:29 PM
Sando,
              Nice one. That song brought great memories for me. That year was the first time back home for Carnival after 4 years in foreign. It was fete after fete after fete.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on March 05, 2010, 11:05:33 PM
   [/quote]Breds, yuh back on the national pride BS again?? let meh just inform yuh ONE MORE TIME, i not in dat slave minded hooplah!! if yuh want tuh boast and compare trinidad with jamaica then i not in dat, i on the other hand want tuh talk economics and exchange ideas.

you willin tuh defend jamaica wid yuh heart and soul, i on the other hand only defend the truth! so we on different pages bro.

as for bringing barbados in the convo, i only used barbados as ah reference to show that infrastructure does not determine economic stability, not BC you mention them earlier, but BC yuh was talking about your country's intrastructure as to stake claim that infrastucture was a sign of economic progress and a lack of poverty.

as for the simple statement yuh made about trini's wanting tuh be jamaican. that is ah real small minded topic bro, who cares what some ppl wants tuh be! but since yuh want tuh go there , i also traveled tuh JA nuff nuff, hek i even stayed there for ah while and i've seen more jamaicans who wanted tuh be yankee than jamaican!

so what does that say? could it be that some ppl appreciate the musical expressions and want tuh experience another culture other than their own? i certainly think so!

i lived in trini half my life and there were very few trinis who wants tuh be jamaican! some on the other hand loved reggae and wanted tuh emulate their favorite reggae super stars, hek , that happens all over the world, not just in trini.

BTW, you must have been too the ghetto, and those ppl ain't too bright, hek, all those lil yutes want tuh do is gang bang and act tough, so i'm not suprised. but if you explored a bigger portion of the island yuh woulda gotten ah different take.

all in all breds, i doh have nutten against jamaica and jamaicans in the least. i just think that jamaicans does take ah very limited view of the rest of the english speakin caribbean, and can be very condescending. ah guess that was a trait carried over into your culture from the colonial masters.

did you know that england looked down on their western european neighbors the said way? ah guess the apple doesn't fall very far from the queen after all.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: AirMan on March 06, 2010, 12:14:37 AM
April 12's the day  http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100304/lead/lead1.html

Interesting comments under this article


Quote
by countrybroad

I could not agree with you more. As a matter of fact I was enraged when I learned of this. What a shame. Trinidad has more than showed its distaste for Jamaica and anything Jamaican and to see this happen is bordering on HERESY!!! I remember when Jamaica asked for gas from Trinidad they promised they would supply it and changed there minds last minute. Now they want to train with our track and field athletes. What's next, sell Usain?! It is clear that they despise us. Why are we in bed with them?

OMG what a disgrace. I would not be surprised if this was the plan all along.

I remember when I returned home in 1996 - 1999 and Golding was head of he 3rd party that was referred to as the 5th columnist! It was over 10 years but now the people's word rings true.

I sent this article to EVERY JAMAICAN in the US, Canada, and England that I know. ALL of you should do the same. Some of us don't even know this is happening!

Why are we learning of this now? Does anyone out there know what can be done to stop this sale? We should find out and stop it.
[/size]

...
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on March 06, 2010, 12:33:47 AM
Quote
   
Breds, yuh back on the national pride BS again?? let meh just inform yuh ONE MORE TIME, i not in dat slave minded hooplah!! if yuh want tuh boast and compare trinidad with jamaica then i not in dat, i on the other hand want tuh talk economics and exchange ideas.

you willin tuh defend jamaica wid yuh heart and soul, i on the other hand only defend the truth! so we on different pages bro.

as for bringing barbados in the convo, i only used barbados as ah reference to show that infrastructure does not determine economic stability, not BC you mention them earlier, but BC yuh was talking about your country's intrastructure as to stake claim that infrastucture was a sign of economic progress and a lack of poverty.

as for the simple statement yuh made about trini's wanting tuh be jamaican. that is ah real small minded topic bro, who cares what some ppl wants tuh be! but since yuh want tuh go there , i also traveled tuh JA nuff nuff, hek i even stayed there for ah while and i've seen more jamaicans who wanted tuh be yankee than jamaican!

so what does that say? could it be that some ppl appreciate the musical expressions and want tuh experience another culture other than their own? i certainly think so!

i lived in trini half my life and there were very few trinis who wants tuh be jamaican! some on the other hand loved reggae and wanted tuh emulate their favorite reggae super stars, hek , that happens all over the world, not just in trini.

BTW, you must have been too the ghetto, and those ppl ain't too bright, hek, all those lil yutes want tuh do is gang bang and act tough, so i'm not suprised. but if you explored a bigger portion of the island yuh woulda gotten ah different take.

all in all breds, i doh have nutten against jamaica and jamaicans in the least. i just think that jamaicans does take ah very limited view of the rest of the english speakin caribbean, and can be very condescending. ah guess that was a trait carried over into your culture from the colonial masters.

did you know that england looked down on their western european neighbors the said way? ah guess the apple doesn't fall very far from the queen after all.
[/quote]
you is one big joke :rotfl:. most of what you talking are crap. of course i only eat and sleep Jamaica :devil:. and for yor info i never grew up in ghetto or poverty, i lived in st Thomas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Thomas_Parish,_Jamaica.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on March 06, 2010, 04:56:45 AM
Quote
   
Breds, yuh back on the national pride BS again?? let meh just inform yuh ONE MORE TIME, i not in dat slave minded hooplah!! if yuh want tuh boast and compare trinidad with jamaica then i not in dat, i on the other hand want tuh talk economics and exchange ideas.

you willin tuh defend jamaica wid yuh heart and soul, i on the other hand only defend the truth! so we on different pages bro.

as for bringing barbados in the convo, i only used barbados as ah reference to show that infrastructure does not determine economic stability, not BC you mention them earlier, but BC yuh was talking about your country's intrastructure as to stake claim that infrastucture was a sign of economic progress and a lack of poverty.

as for the simple statement yuh made about trini's wanting tuh be jamaican. that is ah real small minded topic bro, who cares what some ppl wants tuh be! but since yuh want tuh go there , i also traveled tuh JA nuff nuff, hek i even stayed there for ah while and i've seen more jamaicans who wanted tuh be yankee than jamaican!

so what does that say? could it be that some ppl appreciate the musical expressions and want tuh experience another culture other than their own? i certainly think so!

i lived in trini half my life and there were very few trinis who wants tuh be jamaican! some on the other hand loved reggae and wanted tuh emulate their favorite reggae super stars, hek , that happens all over the world, not just in trini.

BTW, you must have been too the ghetto, and those ppl ain't too bright, hek, all those lil yutes want tuh do is gang bang and act tough, so i'm not suprised. but if you explored a bigger portion of the island yuh woulda gotten ah different take.

all in all breds, i doh have nutten against jamaica and jamaicans in the least. i just think that jamaicans does take ah very limited view of the rest of the english speakin caribbean, and can be very condescending. ah guess that was a trait carried over into your culture from the colonial masters.

did you know that england looked down on their western european neighbors the said way? ah guess the apple doesn't fall very far from the queen after all.
you is one big joke :rotfl:. most of what you talking are crap. of course i only eat and sleep Jamaica :devil:. and for yor info i never grew up in ghetto or poverty, i lived in st Thomas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Thomas_Parish,_Jamaica.
[/quote]You need tuh do ah course in english comprehension!!!!!! BC there was no indication from me that you're from the ghetto, even though yuh spelling is like ah 6th grade drop out.

as for you eating and sleeping jamaica, that goes without saying, even the blind could see that!!! remember one thing though, jamaica is ah former slave colony. i doh know bout you , but if i braggin , i will go deeper than TNT!

as ah matter of fact i going all the way back tuh when africa was ah super power, not some island where they brought my fore parents tuh cut cane and take disrespect from massa!

allyuh in jamaica real sleepin yes! BC not even bob marley, peter tosh and marcus garvey coulda wake allyuh  ppl up!!!

BTW, my good friends from waterhouse and rockfort say allyuh country ppl iz not real jamiacans! as a matter of fact, they said only kingstonians have good sense, and all the rest of jamaica is ah disgrace and they're just makin up numbers. :rotfl:

boy allyuh jamaicans is ah serious enigma yes!
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on March 06, 2010, 10:24:58 AM
Quote
Quote
   
Breds, yuh back on the national pride BS again?? let meh just inform yuh ONE MORE TIME, i not in dat slave minded hooplah!! if yuh want tuh boast and compare trinidad with jamaica then i not in dat, i on the other hand want tuh talk economics and exchange ideas.

you willin tuh defend jamaica wid yuh heart and soul, i on the other hand only defend the truth! so we on different pages bro.

as for bringing barbados in the convo, i only used barbados as ah reference to show that infrastructure does not determine economic stability, not BC you mention them earlier, but BC yuh was talking about your country's intrastructure as to stake claim that infrastucture was a sign of economic progress and a lack of poverty.

as for the simple statement yuh made about trini's wanting tuh be jamaican. that is ah real small minded topic bro, who cares what some ppl wants tuh be! but since yuh want tuh go there , i also traveled tuh JA nuff nuff, hek i even stayed there for ah while and i've seen more jamaicans who wanted tuh be yankee than jamaican!

so what does that say? could it be that some ppl appreciate the musical expressions and want tuh experience another culture other than their own? i certainly think so!

i lived in trini half my life and there were very few trinis who wants tuh be jamaican! some on the other hand loved reggae and wanted tuh emulate their favorite reggae super stars, hek , that happens all over the world, not just in trini.

BTW, you must have been too the ghetto, and those ppl ain't too bright, hek, all those lil yutes want tuh do is gang bang and act tough, so i'm not suprised. but if you explored a bigger portion of the island yuh woulda gotten ah different take.

all in all breds, i doh have nutten against jamaica and jamaicans in the least. i just think that jamaicans does take ah very limited view of the rest of the english speakin caribbean, and can be very condescending. ah guess that was a trait carried over into your culture from the colonial masters.

did you know that england looked down on their western european neighbors the said way? ah guess the apple doesn't fall very far from the queen after all.
you is one big joke :rotfl:. most of what you talking are crap. of course i only eat and sleep Jamaica :devil:. and for yor info i never grew up in ghetto or poverty, i lived in st Thomas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Thomas_Parish,_Jamaica.
You need tuh do ah course in english comprehension!!!!!! BC there was no indication from me that you're from the ghetto, even though yuh spelling is like ah 6th grade drop out.

as for you eating and sleeping jamaica, that goes without saying, even the blind could see that!!! remember one thing though, jamaica is ah former slave colony. i doh know bout you , but if i braggin , i will go deeper than TNT!

as ah matter of fact i going all the way back tuh when africa was ah super power, not some island where they brought my fore parents tuh cut cane and take disrespect from massa!

allyuh in jamaica real sleepin yes! BC not even bob marley, peter tosh and marcus garvey coulda wake allyuh  ppl up!!!

BTW, my good friends from waterhouse and rockfort say allyuh country ppl iz not real jamiacans! as a matter of fact, they said only kingstonians have good sense, and all the rest of jamaica is ah disgrace and they're just makin up numbers. :rotfl:

boy allyuh jamaicans is ah serious enigma yes!
[/quote]

 :rotfl: at this piont you even sound even more a lier :rotfl: . no kingstonian cannot tell you that. when portmore has the highest education rate out of all the cities,http://portmore.info/index2.html
http://www.seejamaicacheaply.com/portmore_jamaica.html
http://cayjam.com/cayjam3.htm
http://www.visitjamaica.com/attractions/portmore.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nksDze3s3Q
Portmore is on of Jamaica fastest developing cities so i don't think any one tell you that.

this may help you, because you say live in Jamaica then you said some one tell you something :-\
http://www.bonitajamaica.com/
Just cool am  not in the little crap about english because you seems to run out of stuff so you say any thing comes to mined. and African cultures are well known and well respected in Jamaica :rotfl: 

 
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: kounty on March 06, 2010, 10:31:03 AM
not really trying to get in nobody argument but I thought somebody was saying something like dey listen to this on npr this last week, but from they next posts I realize that they didn't, so i jus puttin it there.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124346527 (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124346527)
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on March 06, 2010, 04:55:27 PM
Quote
Quote
   
Breds, yuh back on the national pride BS again?? let meh just inform yuh ONE MORE TIME, i not in dat slave minded hooplah!! if yuh want tuh boast and compare trinidad with jamaica then i not in dat, i on the other hand want tuh talk economics and exchange ideas.

you willin tuh defend jamaica wid yuh heart and soul, i on the other hand only defend the truth! so we on different pages bro.

as for bringing barbados in the convo, i only used barbados as ah reference to show that infrastructure does not determine economic stability, not BC you mention them earlier, but BC yuh was talking about your country's intrastructure as to stake claim that infrastucture was a sign of economic progress and a lack of poverty.

as for the simple statement yuh made about trini's wanting tuh be jamaican. that is ah real small minded topic bro, who cares what some ppl wants tuh be! but since yuh want tuh go there , i also traveled tuh JA nuff nuff, hek i even stayed there for ah while and i've seen more jamaicans who wanted tuh be yankee than jamaican!

so what does that say? could it be that some ppl appreciate the musical expressions and want tuh experience another culture other than their own? i certainly think so!

i lived in trini half my life and there were very few trinis who wants tuh be jamaican! some on the other hand loved reggae and wanted tuh emulate their favorite reggae super stars, hek , that happens all over the world, not just in trini.

BTW, you must have been too the ghetto, and those ppl ain't too bright, hek, all those lil yutes want tuh do is gang bang and act tough, so i'm not suprised. but if you explored a bigger portion of the island yuh woulda gotten ah different take.

all in all breds, i doh have nutten against jamaica and jamaicans in the least. i just think that jamaicans does take ah very limited view of the rest of the english speakin caribbean, and can be very condescending. ah guess that was a trait carried over into your culture from the colonial masters.

did you know that england looked down on their western european neighbors the said way? ah guess the apple doesn't fall very far from the queen after all.
you is one big joke :rotfl:. most of what you talking are crap. of course i only eat and sleep Jamaica :devil:. and for yor info i never grew up in ghetto or poverty, i lived in st Thomas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Thomas_Parish,_Jamaica.
You need tuh do ah course in english comprehension!!!!!! BC there was no indication from me that you're from the ghetto, even though yuh spelling is like ah 6th grade drop out.

as for you eating and sleeping jamaica, that goes without saying, even the blind could see that!!! remember one thing though, jamaica is ah former slave colony. i doh know bout you , but if i braggin , i will go deeper than TNT!

as ah matter of fact i going all the way back tuh when africa was ah super power, not some island where they brought my fore parents tuh cut cane and take disrespect from massa!

allyuh in jamaica real sleepin yes! BC not even bob marley, peter tosh and marcus garvey coulda wake allyuh  ppl up!!!

BTW, my good friends from waterhouse and rockfort say allyuh country ppl iz not real jamiacans! as a matter of fact, they said only kingstonians have good sense, and all the rest of jamaica is ah disgrace and they're just makin up numbers. :rotfl:

boy allyuh jamaicans is ah serious enigma yes!

 :rotfl: at this piont you even sound even more a lier :rotfl: . no kingstonian cannot tell you that. when portmore has the highest education rate out of all the cities,http://portmore.info/index2.html
http://www.seejamaicacheaply.com/portmore_jamaica.html
http://cayjam.com/cayjam3.htm
http://www.visitjamaica.com/attractions/portmore.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nksDze3s3Q
Portmore is on of Jamaica fastest developing cities so i don't think any one tell you that.

this may help you, because you say live in Jamaica then you said some one tell you something :-\
http://www.bonitajamaica.com/
Just cool am  not in the little crap about english because you seems to run out of stuff so you say any thing comes to mined. and African cultures are well known and well respected in Jamaica :rotfl: 

 
[/quote]Fella, i doh need tuh come here and lie to you about ah forkin ting! you are very unimportant to me, so what do i have tuh gain by lying tuh prove ah point tuh you fuh.

you on the other hand is in serious denial about yuh former slave colony of ah country! as for me whether jamaica does good or bad matters not tuh me.

like i said before, i've been to JA and there's absolutely nuthin tuh lose yuh mind over, on the contrary it was bitter sweet.

the natural aspect of the place was wonderful, great beaches, beautiful mountain ranges, and some friendly simple old fashion ppl, and great food, but there were also negatives which i don't think is nessesary tuh mention, after all every where in the world have the bitter sweet experience.

 it's mind boggling and ah crying shame when ah man could totally ignore his mother land and the ppl who made the same trip wid him and had the same struggle, for the slave experience.

breds yuh ppl was brought to JA tuh cut cane and tek licks, i don't think that's anything to be sooo proud of, and for all the time you've been posting, i eh hear yuh say shyte bigging up mother africa!  how in the fack yuh could be so happy tuh be jamaican, when africa have thousands of yrs of great great history?? as opposed to JA that have 400 yrs of share heart ache and oppression.

i will leave this here my friend, BC i realize i can't get past the 400 yrs of brain wash that you've suffered. malcolmX said, "it takes four hundred yrs tuh make ah NEGRO". and i believe it will take ah while before yuh could cut through all that willie lynch programming.               positive.



PS: ah will leave yuh wid this piece of knowledge. this is what we should aspire too.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obYLwh_hJw4&feature=PlayList&p=44FAC7AF78388E0D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=28
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bourbon on March 06, 2010, 05:13:34 PM
April 12's the day  http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100304/lead/lead1.html

Interesting comments under this article


Quote
by countrybroad

I could not agree with you more. As a matter of fact I was enraged when I learned of this. What a shame. Trinidad has more than showed its distaste for Jamaica and anything Jamaican and to see this happen is bordering on HERESY!!! I remember when Jamaica asked for gas from Trinidad they promised they would supply it and changed there minds last minute. Now they want to train with our track and field athletes. What's next, sell Usain?! It is clear that they despise us. Why are we in bed with them?

OMG what a disgrace. I would not be surprised if this was the plan all along.

I remember when I returned home in 1996 - 1999 and Golding was head of he 3rd party that was referred to as the 5th columnist! It was over 10 years but now the people's word rings true.

I sent this article to EVERY JAMAICAN in the US, Canada, and England that I know. ALL of you should do the same. Some of us don't even know this is happening!

Why are we learning of this now? Does anyone out there know what can be done to stop this sale? We should find out and stop it.
[/size]

...


Sample of de ignorance. Dah pipeline...dem wanted trinidad and tobago to build it...PLUS give dem gas below the market price. Den dive out and went and check hugo.

Since dey so worried bout national pride and ting....leave dem with dey ting. Dahs all.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on April 02, 2010, 03:46:20 AM
I thought CAL was taking over air jamdown today? but it looks like it will be on the 12th. in the mean time it looks like AJ may not even make it to the 12th. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Air-J-in-crisis_7517674
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Swima on April 02, 2010, 10:54:05 AM
Landed in Jamaica last night with the Carifta Swimmers and saw two AJ planes parked with only the logo on the tail and the name on the fuselage. All livery paint is off the planes already for the rebranding.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on April 07, 2010, 11:22:49 AM
Yet another reason to like CAL:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/06/business/main6368434.shtml

Carry-Ons to Cost $45 at Spirit Airlines
New Fee for Using Overhead Bin Aims to Move Passengers Off Planes Faster, CEO Says; Customers Can Pay $30 in Advance

(AP)  Spirit Airlines will charge as much as $45 each way for a carry-on bag, adding a fee that bigger airlines have yet to try.

The charge will apply to bags in the overhead bin. Personal items that fit under the seat will still be free. Spirit said it will add measuring devices at the gates to determine which carry-ons are free and which ones will incur the charge.

The new charge is $45 if paid at the gate, and $30 if paid in advance, and begins Aug. 1. Spirit said on Tuesday that it reduced its lowest fares by $40 on average, so most customers won't really pay more to fly.

Spirit also charges to check luggage.

Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza said having fewer carry-on bags will help empty the plane faster. He said the idea is to get customers to pay for individual things they want, while keeping the base fare low.

"The beauty of it is they will do what they think is best for them and will now have the choice," he said.

Spirit is based in Miramar, Fla., and most of its routes run through Fort Lauderdale to Latin America.

Even though it's a minor player, bigger airlines are likely to watch to see whether customers are willing to pay for carry-ons. None of the major carriers made any immediate changes to their fees on Tuesday morning.

Fees for checking bags on the big U.S. carriers got started in 2008. At first, many travelers thought they wouldn't last. But now all the big airlines except Southwest and JetBlue charge to check a bag on domestic flights.

JahKingdom, leh we know how many of your compatriots will pay the extra money vs flying CAL nah...
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 07, 2010, 06:02:29 PM
Quote
now all the big airlines except Southwest and JetBlue charge to check a bag on domestic flights.
:devil:

i never take spirit before.

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 08, 2010, 10:06:47 AM
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/air-jamaica-misses-deadline_7517302

f*ckers, hope U.S duck them with a pat of hot oil and run them out a Washington. they should have known this was coming, but they still try to force water up hill. they better pay the f*cking people their redundancy money.


http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100408/lead/lead1.html

Quote
With advanced booking down to a trickle as travelers adopt a wait-and-see posture,

 :rotfl: there is no wait and see posture. people are just canceling tickets left and right, because they just wont be take it again. the pilots are just laughing right now.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on April 08, 2010, 01:37:24 PM
the pilots are just laughing right now.

Laughing at what?
The pilots assn say they have foreign investors with $60 million to take over.
They saying keep Air Jamaica Jamaican, but with foreign owners? How that working?
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on April 08, 2010, 08:38:00 PM
the pilots are just laughing right now.

Laughing at what?
The pilots assn say they have foreign investors with $60 million to take over.
They saying keep Air Jamaica Jamaican, but with foreign owners? How that working?

If you look at the Jamaican football side you would understand how that is done!

If yuh could eat 2 spicy Jamaican beef patties and drink a red stripe without vomiting, you too could become Jakan!
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 08, 2010, 11:02:00 PM
the pilots are just laughing right now.

Laughing at what?
The pilots assn say they have foreign investors with $60 million to take over.
They saying keep Air Jamaica Jamaican, but with foreign owners? How that working?

If you look at the Jamaican football side you would understand how that is done!

If yuh could eat 2 spicy Jamaican beef patties and drink a red stripe without vomiting, you too could become Jakan!

sorry  to say, but millions around the world have eat it without vomiting. am sure iguanas and sharks would more likely make any body vomit. well when it comes to red strip, that's on a different level than any beer in the Caribbean. http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Politics/story?id=8204574  . most trini are already Jamaican without eating beef patties :rotfl:. i have had numerous people come up to me asking me about beef patty. any way i can see clearly base on your statement that  you is a fool.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Trini1 on April 09, 2010, 12:11:06 PM
It saddens me when i read comments like this-

Quote
jason732   [Moderator] 1 month ago
1 person liked this.
we are planing to start a petition on social network to boycott air Jamaica. So as of April 12,2010 no one should take air Jamaica or Caribbean airlines. all my family already planing not to take Caribbean airlines.Bruce is trying to trick us by making Caribbean airlines fly under the name air Jamaica for one year so we could get comfortable then they just switch the name to Caribbean airlines. these Trinidadians have no shame , how much time we are going to tell them they are not welcome and should leave Jamaica . They are like flees, they try to imitate every thing Jamaican. the cement factory and insurance company are different because air Jamaica depend on travelers. the Jamaican diaspora is the largest travelers on air Jamaica so therefore we hold the key. i travel between America and Jamaica at least four times a year and my new carrier may be Jet Blue. this is one of the reason Bruce scared to jive us the opportunity to vote because they know we are very knowledgeable of whats going on. i hope the pilot gets the opportunity to develop their own airline company.

I hope the majority of jamaicans are not like this because this is disgusting. What happened to one caribbean-no wonder the west indies federation couldn't last.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on April 09, 2010, 12:36:41 PM
If they want JetBlue to be the national airline, fine.

Eric Williams famously said One from Ten leaves nothing.

I hope the new Air Jamaica works for them.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Brownsugar on April 09, 2010, 12:54:13 PM
It saddens me when i read comments like this-

Quote
jason732   [Moderator] 1 month ago
1 person liked this.
we are planing to start a petition on social network to boycott air Jamaica. So as of April 12,2010 no one should take air Jamaica or Caribbean airlines. all my family already planing not to take Caribbean airlines.Bruce is trying to trick us by making Caribbean airlines fly under the name air Jamaica for one year so we could get comfortable then they just switch the name to Caribbean airlines. these Trinidadians have no shame , how much time we are going to tell them they are not welcome and should leave Jamaica . They are like flees, they try to imitate every thing Jamaican. the cement factory and insurance company are different because air Jamaica depend on travelers. the Jamaican diaspora is the largest travelers on air Jamaica so therefore we hold the key. i travel between America and Jamaica at least four times a year and my new carrier may be Jet Blue. this is one of the reason Bruce scared to jive us the opportunity to vote because they know we are very knowledgeable of whats going on. i hope the pilot gets the opportunity to develop their own airline company.

I hope the majority of jamaicans are not like this because this is disgusting. What happened to one caribbean-no wonder the west indies federation couldn't last.


I take it you've never met the few Jakans that invade this site from time to time....I also keep hoping they are in the minority....they nasty, stink and bad mind bad, bad, bad.....
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Peong on April 09, 2010, 01:53:58 PM
I notice that jahkingdom did not address Bitter on the foreign investors and instead wants to talk about patty and iguana and shark.

My question is, since when do pilots know how to run an airline?

Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on April 09, 2010, 06:57:16 PM
It saddens me when i read comments like this-

Quote
jason732   [Moderator] 1 month ago
1 person liked this.
we are planing to start a petition on social network to boycott air Jamaica. So as of April 12,2010 no one should take air Jamaica or Caribbean airlines. all my family already planing not to take Caribbean airlines.Bruce is trying to trick us by making Caribbean airlines fly under the name air Jamaica for one year so we could get comfortable then they just switch the name to Caribbean airlines. these Trinidadians have no shame , how much time we are going to tell them they are not welcome and should leave Jamaica . They are like flees, they try to imitate every thing Jamaican. the cement factory and insurance company are different because air Jamaica depend on travelers. the Jamaican diaspora is the largest travelers on air Jamaica so therefore we hold the key. i travel between America and Jamaica at least four times a year and my new carrier may be Jet Blue. this is one of the reason Bruce scared to jive us the opportunity to vote because they know we are very knowledgeable of whats going on. i hope the pilot gets the opportunity to develop their own airline company.

I hope the majority of jamaicans are not like this because this is disgusting. What happened to one caribbean-no wonder the west indies federation couldn't last.


I take it you've never met the few Jakans that invade this site from time to time....I also keep hoping they are in the minority....they nasty, stink and bad mind bad, bad, bad.....
Jkans are truly an enigmatic problematic ppl in every sense of the word! plus it's the bad mind capital of the world! yuh see it in the way they slaughter each other yr in yr out how hostile and unaccommodating of a ppl they could be to their own. so what makes yuh think they would be nice to you or any other for that matter?

there are however betwixt the bad minded and kakaholes around every corner, real ppl amongst them, who truly exemplify sensibility and rationale, and they're not in the minority either.

i remember the little time i spend there it was bitter sweet. ah met some real nasty hateful klanish nanyh@les that ah never want tuh meet again, and i also met ppl that affected me positively. this may come as ah shock to you, but the biggest hateful arse h@les are from the upper crust, middle class, and the highly educated!

all these ppl who talking bout boycotting the airline, i'm sure they are for the most part skilled professionals who could afford tuh fly frequently. the educated jkans are real nationalistic bad mouth bad mind pro jamiacan monkeys who think jamaica is the center of the universe, and nowhere on earth is camparable.

but amongst the grass roots ppl , there lies the open and the broad minded who are endowed with wisdom charisma and a sense of welcoming, just real ppl.

i always enjoyed ghetto ppl, surprisingly, they are the smart nice friendly wise Jkans. and i bet anyone that most the trolls that come on here are highly educated middle class Jkans who are just full of themselves. reggaefan- JA2099- jahkingdom- leroy- sh!t snake mouth murderin Shatta- caribman (maybe).

but trust meh, grass roots jkans are real cool FOR THE MOST PART (though there be a lot of arse h@les in the ghetto as well ) and are above the kinda nonsense that the middle class go on wid!


i feel the grass roots ppl would support CAL. JMO.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bourbon on April 11, 2010, 10:27:49 PM
Allyuh lef de people and dem ting nah.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 14, 2010, 12:21:32 AM
isn't T&T in negotiation with LIAT? :-X

http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/LIAT-pilots-fear-Trini-move-copy-for-web
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Bitter on April 14, 2010, 06:58:42 AM
isn't T&T in negotiation with LIAT? :-X

http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/LIAT-pilots-fear-Trini-move-copy-for-web

You even read that article?
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Sam on April 22, 2010, 06:20:57 AM
US$50M for CAL-Air Jam deal.
By Vernon Khelawan (Newsday).


There are reports the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has approved US$50 million to assist in the consummation of the Caribbean Airlines-Air Jamaica deal, in which the state-owned, TT-based carrier will operate several “profitable” routes now being serviced by Air Jamaica.

Trade and Industry Minister Mariano Browne, while not confirming the sum of money committed to the project, admitted that funds had been approved by the Cabinet.

Asked how the money was going to be used, Browne said, “Training pilots and cabin crews, marketing strategies and other associated expenses necessary to sustain those routes.”

He added however, that Caribbean Airlines would not acquire any of Air Jamaica’s debts nor would it acquire any of its assets.

This comes in the wake of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) granting a two-month waiver which will allow Air Jamaica to fly into the US when the Transitional Services Agreement (TSA) between CAL and Air Jamaica kicks in on April 30.

The TSA was pushed back from April 12, while awaiting a US response to a request by Air Jamaica for at least a six-month waiver, but could last as long as 12 months.

The news of a money commitment comes despite continuous assurances from various TT Government officials that no money from Trinidad and Tobago would be used in negotiating the deal which began as a CAL take over of Air Jamaica, to a kind of wet leasing agreement and finally as just the takeover of some of the Air Jamaica routes, mainly to the US.

In late March, Air Jamaica sought permission from the DOT to continue operating in consonance with its current “open skies” policy with the US during the six- to 12-month period of the TSA under the divestment agreement with Caribbean Airlines.

Additionally, Air Jamaica requested that should the permission be denied, a waiver of DOT’s control and ownership policy be granted, to ensure its (Air Jamaica) services for the period of the TSA remain uninterrupted. However, DOT has only granted a 60-day waiver. It is not known whether another request for extension of the waiver was forthcoming.

But in another move, not yet made public by Caribbean Airlines nor the TT Government, Business Day understands that CAL has prepared an application under the “open skies” agreement with the United States. Should this be successful, Caribbean Airlines would then be able to service the existing Air Jamaica routes.

It remains unclear whether part of the approved US$50 million has been targetted to satisfy the needs stipulated in Clause 5 of the TSA. But in a correspondence with the DOT, this was mentioned:

“During this transition period, Air Jamaica anticipates it will be financially self-sustaining (ie operating revenues will cover most or all operating costs).

“To the extent however, there is any shortfall in revenues, CAL would be obligated under the TSA to cover outstanding operating costs.

Conversely to the extent there is a surplus in revenues, the excess would be credited to CAL’s account.”

Jamaican authorities seem to have no difficulty with how the deal is progressing and local industry observers agree that once the deal was understood to be a genuine business deal, there was no problem. However, they say, if taxpayers’ money were involved, then the colour of the deal changes.

Approved funds

A reliable source at Caribbean Airlines confirmed that Cabinet approved the deal and the airline will receive close to US$50 million dollars once the deal is signed, sealed and delivered.

The money, the source said, is not to purchase the Jamaican airline but to take over the profitable route in its possession.

“Like Minister Browne said, the money is for working capital.

The fleet (Jamaica’s) change needs a fair amount of capital. More than half of the USS$50 million will be going to refreshing the fleet,” the source said. The source added that the deal is close to closure and may be settled as early as this week.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on April 22, 2010, 10:53:12 AM
If UNC win and they don't like the deal? What next??????
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on April 22, 2010, 10:56:31 AM
If UNC and they don't like the deal? What next??????

nutten dey cyar do ah ting unless it corrupt and dey have proof.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on April 22, 2010, 11:02:06 AM
All yuh don't think when election call there should be no major deals by the sitting gov't?
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on April 22, 2010, 02:49:05 PM
All yuh don't think when election call there should be no major deals by the sitting gov't?

so just stop running the country?
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Deeks on April 22, 2010, 02:50:37 PM
All yuh don't think when election call there should be no major deals by the sitting gov't?

so just stop running the country?

Who say that will stop running the country.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 22, 2010, 03:05:12 PM
All yuh don't think when election call there should be no major deals by the sitting gov't?

what is the problem with spending a few coins on some good-old profitable routes? :rotfl: :rotfl:
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: TriniCana on April 29, 2010, 04:08:00 AM
If I remembered correctly, in a pervious post I said something major will happen in April.  :devil:


Govt completes $300m Air Jamaica deal
Aretha Welch awelch@trinidadexpress.com
Thursday, April 29th 2010


The deal to bring together two of the region’s leading airlines is done.

It will cost an estimated $300 million (US$50 million) for national carrier Caribbean Airlines to acquire and operate six Air Jamaica aircraft and eight of its routes.

Air Jamaica, also, will retain 1,000 of its 1,800 employees, who will run its operations that were acquired by Caribbean Airlines in the deal.

Details were disclosed at a news briefing by Caribbean Airlines chairman Arthur Lok Jack at the Carlton Savannah hotel, Cascade, yesterday.

He said: ’We are taking over the routes from the first of May, that is Saturday coming.’


done deal: Caribbean Airlines chairman Arthur Lok Jack answers questions about the national carrier and Air Jamaica during a briefing at the Carlton Savannah hotel, Cascade, yesterday. -Photo: Jermaine Cruickshank

Lok Jack said the US$50 million which has been approved by Cabinet will be used as operating capital and expenditure.

Lok Jack said the deal was completed yesterday.

The negotiations started with a letter of intent of January 22.

The government of Jamaica will now own a 16 per cent share in Caribbean Airlines.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will retain an 84 per cent shareholding.

The eight routes which Caribbean Airlines will now operate with the Air Jamaica fleet are Kingston to Ft Lauderdale, Kingston to New York, Kingston to Toronto, Montego Bay to Fort Lauderdale, Montego Bay to New York, Montego Bay to Philadelphia, Kingston to Grand Cayman and Kingston to Nassau.

CAL executives said there would be an estimated ten weekly flights between Jamaica, North America, the Caymans and The Bahamas.

Lok Jack confirmed about 800 employees were laid off at Air Jamaica when the acquisition was finalised. Approximately 1,000 employees, including flight attendants, engineers and pilots, have been retained.

He said pension costs and separation packages for employees will be handled by the Jamaican government.

Lok Jack also said the Jamaican government was continuing talks with Air Jamaica employees and their unions.

All Air Jamaica’s debt and closure costs-an estimated US$800 million- will be kept, also, by the Jamaican government.

Lok Jack said CAL executives expect to see a return on the country’s investment by next year.

Caribbean Airlines will also take up Air Jamaica’s frequent flyer programme and will honour all Air Jamaica tickets.

Air Jamaica’s fleet will also retain its name and logo until Caribbean Airlines finalises either the purchase of leasing of a new fleet from either Airbus or Boeing later this year.

Lok Jack anticipates the transition should take about three to six months, but said Air Jamaica tickets will continue to be sold, and people who board Air Jamaica flights will continue to be greeted by Air Jamaica’s crew. Lok Jack said Caribbean Airlines would benefit from taking up Air Jamaica’s routes, and CAL’s team saw it as an opportunity to increase airline revenue by two-thirds almost immediately.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Flex on April 29, 2010, 04:59:49 AM
Govt to pump US$50m into CAL/Air Jamaica deal
NADALEEN SINGH (GUARDIAN).


The T&T Government plans to invest US$50 million into Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) so that its operating and capital expenditure can be met on May 1 when CAL takes over the “profit-making” routes which were serviced by Air Jamaica. So said Arthur Lok Jack, chairman, CAL, at a news conference at the Carlton Savannah hotel, St Ann’s, yesterday.

CAL has been in talks with a divestment team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which was appointed to look after Air Jamaica’s affairs after that airline’s debts mounted to levels at which IMF no longer wanted to lend it more money.

When the transition takes place, T&T’s CAL would have 84 per cent ownership and the Jamaican government 16 per cent. The Jamaican government is spending an estimated US$200 million to meet Air Jamaica’s outstanding obligations during the transitional period, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

“The way we have worked it out, we expect that we would get a fairly good return on that money coming into 2011. What we expect and looking at it conservatively is US$12 million to US$15 million per year,” Lok Jack said.

Expanding on the management structure of the merged airlines, Lok Jack said Bruce Nobles, Air Jamaica’s chief executive officer and president, would stay on until the transition is finalised. Lok Jack said CAL plans to keep the 1,000 employees who stayed with Air Jamaica while the others would be given voluntary separation of employment packages (VSEP), which would be paid by the Jamaican government.

“After going through the human resource management of the company, we chose people who seemed to be good workers. The people who had not good records and so on were the ones who were retrenched and those were the ones who had redundancy payments funded by the government of Jamaica,” Lok Jack said.

He said once the transition is complete, growth in the airline’s performance is expected. “It’s not very often that one gets an opportunity to increase one’s revenue by almost two-thirds overnight with fully developed business—paying a price for that without having legacy costs or skeletons in the closet that you don’t know you would find later. This is a clean operation which we are taking over,” Lok Jack said.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 29, 2010, 11:26:04 AM
 not a bad deal for both party.

Quote
Airlines has revealed that it intends to hire about 1,000 people from the total workforce currently employed to Air Jamaica.



Quote
Jamaica will receive a 16 per cent share in the company


Quote
Jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.


Quote
Lalor said the agreement between Caribbean Airlines and Jamaica will "last for as long as Caribbean Airlines and/or the Jamaican Government decides that the operations are being carried out to mutual advantage".


does this means the routs can be switch to some one else in the future or what?

Quote
He added: "If the marriage is terminated for any reason, the Government would then have to seek airlift from other carriers, unless a government in the future decides it wants to get back into the airline business."

but Jamaica will have to pay all outstanding debt. its better to take time paying it off now rather than operating air Jamaica while paying and still accumulate debt while paying.

on CAL part, they could make a profit if all goes well.but it seems like they are counting their chickens before it ach. who knows after the six or 12 month transition, when people start buying tickets and see a website that says "Caribbean airlines", will they react positive are negative?, that's still to be seen.

the good thing about this is that no national carrier status was given. now lets see the pilot plans for the future. and were the HUD will be . can CAL fly from Trinidad empty then pick up people from Jamaica to America?, so they may have to sort out the hub situation.   
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on April 29, 2010, 11:59:20 AM
Shut up,.I jes went Jamaica and ask for Jamaican rum as I was real excited to try it after all the yardie boasting dat dem rum is de best...steups ah left very disappointed as all they gave me was Appleton.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 29, 2010, 01:00:26 PM
Shut up,.I jes went Jamaica and ask for Jamaican rum as I was real excited to try it after all the yardie boasting dat dem rum is de best...steups ah left very disappointed as all they gave me was Appleton.

that's because you go di wrong place star. :devil:


Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on April 29, 2010, 01:25:30 PM
Shut up,.I jes went Jamaica and ask for Jamaican rum as I was real excited to try it after all the yardie boasting dat dem rum is de best...steups ah left very disappointed as all they gave me was Appleton.

that's because you go di wrong place star. :devil:




so what Jamaican rum dey have now? Since we own appleton now  lol
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 29, 2010, 02:02:59 PM
Shut up,.I jes went Jamaica and ask for Jamaican rum as I was real excited to try it after all the yardie boasting dat dem rum is de best...steups ah left very disappointed as all they gave me was Appleton.

that's because you go di wrong place star. :devil:






so what Jamaican rum dey have now? Since we own appleton now  lol


di funny thing is Appleton cannot leave Jamaica you only financing it now till we ready to take it back.
the last time i saw the bottle it said made in Jamaica.
http://www.appletonestate.com/home/



Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on April 29, 2010, 02:04:11 PM
Shut up,.I jes went Jamaica and ask for Jamaican rum as I was real excited to try it after all the yardie boasting dat dem rum is de best...steups ah left very disappointed as all they gave me was Appleton.

that's because you go di wrong place star. :devil:






so what Jamaican rum dey have now? Since we own appleton now  lol


di funny thing is Appleton cannot leave Jamaica you only financing it now till we ready to take it back.
the last time i saw the bottle it said made in Jamaica.
http://www.appletonestate.com/home/





T\Honda does make cars right here in the states, but is Japanese owned..  yuh jes making it, labour etc.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 29, 2010, 02:09:42 PM
There are a lot of different rum company in di yaaaaad

a few:

http://www.internetwines.com/spirits-rumtemplate-jamaica.html


http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51763935153


http://www.captainmorgan.co.za/events.aspx

http://www.examiner.com/x-15885-Rum-Examiner~y2009m7d31-Blackwells-Black-Gold-from-Jamaica

and a lot more...
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on April 29, 2010, 02:57:45 PM

There are a lot of different rum company in di yaaaaad

a few:

http://www.internetwines.com/spirits-rumtemplate-jamaica.html


dem like Bay rum, dey only good to sap feverish forrid
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on April 29, 2010, 03:01:13 PM

There are a lot of different rum company in di yaaaaad

a few:

http://www.internetwines.com/spirits-rumtemplate-jamaica.html


dem like Bay rum, dey only good to sap feverish forrid

 :rotfl: i know you would fine some problem, go and check the link again i added more. these are top quality rums. any way am out later you will see some new strong ones. you cant even smell it you too weak for those things :rotfl:. 
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on April 29, 2010, 03:04:31 PM

There are a lot of different rum company in di yaaaaad

a few:

http://www.internetwines.com/spirits-rumtemplate-jamaica.html


dem like Bay rum, dey only good to sap feverish forrid

 :rotfl: i know you would fine some problem, go and check the link again i added more. these are top quality rums. any way am out later you will see some new strong ones. you cant even smell it you too weak for those things :rotfl:. 

True if ah had a stronger constitution, from eating beef patty, mannishwater and ackee ...then maybe...lol

later fella enjoy yuh day
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: AirMan on April 29, 2010, 10:04:53 PM
CAL Takes Over Air J


http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/Ws2wktGnxI8
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Flex on May 03, 2010, 04:21:10 AM
PNM spends $315M on Air Jamaica.
By RICHARDSON DHALAI (Newsday).


With the general election just over three weeks away, Oropouche East candidate Dr Roodal Moonilal, has alleged that the Patrick Manning administration has squandered just over $300 million in a bail-out of Air Jamaica.

Addressing thousands of supporters at the People’s Partnership coalition presentation of candidates at Mid-Centre Mall in Chaguanas yesterday, Moonilal described that transaction as “a spectacular and scandalous waste of public funds.”

“Imagine, at a time when Parliament is dissolved, in the wake of a general election, on the eve of a change in government, only 24 hours ago, the Manning government squandered another TT$315 million in a buy-out of Air Jamaica,” Moonilal said.

“Air Jamaica has a debt of TT$12 billion. Manning wants to own that airline by July 1, 2010,” he added. “He dissolved Parliament and bought an entire airline with nine airplanes. Now he has nine private jets! Take that! That is the contempt he has for the people...no debate in Parliament. No transparency.

“They alone know what is good for the nation. When we protested against one smelter, he said they building six! That is contempt! You the people raised your voice in protest when Manning tried to buy a private jet.

“Imbert told Parliament in February, 2010, that the government will not pump money into Air Jamaica. This after spending over $1 billion to restructure Caribbean Airline Limited,” Moonilal said.

Moonilal stated that with 173 citizens “brutally murdered” over the last 122 days, this amounted to a murder every 17 hours.

“This is our darkest hour. But weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” he told the cheering crowd.

“The PNM is truly the Pirates of the Caribbean! They plunder the taxpayers’ hard earned dollars from the North West to the South West, from Alutrint to Petrotrin, from PM House to the Scarborough Hospital, from the Summit to the Lara Stadium, from CEPEP to YTEPP, from UTT to Udecott. They are drowning in incompetence and corruption. Now government ministries doing PNM ads on TV.

They are obscene in their obscenity,” he added. “And in the midst of immense human tragedy unfolding every day before his very eyes in thousands of homes throughout the country and affecting the lives of so many citizens, what is Manning doing?

Throwing lavish and expensive vote-getting parties in his multi-million-dollar mansion. “Dancing the night away to the sound of Divine Echoes...is this not like Nero? Fiddling away while Rome burns. Is this not like Marie Antoinette while the people of Paris were clamouring for bread famously said ‘let them eat cake’,” Moonilal said.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: AirMan on May 03, 2010, 03:15:50 PM
PNM spends $315M on Air Jamaica.
By RICHARDSON DHALAI (Newsday).


With the general election just over three weeks away, Oropouche East candidate Dr Roodal Moonilal, has alleged that the Patrick Manning administration has squandered just over $300 million in a bail-out of Air Jamaica.

Addressing thousands of supporters at the People’s Partnership coalition presentation of candidates at Mid-Centre Mall in Chaguanas yesterday, Moonilal described that transaction as “a spectacular and scandalous waste of public funds.”

“Imagine, at a time when Parliament is dissolved, in the wake of a general election, on the eve of a change in government, only 24 hours ago, the Manning government squandered another TT$315 million in a buy-out of Air Jamaica,” Moonilal said.

“Air Jamaica has a debt of TT$12 billion. Manning wants to own that airline by July 1, 2010,” he added. “He dissolved Parliament and bought an entire airline with nine airplanes. Now he has nine private jets! Take that! That is the contempt he has for the people...no debate in Parliament. No transparency.

“They alone know what is good for the nation. When we protested against one smelter, he said they building six! That is contempt! You the people raised your voice in protest when Manning tried to buy a private jet.

“Imbert told Parliament in February, 2010, that the government will not pump money into Air Jamaica. This after spending over $1 billion to restructure Caribbean Airline Limited,” Moonilal said.

Moonilal stated that with 173 citizens “brutally murdered” over the last 122 days, this amounted to a murder every 17 hours.

“This is our darkest hour. But weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” he told the cheering crowd.

“The PNM is truly the Pirates of the Caribbean! They plunder the taxpayers’ hard earned dollars from the North West to the South West, from Alutrint to Petrotrin, from PM House to the Scarborough Hospital, from the Summit to the Lara Stadium, from CEPEP to YTEPP, from UTT to Udecott. They are drowning in incompetence and corruption. Now government ministries doing PNM ads on TV.

They are obscene in their obscenity,” he added. “And in the midst of immense human tragedy unfolding every day before his very eyes in thousands of homes throughout the country and affecting the lives of so many citizens, what is Manning doing?

Throwing lavish and expensive vote-getting parties in his multi-million-dollar mansion. “Dancing the night away to the sound of Divine Echoes...is this not like Nero? Fiddling away while Rome burns. Is this not like Marie Antoinette while the people of Paris were clamouring for bread famously said ‘let them eat cake’,” Moonilal said.

I am waiting to hear the response to this from the PNM camp....if we ever get a response
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: just cool on May 03, 2010, 04:37:18 PM
That don't deserve no response, BC moonilal talking out his arse!! is ah good thing ppl on here is ah little more informed than the average bear in TNT!  where did manning buy out AJ's 800 million USD debt??

it's seems like moonilal talking to ah bunch of uninformed disgruntled dummies? CAL did not buy AJ's debt, they bought the fleet and the routes.

this is the kinda underhanded tactics that does eat me up wid politicians, just speak the fact man, and leave it up to the ppl to decide!! but embellishing the the facts would only make manning look like ah martyr, yuh dummy!!

or maybe, just maybe moonilal don't really understand the deal @ hand and speaking outa timmin. the UNC better come correct this rounds, and leave the mud slinging for the less classy PNM. just speak the facts and let honest political tactics prevail, that's all!
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on May 03, 2010, 11:50:03 PM
 i get the sense that there are some people who do not read, listen or just plain stubborn. Caribbean airline did not buy anything. the routs was exchange for 16 percent of CAL. jamaica did not sell any of  its asset to CAL

Quote
jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots. air jamaica will be close withing 6 to 12 months. its not even a merger, CAL will just be flying on air jamaica routs. jamaica will be paying all the debts so they will be selling there two aircraft to an American company to help towards that 

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-p-Gov-t-finds-buyer-for-Air-J-planes--p---_7563457


but even tho jamaica will have 16% in CAL they will not be putting any money towards finance it in the near future.  people talking crap about take over Air Jamaica, do they even read the deal?.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on May 04, 2010, 12:50:38 AM
i get the sense that there are some people who do not read, listen or just plain stubborn. Caribbean airline did not buy anything. the routs was exchange for 16 percent of CAL. jamaica did not sell any of  its asset to CAL

Quote
jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots. air jamaica will be close withing 6 to 12 months. its not even a merger, CAL will just be flying on air jamaica routs. jamaica will be paying all the debts so they will be selling there two aircraft to an American company to help towards that 

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-p-Gov-t-finds-buyer-for-Air-J-planes--p---_7563457


but even tho jamaica will have 16% in CAL they will not be putting any money towards finance it in the near future.  people talking crap about take over Air Jamaica, do they even read the deal?.

hear you now!  Go to the original set ah post you make and weep.
Title: First Air Jamaica, Govt now looks to take over Liat.
Post by: Flex on May 04, 2010, 04:28:19 AM
First Air Jamaica, Govt now looks to take over Liat.
By - Yvonne Webb (T&T Guardian).


Prime Minister Patrick Manning said yesterday the Government has already started discussions with Liat for a takeover by Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL), following the acquisition of 84 per cent of Air Jamaica. CAL started operating Air Jamaica’s profitable routes last Saturday.

Speaking to reporters at Pleasantville, San Fernando, following the filing of nomination papers, Manning said this should not come as a surprise since the objective has always been to create one regional carrier.

He said when CAL was formed, it was with the understanding that there would only be one regional airline and now they have taken over Air Jamaica, Liat is next on the list.

“We have been quite clear, there has been a take over of the profitable routes of Air Jamaica by CAL with the government of Jamaica having a 16 per cent stake in the airline. “We have always had that as an objective in mind. We started CAL with the objective for having it as a regional carrier. It is Air Jamaica and then after, Liat. This is standard practice.”

Manning said there are five airlines in the Caribbean, namely, BWIA, Air Jamaica, Liat, Cayman Airways and Bahamas Air and Government’s policy is to have one Caribbean airline. Government has already spent US$50 million for Air Jamaica’s profitable routes and will employ 1,000 of its staff. There will be a one-year transition period.

In a statement delivered last Friday, the same day that the divestment deal between Air Jamaica ad T&T’s CAL was finalised, Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding said his country’s pride in the airline came at a price: J$126 billion spent over 40 years.

Asked if a similar arrangement is being proposed for Liat, Manning said details surrounding the takeover of Liat were not quite clear since the countries which own Liat are now before the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“I don’t know. The circumstances are very different. We don’t know what conditions the IMF has set.” Asked about the figures involved, Manning said, “Those things are subject to due diligence testing and the value of the airline and all of those kinds of technical considerations, which I am not competent to discuss at this time.”
Title: Re: First Air Jamaica, Govt now looks to take over Liat.
Post by: Deeks on May 04, 2010, 07:06:09 AM
Will somebody try an explain to Patrick what is a takeover. To me this entire transaction is like a merger with TT in charge for now at least. The good thing is that we did not assume the debt and pension of AJ. But we will have to buy or lease new planes, Now I hear he talking about Liat and Cayman air. Please!!!. Let's deal with what we have before us now. Lets's see after May 24th.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on May 04, 2010, 10:45:07 AM
i get the sense that there are some people who do not read, listen or just plain stubborn. Caribbean airline did not buy anything. the routs was exchange for 16 percent of CAL. jamaica did not sell any of  its asset to CAL

Quote
jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots. air jamaica will be close withing 6 to 12 months. its not even a merger, CAL will just be flying on air jamaica routs. jamaica will be paying all the debts so they will be selling there two aircraft to an American company to help towards that 

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-p-Gov-t-finds-buyer-for-Air-J-planes--p---_7563457


but even tho jamaica will have 16% in CAL they will not be putting any money towards finance it in the near future.  people talking crap about take over Air Jamaica, do they even read the deal?.

hear you now!  Go to the original set ah post you make and weep.

 so i should tell lies to please you. no wonder people like you like to spread propaganda and tell lies to make your self feel good. were in my original post did you saw me weep?. because i said there are a lot of Jamaicans  will not take Caribbean airlines? son, these are not weeping but what i ear daily. even when air Jamaica was there i use to take jet blue more than air Jamaica,there are so much choice to choose from.   but you have some die hard Jamaicans who takes nothing else but air Jamaica. my last comment was for people who still think that CAL will be operating air Jamaica and pay debts. no wonder they have to behave with you like this http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=49186.0
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Swima on May 04, 2010, 11:58:15 AM

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots.



They are hearing deals from both airbus and boeing, but CAL is a boeing fleet. They have also done away with the code share with BA and I suspect arelooking at bringing in a 777 of their own for them to fly the London route themselves.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: truetrini on May 04, 2010, 12:17:11 PM
i get the sense that there are some people who do not read, listen or just plain stubborn. Caribbean airline did not buy anything. the routs was exchange for 16 percent of CAL. jamaica did not sell any of  its asset to CAL

Quote
jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots. air jamaica will be close withing 6 to 12 months. its not even a merger, CAL will just be flying on air jamaica routs. jamaica will be paying all the debts so they will be selling there two aircraft to an American company to help towards that 

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-p-Gov-t-finds-buyer-for-Air-J-planes--p---_7563457


but even tho jamaica will have 16% in CAL they will not be putting any money towards finance it in the near future.  people talking crap about take over Air Jamaica, do they even read the deal?.

hear you now!  Go to the original set ah post you make and weep.

 so i should tell lies to please you. no wonder people like you like to spread propaganda and tell lies to make your self feel good. were in my original post did you saw me weep?. because i said there are a lot of Jamaicans  will not take Caribbean airlines? son, these are not weeping but what i ear daily. even when air Jamaica was there i use to take jet blue more than air Jamaica,there are so much choice to choose from.   but you have some die hard Jamaicans who takes nothing else but air Jamaica. my last comment was for people who still think that CAL will be operating air Jamaica and pay debts. no wonder they have to behave with you like this http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=49186.0

I said go back, read and weep.  it was all about take over, that is exactly what it is...T&T tel over..getused to it...next ting we taking over Mobay...wait and see.  Patty getting replaced with pastelle and mannish water replaced by pacro water

Allyuh done.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on May 04, 2010, 12:28:22 PM

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots.



They are hearing deals from both airbus and boeing, but CAL is a boeing fleet. They have also done away with the code share with BA and I suspect arelooking at bringing in a 777 of their own for them to fly the London route themselves.

thanks for the info
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on May 04, 2010, 01:02:11 PM
i get the sense that there are some people who do not read, listen or just plain stubborn. Caribbean airline did not buy anything. the routs was exchange for 16 percent of CAL. jamaica did not sell any of  its asset to CAL

Quote
jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots. air jamaica will be close withing 6 to 12 months. its not even a merger, CAL will just be flying on air jamaica routs. jamaica will be paying all the debts so they will be selling there two aircraft to an American company to help towards that 

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-p-Gov-t-finds-buyer-for-Air-J-planes--p---_7563457


but even tho jamaica will have 16% in CAL they will not be putting any money towards finance it in the near future.  people talking crap about take over Air Jamaica, do they even read the deal?.

hear you now!  Go to the original set ah post you make and weep.

 so i should tell lies to please you. no wonder people like you like to spread propaganda and tell lies to make your self feel good. were in my original post did you saw me weep?. because i said there are a lot of Jamaicans  will not take Caribbean airlines? son, these are not weeping but what i ear daily. even when air Jamaica was there i use to take jet blue more than air Jamaica,there are so much choice to choose from.   but you have some die hard Jamaicans who takes nothing else but air Jamaica. my last comment was for people who still think that CAL will be operating air Jamaica and pay debts. no wonder they have to behave with you like this http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=49186.0

I said go back, read and weep.  it was all about take over, that is exactly what it is...T&T tel over..getused to it...next ting we taking over Mobay...wait and see.  Patty getting replaced with pastelle and mannish water replaced by pacro water

Allyuh done.




good luck on you quest. i am waiting to see you buy something that is actually valuable. or something that is not dying that the government don't want, remember the government ask for does crap to be close or sold. is not like china step in america with big bucks forcing company to sell profitable companies. the next thing you taking over is Mobay :rotfl:,  you not shame?, you value mobay so high till you want it :rotfl:. must have wish you have somewhere like that, o-well :rotfl:. what's "pastelle"  ???, any way you must be reading news paper with people asking why certain food stuff is on our supermarket shelf. that have nothing to do with taking over its now a  global economy and free trade, people just see it as wasting money on import, but  if the government say he go block all import caricom would say we breaking treaty?. i don't know what is paco water in most Jamaican supermarkets i always see  mostly Jamaica water and again a few stores may have a couple of  water from different countries mostly america.check out the nine or ten companies that you  have stake in and tell me how much is currently turning a profit. Jamaica will never sell a company if it have value and is not debt ridle or is not owned by the government. so enjoy yourself with so-call take over of crap, each time one is close or sold a Private investor already open a new one to replace that. Jamaica new cement company is currently under construction in st Ann.  and already the pilot had said there plans are well advance in the process of starting a new Airline
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on May 04, 2010, 01:08:39 PM
is this manning new residence? :rotfl:

http://www.ramsa.com/project.aspx?id=237

or its this one? ???

http://www.careif.com/brochure/CARIEF%20PRESENTATION%203.pdf
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on May 04, 2010, 01:46:52 PM
i get the sense that there are some people who do not read, listen or just plain stubborn. Caribbean airline did not buy anything. the routs was exchange for 16 percent of CAL. jamaica did not sell any of  its asset to CAL

Quote
jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots. air jamaica will be close withing 6 to 12 months. its not even a merger, CAL will just be flying on air jamaica routs. jamaica will be paying all the debts so they will be selling there two aircraft to an American company to help towards that 

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-p-Gov-t-finds-buyer-for-Air-J-planes--p---_7563457


but even tho jamaica will have 16% in CAL they will not be putting any money towards finance it in the near future.  people talking crap about take over Air Jamaica, do they even read the deal?.

hear you now!  Go to the original set ah post you make and weep.

 so i should tell lies to please you. no wonder people like you like to spread propaganda and tell lies to make your self feel good. were in my original post did you saw me weep?. because i said there are a lot of Jamaicans  will not take Caribbean airlines? son, these are not weeping but what i ear daily. even when air Jamaica was there i use to take jet blue more than air Jamaica,there are so much choice to choose from.   but you have some die hard Jamaicans who takes nothing else but air Jamaica. my last comment was for people who still think that CAL will be operating air Jamaica and pay debts. no wonder they have to behave with you like this http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=49186.0

I said go back, read and weep.  it was all about take over, that is exactly what it is...T&T tel over..getused to it...next ting we taking over Mobay...wait and see.  Patty getting replaced with pastelle and mannish water replaced by pacro water

Allyuh done.




good luck on you quest. i am waiting to see you buy something that is actually valuable. or something that is not dying that the government don't want, remember the government ask for does crap to be close or sold. is not like china step in america with big bucks forcing company to sell profitable companies. the next thing you taking over is Mobay :rotfl:,  you not shame?, you value mobay so high till you want it :rotfl:. must have wish you have somewhere like that, o-well :rotfl:. what's "pastelle"  ???, any way you must be reading news paper with people asking why certain food stuff is on our supermarket shelf. that have nothing to do with taking over its now a  global economy and free trade, people just see it as wasting money on import, but  if the government say he go block all import caricom would say we breaking treaty?. i don't know what is paco water in most Jamaican supermarkets i always see  mostly Jamaica water and again a few stores may have a couple of  water from different countries mostly america.check out the nine or ten companies that you  have stake in and tell me how much is currently turning a profit. Jamaica will never sell a company if it have value and is not debt ridle or is not owned by the government. so enjoy yourself with so-call take over of crap, each time one is close or sold a Private investor already open a new one to replace that. Jamaica new cement company is currently under construction in st Ann.  and already the pilot had said there plans are well advance in the process of starting a new Airline
(http://www.islandmix.com/backchat/attachments/f16/59089d1262407937-yeah-man-we-bigging-up-tnt-life-span-chennette-trinidad-pastelle.jpg)

A cornmeal dish usually filled with meat (beef) and wrapped in banana leaves. The Trini version is an adapted from Spanish influence. It's served mostly during the Christmas season.

You should try it. Much better than patties in my opinion. No disrespect intended. 
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on May 04, 2010, 01:57:14 PM
i get the sense that there are some people who do not read, listen or just plain stubborn. Caribbean airline did not buy anything. the routs was exchange for 16 percent of CAL. jamaica did not sell any of  its asset to CAL

Quote
jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots. air jamaica will be close withing 6 to 12 months. its not even a merger, CAL will just be flying on air jamaica routs. jamaica will be paying all the debts so they will be selling there two aircraft to an American company to help towards that 

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-p-Gov-t-finds-buyer-for-Air-J-planes--p---_7563457


but even tho jamaica will have 16% in CAL they will not be putting any money towards finance it in the near future.  people talking crap about take over Air Jamaica, do they even read the deal?.

hear you now!  Go to the original set ah post you make and weep.

 so i should tell lies to please you. no wonder people like you like to spread propaganda and tell lies to make your self feel good. were in my original post did you saw me weep?. because i said there are a lot of Jamaicans  will not take Caribbean airlines? son, these are not weeping but what i ear daily. even when air Jamaica was there i use to take jet blue more than air Jamaica,there are so much choice to choose from.   but you have some die hard Jamaicans who takes nothing else but air Jamaica. my last comment was for people who still think that CAL will be operating air Jamaica and pay debts. no wonder they have to behave with you like this http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=49186.0

I said go back, read and weep.  it was all about take over, that is exactly what it is...T&T tel over..getused to it...next ting we taking over Mobay...wait and see.  Patty getting replaced with pastelle and mannish water replaced by pacro water

Allyuh done.




good luck on you quest. i am waiting to see you buy something that is actually valuable. or something that is not dying that the government don't want, remember the government ask for does crap to be close or sold. is not like china step in america with big bucks forcing company to sell profitable companies. the next thing you taking over is Mobay :rotfl:,  you not shame?, you value mobay so high till you want it :rotfl:. must have wish you have somewhere like that, o-well :rotfl:. what's "pastelle"  ???, any way you must be reading news paper with people asking why certain food stuff is on our supermarket shelf. that have nothing to do with taking over its now a  global economy and free trade, people just see it as wasting money on import, but  if the government say he go block all import caricom would say we breaking treaty?. i don't know what is paco water in most Jamaican supermarkets i always see  mostly Jamaica water and again a few stores may have a couple of  water from different countries mostly america.check out the nine or ten companies that you  have stake in and tell me how much is currently turning a profit. Jamaica will never sell a company if it have value and is not debt ridle or is not owned by the government. so enjoy yourself with so-call take over of crap, each time one is close or sold a Private investor already open a new one to replace that. Jamaica new cement company is currently under construction in st Ann.  and already the pilot had said there plans are well advance in the process of starting a new Airline
(http://www.islandmix.com/backchat/attachments/f16/59089d1262407937-yeah-man-we-bigging-up-tnt-life-span-chennette-trinidad-pastelle.jpg)

A cornmeal dish usually filled with meat (beef) and wrapped in banana leaves. The Trini version is an adapted from Spanish influence. It's served mostly during the Christmas season.

You should try it. Much better than patties in my opinion. No disrespect intended. 

why would your opinion be a disrespect. every one has there own. but i left the world to judge that. i have travel so much across the world and ear people asking about beef patties. i will never forget my visit to Barcelona and saw a Catalonia vender who speak little English was asking me about Jamaican patties. to be honest i was a bit shock that it was so popular. and sorry i never seen or eaten that before.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Jah Gol on May 04, 2010, 02:15:19 PM
i get the sense that there are some people who do not read, listen or just plain stubborn. Caribbean airline did not buy anything. the routs was exchange for 16 percent of CAL. jamaica did not sell any of  its asset to CAL

Quote
jamaica, however, will remain the owner of all of Air Jamaica's other assets, including real estate.

Air Jamaica will be flying for six months until Caribbean airlines buy planes similar to the ones they have. am not sure if Trinidad have any pilot train to fly air jamaica type of aircraft, but they will be operated by Jamaican pilots. air jamaica will be close withing 6 to 12 months. its not even a merger, CAL will just be flying on air jamaica routs. jamaica will be paying all the debts so they will be selling there two aircraft to an American company to help towards that 

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-p-Gov-t-finds-buyer-for-Air-J-planes--p---_7563457


but even tho jamaica will have 16% in CAL they will not be putting any money towards finance it in the near future.  people talking crap about take over Air Jamaica, do they even read the deal?.

hear you now!  Go to the original set ah post you make and weep.

 so i should tell lies to please you. no wonder people like you like to spread propaganda and tell lies to make your self feel good. were in my original post did you saw me weep?. because i said there are a lot of Jamaicans  will not take Caribbean airlines? son, these are not weeping but what i ear daily. even when air Jamaica was there i use to take jet blue more than air Jamaica,there are so much choice to choose from.   but you have some die hard Jamaicans who takes nothing else but air Jamaica. my last comment was for people who still think that CAL will be operating air Jamaica and pay debts. no wonder they have to behave with you like this http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=49186.0

I said go back, read and weep.  it was all about take over, that is exactly what it is...T&T tel over..getused to it...next ting we taking over Mobay...wait and see.  Patty getting replaced with pastelle and mannish water replaced by pacro water

Allyuh done.




good luck on you quest. i am waiting to see you buy something that is actually valuable. or something that is not dying that the government don't want, remember the government ask for does crap to be close or sold. is not like china step in america with big bucks forcing company to sell profitable companies. the next thing you taking over is Mobay :rotfl:,  you not shame?, you value mobay so high till you want it :rotfl:. must have wish you have somewhere like that, o-well :rotfl:. what's "pastelle"  ???, any way you must be reading news paper with people asking why certain food stuff is on our supermarket shelf. that have nothing to do with taking over its now a  global economy and free trade, people just see it as wasting money on import, but  if the government say he go block all import caricom would say we breaking treaty?. i don't know what is paco water in most Jamaican supermarkets i always see  mostly Jamaica water and again a few stores may have a couple of  water from different countries mostly america.check out the nine or ten companies that you  have stake in and tell me how much is currently turning a profit. Jamaica will never sell a company if it have value and is not debt ridle or is not owned by the government. so enjoy yourself with so-call take over of crap, each time one is close or sold a Private investor already open a new one to replace that. Jamaica new cement company is currently under construction in st Ann.  and already the pilot had said there plans are well advance in the process of starting a new Airline
(http://www.islandmix.com/backchat/attachments/f16/59089d1262407937-yeah-man-we-bigging-up-tnt-life-span-chennette-trinidad-pastelle.jpg)

A cornmeal dish usually filled with meat (beef) and wrapped in banana leaves. The Trini version is an adapted from Spanish influence. It's served mostly during the Christmas season.

You should try it. Much better than patties in my opinion. No disrespect intended. 

why would your opinion be a disrespect. every one has there own. but i left the world to judge that. i have travel so much across the world and ear people asking about beef patties. i will never forget my visit to Barcelona and saw a Catalonia vender who speak little English was asking me about Jamaican patties. to be honest i was a bit shock that it was so popular.
Just wanted to let know where I was coming from.

I read a few articles about our regulations pertaining to the importation of meat products that prevented your patties from coming in. Some Jamaicans took a stance that T&T was not abiding by free trade practices. Our government had to make special provisions for the patties to come in.

They aren't very popular anyway.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on May 04, 2010, 02:25:57 PM
Quote
They aren't very popular anyway.


in where Trinidad or the world?. if it's Trinidad i cannot argue that, but if it is the world i need evidence then we could go from there. ;)
Title: Re: TT$1.53 Billion going to help Air Jamaica, as T&T vows to help
Post by: weary1969 on May 04, 2010, 02:27:59 PM
My question is when will the full details be announced by our government to the people of T&T..Latest developments from JA media..http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/tRINI-jAMAICA-b_7328993

Where d Guardian of democracy? How come dey eh askin hard questions bout dis. Sorry dey 2 busy suportin dey boy JW and not Jason Williams.
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: jahkingdom on May 04, 2010, 02:59:40 PM
how this one went

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090225/business/business1.html

this youth owns so much stuff in the Caribbean it some of them head quarters moving to Jamaica

http://www.portlandholdings.com/Info.aspx?disp=history_founder

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-114702182.html

this dud is back to buyout most of the companies in Barbados and Trinidad.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/-p-Michael-Lee-Chin---Part-II--p---_7565864


he is now part of Jamaica Trade and Investment team and tourism board.


http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100427/business/business1.html



this man was saying along time that Jamaica should close air Jamaica. you think if those company that Jamaica sell was valuable he would not have buy them already or even get it free from the government?
Title: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: davyjenny1 on May 23, 2010, 04:21:31 AM
I don't know if this was posted before:Will caribbean airlines raise air fares??

With summer upon us and among everything else I wonder if they will take a risk and increase air fares next week?

This is just a simple question. Allyuh! doh go all over the place wid this eh...

Title: Re: I don't know if this was posted before:Will caribbean airlines raise air fares??
Post by: TriniCana on May 23, 2010, 07:28:07 AM
Of course they will. It's called peek season. Same as Christmas, Easter and Carnival.
Start saving your shillings dem!
Title: Warner probes ‘high-priced’ CAL consultants.
Post by: Flex on June 22, 2010, 04:34:56 AM
Warner probes ‘high-priced’ CAL consultants
‘$20m paid over four-year period’
By: Prior Beharry (T&T Guardian).


Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner confirmed last night he was investigating several “high-priced” consultants at Caribbean Airline Limited (CAL).

Documents obtained by the T&T Guardian revealed Jean Frederic Mognetti was paid about (euros) €2.5 million over a four-and-a-half-year period. At today’s exchange rate that figure is equivalent to TT$20 million for services rendered for the period February 2006 to May 2010.

A breakdown of the figures reveal Mognetti, of the firm JFM&FK Management Services, received €453,497 or $3.6 million for 193 days work in 2006—an average of €2,349 or more than $18,000 a day.

In 2007, the documents showed that CAL paid the consultancy €384,497 or $3 million for 137 days of work. This is an average of €2,807 or more than $22,000 a day. The consultancy was paid €588,868 or $4.7 million for 198 days work in 2008.

This is about €3,000 or more than $23,000 a day. Mognetti worked 200.5 days in 2009 and was paid more than €600,000 or $4.8 million — an average of more than €3,000 or $24,000 a day. And up to May this year, the consultancy billed CAL more than €375,000 for 132 days of work.

This is an average of just under €3,000 or less than $24,000 a day. Warner said he was aware of the name Mognetti and would do an investigation before he goes to Cabinet.

Social activist Devant Maharaj, who first brought the issue to the attention of the Guardian, said he was calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. He said he wanted a forensic audit into Caribbean Airlines because this was something that needed urgent attention.

aharaj said he also wanted clarified whether the Mognetti consultancy deserved these fees and what were the comparable rates for similar consultants in other parts of the region. Contacted yesterday, CAL chairman Arthur Lok Jack said he had no comment.

Caribbean Airlines was incorporated on September 27, 2006 and began operations on January 1, 2007. It replaced BWIA.

Last week Finance Minister Winston Dookeran announced a committee to examine the airline. It is to be headed by former BWIA chief executive officer (CEO) Conrad Aleong, CEO of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Krishna Boodhai and former Finance Minister Selby Wilson.

Dookeran also said there would be a review of the deal between Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica. He said that would be reviewed in relation to its viability and profitability.

Mognetti was a speaker at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business’ Distinguished Leadership Conference last year. The profile on the school’s Web site noted that Mognetti runs a successful consulting practice—JFM Management Services—with an international clientele.

It stated that Mognetti has a special interest in the sales and marketing consequences of strategic decisions and has focused both his academic and consulting interests on this topic. He received his Masters and pre-Doctorate degrees in Law from Université de Paris Panthéon Sorbonne and his MBA from IMD, Switzerland, the site stated. He is also the author of the book Out of the Ashes—Tools for Recovering Corporate Health.
Title: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on September 29, 2010, 04:55:12 AM
Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
By Vernon Khelawan (T&T Newsday).


Although Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has settled its turboprop fleet with the purchase of nine ATR 72-600s at a cost of US$200 million, the national airline still has to deal with its jet fleet.

The jet fleet, which comprises eight B-737-800s, is due for renewal and sources say CAL is in deep negotiations with Europe’s Airbus and Boeing of the United States.

Although there’s no final confirmation, sources have told Newsday that CAL has decided to stay with the US-manufactured Boeing airplanes.

Efforts are now being made to get rid of the six Airbus aircraft presently being used on the recently acquired Air Jamaica routes to Canada and the United States.

Sources also say the Jamaican pilots who now operate the Airbus are expected to come to Port-of-Spain for training on the B-737-800 planes in preparation for the switch over scheduled to begin early in the new year.

The revamping of jet fleet follows the announcement made by the French company ATR that CAL ordered the nine planes which will replace its ageing Dash-8-300 aircraft that operate the local air bridge and other services to Barbados and Caracas, Venezuela.

The first ATR aircraft, which will be equipped with the new ATR-600 series avionics suite and the new Armonia Cabin, is expected to be delivered in late 2011.

Speaking on the CAL/Air Jamaica merger in Jamaica on Monday, Works and Transport Minister Austin Jack Warner admitted that at first he had struggled to accept the deal.

Speaking at the Fifa Goal project at UWI’s Mona campus, he said it was difficult to accept and did not think it was good for Trinidad and Tobago especially given the current financial position.

However, he said he has come full circle following a review by his technical people after they agreed a merger could work to the benefit of both countries.

“Our tactical people said that if we merge the airlines and have a Caribbean airline that can wow the world so to speak. It was on that basis we approved the US$49.2 million,” Warner said.

The minister said that with the deal now sealed, the Trinidad and Tobago Government would move forward with reforming both Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica as a merged entity.

“There is no cause for worry and October 31, 2010 when the deal is signed and delivered, there will be a new dawn, a new era in airlines in the Caribbean,” said Warner.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Jumbie on September 29, 2010, 07:22:51 AM
love supporting local, but where d f**k they get off charging close to a $1000 for a facking ticket to partake in the festivities in march?

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Deeks on September 29, 2010, 08:30:55 AM
Speaking on the CAL/Air Jamaica merger in Jamaica on Monday, Works and Transport Minister Austin Jack Warner admitted that at first he had struggled to accept the deal.

Speaking at the Fifa Goal project at UWI’s Mona campus, he said it was difficult to accept and did not think it was good for Trinidad and Tobago especially given the current financial position.

However, he said he has come full circle following a review by his technical people after they agreed a merger could work to the benefit of both countries.


repent! repent! the world is coming to an end!!!!!!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: weary1969 on September 29, 2010, 09:11:48 AM
Speaking on the CAL/Air Jamaica merger in Jamaica on Monday, Works and Transport Minister Austin Jack Warner admitted that at first he had struggled to accept the deal.

Speaking at the Fifa Goal project at UWI’s Mona campus, he said it was difficult to accept and did not think it was good for Trinidad and Tobago especially given the current financial position.

However, he said he has come full circle following a review by his technical people after they agreed a merger could work to the benefit of both countries.


repent! repent! the world is coming to an end!!!!!!

Co-sign but in this instance is u say 1 ting in opposition and d opoosite in govt.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: g on September 29, 2010, 10:23:57 AM
Some info on the new turbo prop fleet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATR_72-600#ATR_72-600
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Dutty on September 29, 2010, 10:58:13 AM
Some info on the new turbo prop fleet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATR_72-600#ATR_72-600

Dem fellahs should shop in de middle east

Iranian miltary jus reveal radar stealth flying boats
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/28/iran-unveils-squadrons-of-flying-boats/?hpt=Sbin (http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/28/iran-unveils-squadrons-of-flying-boats/?hpt=Sbin)

dem fellahs is comedians oui
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Flex on November 28, 2010, 06:11:46 AM
Kamla, airline board to discuss firing of CEO
By Kim Boodram


Nov 27, 2010

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said yesterday she will be meeting with the Caribbean Airlines Board and will seek advice from the Attorney General before making a statement on the dispute between Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner and new CAL chairman, businessman George Nicholas.

The Express yesterday reported Warner as saying that the airline's chief executive officer, Capt Ian Brunton, was dismissed following a disagreement between himself (Warner) and Nicholas, about the purchase of nine new aircraft valued at US$200 million from European manufacturer ATR.

Warner said Nicholas did not inform him of Brunton's dismissal and described this action as "disrespectful".

He said he has lodged a formal complaint against Nicholas with Persad-Bissessar who, in a brief telephone interview yesterday, confirmed receipt of Warner's letter and said she will be meeting with the board and, with the advice of the AG, will make a statement on the matter.

The purchase of the ATR planes has raised questions about proper procedure with sources noting that the former board of directors had only looked at the possibility of buying the planes before they resigned following the May 24 general election.

The Sunday Express understands, however that, a deal with ATR has since been negotiated and a percentage of the cost, said to be around 40 per cent, was paid to the company for delivery of the nine planes.

The entire deal was negotiated without approval from directors since there was no board in place at Caribbean Airlines when the sale was finalised, sources said. The ATR website reports that the deal was signed on September 27.

The aircraft was expected to be delivered to Caribbean Airlines in late 2011, ATR said.

Asked for a comment yesterday, Warner said he first had to inform his Cabinet colleagues about the developments at Caribbean Airlines before he could discuss the matter further.

Finance Minister Winston Dookeran yesterday distanced himself from the matter and referred questions back to Warner.

Both Warner and Dookeran made the remarks while hosting a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of Works headquarters at Richmond Street, Port of Spain, to discuss the proposed extension of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway.

Warner is said to have also referred the issue to Attorney General Anand Ramlogan for legal advice.

Contacted briefly yesterday, Ramlogan said he was in Parliament on Friday and was not aware whether any correspondence from Warner had landed on his desk.

Reached through one of his attorneys yesterday, Nicholas said he was not yet ready to speak to the media.

Brunton could not be reached for comment.

Other sources have also pointed to a safety issue with the ATR aircraft and reports are that CAL was to conduct a due diligence exercise and is also looking to bring in an international safety expert.

Checks on the Internet yesterday showed several sites listing a number of accidents and near-accidents involving the ATR 72-600s. Most of the accidents and incidents involved in-flight icing on temperate routes.

Among the accidents, on October 31, 1994, was American Eagle flight 4184 which crashed, due to icing, in Roselawn, Indiana, USA, killing all 68 people on board. The accident, according to the site, had a significant impact on the handling of in-flight icing on ATR craft, with AE and Delta permanently banning the planes from temperate routes.

On November 4, 2010, all 68 passengers were killed when Aero Caribbean Flight 883, operated by another ATR craft, the 72-212, crashed at Guasimal, Cuba. The flight reported an emergency before losing contact with air traffic control.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: weary1969 on November 28, 2010, 01:40:51 PM
D HNIC  meet d HSIC and guess who in charge?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: mukumsplau on November 28, 2010, 01:45:14 PM
HSIC of course..u go see how daddy goin to get kamla tuh let hnic boil down...den sonny boy go stick out he tongue and make monkeyface at hnic and hnic wud then show him middle finger...and all shall be well again...
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: weary1969 on November 28, 2010, 03:41:54 PM
HSIC of course..u go see how daddy goin to get kamla tuh let hnic boil down...den sonny boy go stick out he tongue and make monkeyface at hnic and hnic wud then show him middle finger...and all shall be well again...

 :beermug:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Bakes on November 28, 2010, 04:05:19 PM
HSIC of course..u go see how daddy goin to get kamla tuh let hnic boil down...den sonny boy go stick out he tongue and make monkeyface at hnic and hnic wud then show him middle finger...and all shall be well again...

Nah, first de HNIC will check with Anand fuh legal advice tuh see which hand he should use tuh show de finger.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Flex on November 30, 2010, 07:54:41 PM
Falling out with Warner over Caribbean Airlines.
By Curtis Rampersad Business Editor.


BOARD BATS FOR GEORGE

A deal worth US$200 million for State carrier Caribbean Airlines to buy nine new aircraft is going ahead as planned, the European company manufacturing the planes said yesterday.

Dismissed Caribbean Airlines chief executive Capt Ian Brunton completed negotiations for the plane sale, which received Cabinet approval in September, between the local airline and the ATR company based in southern France.

But Caribbean Airlines' new board of directors led by businessman and hotelier George Nicholas was not interested in the nine ATR 72-600 aircraft as the first choice for the State airline, aviation industry sources have said.

Nicholas yesterday attended a meeting on proper codes of conduct by chairpersons of State boards, MPs and Cabinet ministers, as well as other issues relating to their execution of their duties and functions, hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.

This followed the firing by the Nicholas-led Caribbean Airlines board of Brunton last week after a disagreement between line Minister Jack Warner and Nicholas.

But as questions about the deal have surfaced, ATR maintained yesterday that it has already received a downpayment to build the nine turbo prop aircraft and is proceeding on course to complete delivery next year.

ATR spokesperson at the company's headquarters in Toulouse, southern France, David Vargas told the Express in a telephone interview yesterday that "nothing has changed" since the company and Caribbean Airlines announced that the local airline would become an ATR customer with the purchase of the planes in September.

Vargas said the manufacture of the aircraft would take a few months to complete and the company still aimed to deliver the fleet of nine aircraft to Trinidad and Tobago in 2011.

He stressed there had been no news of any delay in the deal from anyone in Trinidad and Tobago and there was no indication the sale of the planes might be reviewed or cancelled.

He confirmed that a downpayment had been received by ATR to build the planes which were planned for use on the Tobago airbridge service as a replacement for Caribbean Airlines' current fleet of aging Dash-8 turbo prop planes as well as to support Air Jamaica routes which were recently acquired by Caribbean Airlines.

Sources in the aviation industry have suggested that 40 per cent of the payment for the aircraft, about US$80 million, had been paid to ATR.

Vargas said a downpayment had been made as part of the deal but did not give details.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Flex on December 01, 2010, 05:11:14 AM
Lawyers of fired Caribbean Airlines CEO write board:
By Curtis Rampersad Business Editor
 

GIVE ME BACK MY JOB

Fired Caribbean Airlines chief executive Capt Ian Brunton wants his job as head of the State carrier back because he believes the board of directors used unlawful and improper power to terminate his services.

Brunton, 65, was dismissed by letter last Friday, having worked as CEO of the airline since October 2009.

Attorneys Seenath Jairam SC and Rishi Dass, acting on behalf of Brunton, on Sunday wrote to Caribbean Airlines and copied the letter to airline chairman, businessman and hotelier George Nicholas, Works Minister Jack Warner and the other CAL directors.

The attorneys said Brunton received his termination letter "under the hand" of Nicholas with "astonishment and disappointment", given that he had previously received no complaints about his performance. They have asked that the decision to terminate him be recanted with immediate effect because it was improper and unlawful.

The letter said Brunton oversaw a turnaround of the airline with shareholders equity increasing from US$110 million from the date of his appointment to US$164 million. It added that there were shared concerns of line minister Warner that an "apparently unilateral decision" was taken to terminate Brunton's services.

The attorneys said Brunton indicated that at the last CAL board meeting on November 15, at which he was present, no issue was raised about his performance as CEO.

Statements, thus far not refuted by the airline, suggest that Brunton has become an "unwitting casualty of a disagreement between Mr Nicholas and the line minister over the pending aircraft acquisition from ATR with Mr Nicholas having a preference for a competing supplier, Bombardier", the attorneys' letter stated.

The Express reported Warner as saying last Friday that he had a disagreement with Nicholas and that the new chairman showed him "no respect" as line minister, because he did not inform him he was firing Brunton.

The latter said consistent with concerns that his firing may have been unilateral, it was the attorneys' understanding that one of the board members was not in the country since that initial board meeting on November 15.

The letter was faxed to the Express yesterday from a number at Warner's office at the Ministry of Works in Port of Spain, Express checks showed. It also contained Brunton's curriculum vitae, which listed him as an aviation consultant, a former jet captain and the first chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority.

The letter suggested that any decision to terminate Brunton's services would require the specific approval of the entire board and any unilateral decision would be unlawful. It said any decision to terminate him "merely to retaliate against the line minister with no heed being paid to the deleterious consequences to the airline is a clear breach of the fiduciary obligation of a board member" and flagrant act of corporate misconduct.

Jairam and Dass are now calling on the airline to confirm if the directors met and voted in favour of the purported decision to terminate Brunton and noted that independent obligations of each board member to act collegiately in the best interest of the airline.

"Accordingly, we ask that this purported decision be recanted with immediate effect as being an improper and unlawful exercise of power," the attorneys said in the letter.

Jairam and Dass said the airline had until yesterday to respond after which they would advise Brunton on his legal options.

$11.5m plane downpayment in trouble
By Curtis Rampersad


State carrier Caribbean Airlines had made a downpayment of US$1.8 million (TT$11.5 million) to European plane maker ATR for the purchase of nine new turbo prop aircraft, an attorney's letter on behalf of fired CEO Ian Brunton stated.

The letter has suggested that the company could lose this money if it does not adhere to the obligations of the transaction.

The letter from Seenath Jairam to Caribbean Airlines and copied to its chairman George Nicholas and line minister Jack Warner said the acquisition process for the ATR planes was the subject of an extensive six-month evaluation process.

This generated a comprehensive comparative report relative to both ATR and another aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, which were the only feasible commercial suppliers.

The deal for the ATR 68-seat planes is worth US$200 million.

"This comparative report demonstrated conclusively that a supply from ATR most benefited (Caribbean Airlines') needs," the letter stated.

It added that the decision received the approval of Cabinet and culminated in a signed contractual Heads of Agreement with ATR in September.

"Our instruction (from Brunton) is that upon signing the said Heads of Agreement the airline paid ATR the sum of US$1.8 million which it stands to lose if it does not honour its obligations thereunder," the letter stated.

Works Minister Warner suggested last week that Nicholas was more interested in negotiating a deal for the aircraft with Bombardier.

The attorney said Brunton's instructions were that under the agreement, additional benefits would accrue to the airline, not least of which was an undertaking by ATR to assist in the establishment of a maintenance facility at Piarco.

"It seems difficult in this context to understand any rational basis for attempting to revisit Cabinet's decision in this matter," the letter added.

On Monday, ATR spokesperson David Vargas confirmed to the Express the deal was proceeding as announced and the aircraft would be ready for delivery next year.

He said he did not confirm if a downpayment was made as he was not in a position to make a statement about that as was previously reported.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Flex on December 05, 2010, 07:30:03 AM
State braces for $million legal fees in CAL matter
Debra Wanser and Anika Gumbs-Sandiford
—reporting by SHALIZA HASSANALI


Debra Wanser and Anika Gumbs-SandifordThe State is being saddled with a million-dollar bill to represent cash strapped Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) in a legal battle against dismissed chief executive officer Ian Brunton. The airline has retained Andrew Mitchell, QC, the same attorney who had been representing CAL chairman George Nicholas III in the controversial legal battle against Dr Krishna Persad for control of Mora Ven Holdings Limited. Persad was before the court on six fraud charges brought against him by Nicholas.

Mitchell has represented Nicholas at the High Court and at the Privy Council in that matter. But according to sources, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan must be consulted on the matter and has the power to sanction which attorneys should be retained to represent the State. Legal sources revealed to Sunday Guardian that Mitchell’s fees range from £100,000 ($1, 000,000 TT) per brief, excluding retainer fees. Mitchell is no stranger when it comes to dealing with controversial matters. In 2007, he represented former Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma at the Privy Council, attempting to prevent police from executing a warrant on him on a charge of perverting the course of justice.

The former administration also appointed Mitchell as a member of the CL Financial board following the $7-billion bail out. He has since been replaced by new head, Gerald Yetming. Mitchell, however, would be instructed by attorney Om Lalla. Lalla, who has represented Minister of Works and Transport Jack Warner for over ten years, is also representing Nicholas, who has defied Warner int he firing of the airline’s Chief Executive officer Ian Brunton. He is currently representing Warner in a number of matters before the court. He is also the attorney for Fifa and T&T Football Federation.

OM: I am committed to representing Warner
But in an interview with Sunday Guardian yesterday, Lalla said he remains committed to representing Warner. “Sure, I remain as one of Mr Warner’s attorneys. I have been retained by CAL. The whole issue is about a chief executive officer that was terminated and it is the company that has retained my services. I do not see any issue for a conflict of interest to arise. It is a company taking a decision; it is a corporate issue and not a personal issue,” Lalla said when contacted.

Despite Cabinet ratifying the decision to acquire nine turboprop aircraft from Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), the CAL Board is seeking to overturn the decision. It is clear, however, that Warner and Nicholas are at loggerheads as the former openly expressed displeasure over the decision to dismiss Brunton who has since initiated legal proceedings against CAL after refusal to reinstate him. Warner, who is in Zurich, is still awaiting instructions from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on how to proceed. Contacted yesterday, Nicholas refused comment on the matter saying: “I would have my attorney contact you.” Meanwhile, Ramlogan said he had absolutely no comment to make on the matter.

About Mitchell
•2005 represented Nicholas in Mora Ven matter
• 2007 represented former Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma
•2009 member of CL Financial board

(http://guardian.co.tt/files/imagecache/article_main_image/articles/images/Om%20Lalla.png)
Om Lalla
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: g on December 05, 2010, 07:38:30 PM
either way Om eating a serious food
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Flex on December 08, 2010, 07:04:13 AM
CAL board not speaking to me
By DARCEL CHOY Wednesday, December 8 2010


SAYING that the Caribbean Airlines (CAL) board has not reported to him and that he knows of the boards operations only by what he reads in the newspapers, Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner yesterday promised to make a comprehensive statement this Friday on several controversial issues surrounding that board.

Speaking at a ceremony where the newly installed board of the Airports Authority (AATT) was introduced to the media at the authority’s Administrative Centre, South Terminal, Piarco International Airport, Warner complained about the way the CAL board, led by George Nicholas III, is managing its affairs.

“They don’t answer to me. As far as I am concerned, they have no obligations to me. I read their affairs in the newspapers...I have never gotten any minutes, any phone calls...I don’t know anything,” Warner said. He promised that this state of affairs will not last.

Warner said he expects to be kept informed from time to time on the progress of any board that he has jurisdiction over as line minister. He has since demanded that every board, excluding CAL, are to submit minutes of its meetings to him.

“We shall meet all the boards once per month, except one, to have an exchange of discussions for us to be able to collectively rise,” he said. Warner commended the AATT board saying they understood that the only person elected is the Minister of Works while the board is selected to carry out the policy of the ministry. The AATT board’s chairman is Captain Vaman Bajnath.

“I don’t expect this board to come here and three days after, to turn this place upside down or to try and undo a Cabinet decision. I don’t expect the board after ten days to try to fire its top official,” Warner said. His comment was in direct reference to a controversial firing at CAL.

On November 26, the CAL board dismissed the airlines’ chief executive officer Captain Ian Brunton from his post. Brunton has since sent a legal letter challenging his dismissal. On November 30, CAL responded, saying they had a contractual right to terminate his employment Warner referred this matter to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan.

“I haven’t gotten a response from the Prime Minister but I have gotten a response from the Attorney General which I would not disclose,” Warner said. He explained that because CAL has not reported to him, this board will be excluded from several of the ministry’s activities including a meeting he intends to have with other boards which fall under his ministry, on January 15. Warner said there seems to be a lack of understanding generally by board members, “of the functions of the line minister vis a vis the boards”.

“I intend to call all the boards under the Ministry of Works and Transport where we shall sit down and discuss matters because more than 95 percent of persons who have been appointed have never been on boards before and therefore it is wrong for them to assume they have all the knowledge and experience on how to conduct a board’s business,” Warner said.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Jah Gol on December 16, 2010, 07:50:49 AM
OUR PLANES ARE SAFE
ATR: Complaints damaging to company's image

By Curtis Rampersad Business Editor

Story Created: Dec 15, 2010 at 11:49 PM ECT

(Story Updated: Dec 15, 2010 at 11:49 PM ECT )

European manufacturer ATR says its planes are safe and the People's Partnership Government's suggestions there may be safety issues with its aircraft have no basis in fact.

The southern France-based turboprop aircraft maker said yesterday it has noted discussions in Trinidad and Tobago during the past couple weeks about the acquisition by State carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) of nine ATR airplanes to renew its fleet.

Approved by Cabinet and agreed to by ATR and Caribbean Airlines in September, the deal for the 68-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft is valued at US$200 million. However, the deal and the firing of former CAL CEO Capt Ian Brunton are now at the heart of an impasse between the George Nicholas-led board and Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner.

Part of the discussions on the deal have elicited concerns about the safety of ATR aircraft and the need to review this in the context of CAL's choice of aircraft. ATR, however, did not take too kindly to the insinuation of such discussion.

"First of all, ATR cannot accept that the safety of its products is called into question when there is absolutely no technical or factual basis for this to be an issue," the company said in a statement yesterday.

"Furthermore, the fact that these safety concerns are raised after the joint media announcement of the agreement between CAL and ATR and the payment of commitment fees makes it even more damaging for the image of ATR and its products."

The company said the claims were damaging to its reputation.

Brunton had negotiated the deal with ATR to boost Caribbean Airlines' fleet before he was fired by the CAL board of directors last month.

CAL paid a deposit of US$1.8 million for the planes, which were planned for use on the airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago. The airline planned to take delivery of the aircraft next year.

Warner said the board showed him "no respect" and did not inform him it had fired Brunton. He suggested Nicholas was more interested in securing planes from another foreign manufacturer, Bombardier, out of Canada.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said, following a post-Cabinet meeting in Tobago last week, "An issue has arisen with respect to safety of the aircraft, the preferred aircraft, from the former board and the present board is raising safety issues."

Government then agreed to hire an international aviation safety expert to evaluate the concerns of the CAL board. Attorney General Anand Ramlogan announced on Tuesday London, England-based aviation expert John Dunne had been hired to evaluate the safety concerns raised by the CAL directors.

ATR, in a statement from spokesman David Vargas, responded yesterday: "As a well-recognised international aircraft manufacturer, ATR has always placed safety at the forefront of its everyday work and efforts. The following factual elements of information show that its aircraft are safe and trusted worldwide:

• Over 850 ATR aircraft are being operated every day by 150 commercial airlines in 90 countries around the world, accumulating some 21 million flights per day in the world, with an aircraft landing at any 20 seconds without any restriction or concern regarding safety.

• The ATR aircraft are certified by the international civil aviation authorities in all of these countries, including the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The ATR products fully comply with the very stringent certification requirements of the CS25 and FAR 25 Rules, which are the same applied to narrow-body and wide-body aircraft made by Boeing and Airbus.

• In addition to CAL, many other major airlines and leasing companies around the world have selected ATR (two most recently were Azul in Brazil and Steven Udvar-Hazy's Air Lease in the US). ATR currently has more than half of the market share in sales and deliveries.

"Declarations inferring that ATR aircraft are unsafe not only harm ATR's image as a company but, also, the image of all of the professionals in the aeronautical industry that are connected with the operation of ATR aircraft. There is no doubt that any qualified aviation professional would rely on work performed by airworthiness authorities.

ATR said the agreement with CAL resulted from an exhaustive and thorough technical and economic analysis by airline management and a "detailed comparison with the competition".

"This long selection process led to the designation of our product and commercial offer as the best solution for the airline," the company said, adding: "Given all these elements, and in light of the fact that safety of ATR aircraft is not a credible issue, ATR has serious concerns as to the real reasons why this decision and the signed agreement between Caribbean Airlines and ATR are being called into question. To date, ATR has not been contacted directly by the airline or the Government to be informed directly of the situation."

Accidents involving ATR and Bombardier aircraft

ATR


• October 31,1994—American Eagle (Simmons Airlines) ATR 72; Flight 4184; near Roselawn, Indiana, USA: This was a scheduled domestic flight from Indianapolis and Chicago. During descent, the crew activated the airframe de-icing system. The crew was in a holding pattern at about 10,000 feet (3050m) and while the aircraft was descending to 8,000 feet, the aircraft went out of control due to the effects of icing, and crashed. The four crew members and 64 passengers were all killed. The icing occurred in areas of the wings that were beyond the area protected by the de-icing system.


• November 11, 1999—Air Botswana ATR 42; Gaborone, Botswana: An Air Botswana pilot, who had been grounded for medical reasons, took off alone in an Air Botswana ATR42 airliner and crashed it into two of the airline's other ATR42s on the ground. Fortunately, there was no one else in the other two aircraft. The pilot was the only person killed in this event.


• August 2005—Tuninter ATR 72; near Palermo, Italy: The aircraft was on an unscheduled international flight from Bari, Italy, to Djerba, Tunisia, when the aircraft reportedly developed engine trouble. The crew ditched the aircraft off the coast of Palermo. The aircraft had been on a scheduled domestic flight from Kish Island in the Persian Gulf. Two of the four crew members and 14 of the 35 passengers were killed.


• November 4, 2010—AeroCaribbean; CU-T1549; ATR 72-212; Flight 883; near Guasimal, Sancti Spiritus Province, Cuba: The aircraft was on a domestic flight from Santiago to Havana, Cuba. The crew reported an emergency situation shortly before the aircraft crashed in mountainous terrain. All seven crew members and 61 passengers were killed.


Bombardier


• December 16 1997—Air Canada CRJ-100ER; Fredericton, Canada: The aircraft was on a scheduled domestic flight from Toronto to Fredericton. The aircraft was destroyed, but none of the three crew or 39 passengers were killed.


• November 21, 2004—China Yunnan Airlines (China Eastern) CRJ-200; Baotou, China: The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off on a scheduled domestic flight from Baotou to Shanghai. The six crew members and 47 passengers were all killed in the crash.

• August 27, 2006—Delta Connection (Comair) CRJ-100; Lexington, Kentucky, USA: The aircraft was on a scheduled domestic flight from Lexington to Atlanta. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, about a half mile from the end of the departure runway. Two of the three crew members and all 47 passengers were killed.


• November 12, 2009—RwandAir CRJ-100ER; Flight 205; Kigali, Rwanda: A RwandAir CRJ-100ER was on a scheduled flight from Kigali, Rwanda to Kampala, Uganda, and ran into a terminal at the Kigali airport. The nose gear collapsed and the forward portion of the aircraft penetrated the building up to about the position of the forward passenger doors. One of the three crew members and one of the ten passengers were killed.


• Source: www.airsafe.com

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/OUR_PLANES_ARE_SAFE-111973344.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/OUR_PLANES_ARE_SAFE-111973344.html)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Jah Gol on December 16, 2010, 07:55:18 AM
Quote
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said, following a post-Cabinet meeting in Tobago last week, "An issue has arisen with respect to safety of the aircraft, the preferred aircraft, from the former board and the present board is raising safety issues."   :rotfl:

This is the equivalent of taking a sick leave because of a "medical condition."
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: weary1969 on December 16, 2010, 09:04:23 AM
Where d bestest article D AG telling Jack and d board 2 hush? This after both ah dem have had parrot bottom 4 wks.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Flex on January 02, 2011, 07:45:28 AM
CAL seeks to spread its wings in 2011
By Clint Chan Tack Saturday, January 1 2011


GOVERNMENT will renegotiate a fuel hedging arrangement that is helping to keep Caribbean Airlines (CAL) in the air, and help it with its expansion plans.

This was disclosed yesterday by Works and Transport Minister, Jack Warner. The agreement was entered into in 2007 under the then PNM government, and is due to expire early next year.

Warner told Newsday that CAL chairman, George Nicholas III, had made a request to him to extend the fuel hedge for one year. Warner said he sent a note to Finance Minister Winston Dookeran on Tuesday. Warner added that he expects a “favourable” reply from Dookeran early next week. Government is estimated to have paid an annual fuel hedge of US$10 million over the last three years.

At an earlier news conference at the Works Ministry’s head office in Port-of-Spain with Warner, Nicholas said a fuel hedge was normal in the aviation industry and CAL’s records show that this hedge was offered by Citibank to the previous board, chaired by businessman Arthur Lok Jack.

Nicholas was confident that Government would keep the fuel hedge in place.

Nicholas then disclosed that CAL will lease six Boeing 737-800 jets at a cost of $300,000 for its joint venture arrangement with Air Jamaica. He said the Air Jamaica service will be relaunched January 14, in Jamaica.

Stating that CAL continues to pursue its “one Caribbean airline” approach, Nicholas did not rule out the possibility of CAL partnering with other regional carriers in a way similar to the Air Jamaica arrangement.

Nicholas also revealed that CAL was looking at resuming flights to Heathrow International Airport in the United Kingdom. Local flights to Heathrow were scrapped shortly after the demise of its predecessor airline BWIA.

“We will be going to Heathrow this year. We have already started those negotiations on leasing slots into Heathrow,” Nicholas assured.

Nicholas also said the recent snowstorms in the US did not adversely affect CAL flights to its destinations there. He noted that CAL offered vouchers of US$250 to its passengers who were stranded in Baltimore during those storms.

Warner expressed confidence in the state of CAL’s finances and the airline’s continued financial health under Nicholas’ stewardship. The minister said once CAL continues to exercise fiscal prudence, “I don’t think we shall see the days of BWIA (again).”
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: jahkingdom on January 02, 2011, 04:09:19 PM
is this true trinies? :-X
Quote
Under the deal, the Jamaican Government owns a 16 per cent stake in the airline.

Quote
CAL's plans were to take over the profitable routes of Air Jamaica, but that seemed not to have gone as planned, as the airline has reported losses in the last six months.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101224/lead/lead91.html
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Bitter on January 14, 2011, 09:40:50 AM
CAL fined US$40,000
'...Unfair and deceptive advertising'

By Abby Brathwaite
Story Created: Jan 14, 2011 at 12:36 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 14, 2011 at 12:36 AM ECT
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business/CAL_fined_US_40_000-113544544.html

State carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has been fined US$40,000 for what the United States Department of Transportation described as unfair and deceptive advertising.

But an order served by the department in Washington, DC to CAL on December 2 instructed the airline to pay only US$20,000 within 30 days of the issue of the order and a further US$20,000 if it made a similar violation within 12 months.

The report sent to the Express indicated that foreign air carriers, including CAL, are subject to the advertising requirements of the department's rules.

The false advertising is said to have occurred on the airline's website.

"Between March 2010 and July 2010, CAL posted Internet fare advertisements on its website that quoted prices for numerous air fares that did not include applicable fuel surcharges. By failing to include fuel surcharges in its base fare, CAL violated 14 CFR 399.84 and engaged in an unfair and deceptive practice and unfair method of competition in violation 49 USC," the report said.

"Moreover, the September 11 Security Fee was one of the additional taxes and fees that was not included in the advertised price and was not disclosed as required which constitutes a separate and distinct violation of 41712."

The report said CAL blamed a third party vendor for the advertising violation.

"In mitigation, CAL states that the failure of its Internet booking engine to display properly all fare components in accordance with department policy was unintentional, as CAL had relied on a new, third-party booking vendor's assurances that the booking engine would so comply," the report said.

"When the Enforcement Office advised CAL of its concerns, CAL stated that it immediately directed its vendor to remove the functions at issue and worked with that vendor to modify them."

CAL officials have not officially returned phone calls seeking comment on the issue.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: E-man on January 24, 2011, 12:35:49 PM
(http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110123/out/images/AirJaRenewedE20110115WS.jpg)
Jack Warner (left) gives a listening ear to Dennis Lalor.

A renewed Air Jamaica!

It was a much-anticipated event. The Honourable Jack Warner, minister of works and transport, Trinidad and Tobago, hosted 'A Special Evening With Air Jamaica' in the form of a reception and dinner at New Kingston's Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Friday, January 14. Our camera caught all the action.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110123/out/out6.html
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: just cool on January 25, 2011, 08:06:51 AM
Any one flew caribbean air in the past few months? i'm asking BC i would like to know if they upgraded their fleet of 737 800 with tv monitors in the head rest of every seat, or do they still have those drop down screens.

if not then they need to get wid it! almost every up and coming airlines have these available, it's very convenient and necessary if they wish to compete with the bigger airlines.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: g on January 25, 2011, 02:07:20 PM
Any one flew caribbean air in the past few months? i'm asking BC i would like to know if they upgraded their fleet of 737 800 with tv monitors in the head rest of every seat, or do they still have those drop down screens.

if not then they need to get wid it! almost every up and coming airlines have these available, it's very convenient and necessary if they wish to compete with the bigger airlines.

I flew with them a couple weeks ago, same drop down screens but they have a safety video instead of the flight attendants doing the demonstrations now. Don't get meals like in the past, just a sandwich but they are still ahead of other airlines that only serve drinks in economy class.

I think that only wide body long haul jets (Boeing 777, Airbus A340) carry those personal monitors in the headrests (subject to correction). So the smaller medium range narrow body 737s that CAL uses wouldnt normally have that equipment.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Bitter on January 25, 2011, 02:56:15 PM
In-flight entertainment options are determined by the airlines. This is why JetBlue can have seat-back IFE. But that's a major selling-point for them. I'm sure if CAL could realize greater revenue from installing seat-back they would.

Incidentally, all of CALs airplanes are leased either from ILFC or Transavia airlines.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: just cool on January 25, 2011, 09:58:13 PM
Any one flew caribbean air in the past few months? i'm asking BC i would like to know if they upgraded their fleet of 737 800 with tv monitors in the head rest of every seat, or do they still have those drop down screens.

if not then they need to get wid it! almost every up and coming airlines have these available, it's very convenient and necessary if they wish to compete with the bigger airlines.

I flew with them a couple weeks ago, same drop down screens but they have a safety video instead of the flight attendants doing the demonstrations now. Don't get meals like in the past, just a sandwich but they are still ahead of other airlines that only serve drinks in economy class.

I think that only wide body long haul jets (Boeing 777, Airbus A340) carry those personal monitors in the headrests (subject to correction). So the smaller medium range narrow body 737s that CAL uses wouldnt normally have that equipment.
There are 737 that also has them, but i'm beginning to believe that it's only the 737 900 ER. here's an example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T139WRrOMl8
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines to settle jet fleet
Post by: Babalawo on January 26, 2011, 05:10:44 PM
I just want 24 hr ATR 72-600s plane flight to and from Tobago please
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Flex on April 18, 2011, 04:47:56 AM
No CAL/JA signatures on the dotted line yet
By Vernon Khelawan Thursday, April 14 2011


Amid heavy and consistent reports that Caribbean Airlines (CAL) is having second thoughts about the Air Jamaica deal, no firm denial has come from Iere House at Piarco to put these reports to rest, except to state in a media release three days ago that “Caribbean Airlines is committed to implementing its integration plan so that the airline can concentrate on making its operations a success.”

But information received by Business Day has revealed several important legal documents, crucial to closure of the deal, remain outstanding. Business Day understands the amended By Laws, although completed, remains outstanding because it is required to conform with the amended Shareholder agreement which has not yet been finalised.

The amended Shareholder agreement, it is understood, was ready for signing last December but it did not include that the government of Jamaica would assign CAL national carrier status. CAL was insistent it must.

According to well-placed sources, the Jamaica government sent back the document to CAL in January 2011, still without the national carrier clause. It is also understood the amended articles of Incorporation remain in abeyance as does the Shareholder certificate confirming the transfer of 16 percent of CAL shares to the government of Jamaica, according to the original agreement.

In a release earlier this week, CAL maintained that” since the signing of the initial agreement a year ago, its team continues to work towards the consolidation of Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines in time for the April 30 2011 deadline of the Shareholder agreement.”

Reacting to a newspaper report on Jamaica last weekend which stated that some 300 employees were set to lose their jobs, the release stated: “As with most acquisitions, there are difficult decisions that will have to be taken during any integration process. Whilst there may be redundancies in some departments, other departments have in fact increased their head count.”

It cited where since last December a number of new pilots were hired and there still existed the need for more. The release also stated Air Jamaica had begun filling 75 vacancies to complete the cabin crew requirements.

“Currently employees in Jamaica are being informed about the future plans for the airline,” added the Piarco release.

“All job titles and salaries have been standardised across the company thereby levelling the playing field for all employees ensuring there was no discrimination between the two companies. All relevant HR procedures have been followed to assist in the integration process.”

Air Jamaica chairman Dennis Lalor said in Kingston earlier this week he had not been advised of any impending staff cuts at Air Jamaica, following a weekend report in Kingston that some 300 jobs were in jeopardy come April 30 when the deal has to be signed.
Title: Caribbean Airlines passengers stuck on tarmac for 6 hours at Newark Airport
Post by: Tallman on April 29, 2011, 12:51:58 PM
Caribbean Airlines passengers stuck on tarmac for 6 hours at Newark Airport
newyork.cbslocal.com


There was anger and frustration at Newark Liberty International Airport Thursday after a group of passengers were left stuck on the tarmac for six hours.

Three hundred travelers on two Caribbean Airlines flights from Trinidad were diverted by the bad weather to Newark instead of their original destination — John F. Kennedy Airport.

Passengers waited in the planes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and said they really didn’t know why.

“I felt like I was claustrophobic,” 11-year-old Jasmine told CBS 2′s Derricke Dennis.

“They didn’t have any food per se on the plane,” said Nikita Job of Somerset, N.J.

While passengers said they understood severe weather played a role in the delay, they were dumbfounded why it took so long just to get off their planes.

“It’s disgusting. It’s really terrible. I mean we’re human, nobody should have to go through this,” said Raj Wahid of Queens.

Pilot Paul Beston said Newark Airport does not service Caribbean Airlines — no computers, no staff, no customs paperwork and no gate. Despite new federal rules that feature a passenger Bill of Rights, the measure does not yet apply to international flights.

Calls by CBS 2 to both Caribbean Airlines and the Port Authority were not returned Thursday night.
So following their long wait, passengers were eventually taken home by bus.

“I hope it never happens again,” said Theresa Abraham of Long Island.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines passengers stuck on tarmac for 6 hours at Newark Airport
Post by: elan on April 29, 2011, 04:09:17 PM
These people obviously never travel AA
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines passengers stuck on tarmac for 6 hours at Newark Airport
Post by: weary1969 on April 29, 2011, 10:03:32 PM
These people obviously never travel AA

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines passengers stuck on tarmac for 6 hours at Newark Airport
Post by: Brownsugar on April 30, 2011, 06:20:06 AM
These people obviously never travel AA

ooooohhhh gggguuuuddddd Elan, I swear you take de words right off mih keyboard.....dais exactly what ah was coming to post.....AA is my airline of choice.....if ah have no other choice!!!!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines passengers stuck on tarmac for 6 hours at Newark Airport
Post by: Jah Gol on April 30, 2011, 06:30:40 AM
My flight out of JFK on Thursday was delayed for more than 5 hours. Most of the airlines had delays too. I couldn't be bothered . I open my laptop and play Football Manager 2011 right through. You really cyar beat up too much over the weather.

I was in the bathroom when Air Jamaica announced that their flight was cancelled altogether. I could still hear the 200 or so Jamaicans collectively moan and shout bomboclat.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines passengers stuck on tarmac for 6 hours at Newark Airport
Post by: Bitter on April 30, 2011, 10:06:01 AM
Now obviously they get stuck in limbo within a stones-throw from their final destination, fueling more frustration.
But you have to wonder what is the protocol in this situation. You get a plane-load of passengers from a diverted flight, you mean there is no area to take them off the plane to wait?
Title: Re: Jamaica PM flies in for Air Jamaica /CAL talks
Post by: Flex on May 15, 2011, 06:36:25 AM
Nicholas’ family ties
Sun, 2011-May-15
By: Asha Javeed
 
 
George Nicholas, chiarman of Caribbean Airlines Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has awarded a $27 million dollar contract to CIC Insurance Brokers, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CIC Holdings, in which Issa Nicholas Holdings Limited is the fifth largest shareholder. CAL chairman George Nicholas is a director of Issa Nicholas Holdings Ltd. The three-year contract, to provide Employee Benefits Brokerage and Consulting Services at CAL, was awarded on February 4, 2011.

The contract is worth $9 million annually. At the tenders committee meeting which included: Nicholas, vice-chairman Mohan Jaikaran, diretcors Allan Clovis and Gizelle Russell, Insurance Manager Ronald Sukhbir and Human Resources Manager Charmaine Heslop Da Costa, CIC Insurance Brokers was one of three companies shortlisted. The other two companies were Risk Management Services, an independent broker which was formerly a member of Guardian Holdings Ltd and Global Financial Services. Global Financial Services was deemed unfit and their proposal discarded and Jaikaran proposed 21st Century Insurance Ltd.

Risk Management Services, the incumbent broker, was selected in 2007 when it was part of GHL. The Sunday Guardian learnt that the managers of Risk bought out the company from GHL two years ago. Former CAL chairman Arthur Lok Jack, who served under the PNM administration, is also the chairman of GHL. Risk Management Services scored the highest during the evaluations, with CIC Insurance Brokers placing second and 21st Century Ltd, placing third. The Sunday Guardian was informed that Jaikaran lobbied, during the tenders meeting for 21st Century, an insurance company based in Chaguanas, but the company was rejected on the legal advice of Giselle Russell.

Russell, the Sunday Guardian was told, contended that the company was small and never undertook a project the size of which CAL demanded. “Propoganda was perpetuated. Risk (Management Services) was said to still be associated with Guardian Holdings and its PNM- appointed chairman, Lok Jack. And then politics played off. The prejudice at the company is at the top. It was agreed that was not the direction the company should go,” a company source pointed out.  “We were given the impression that the political directorate would not approve of Risk Management Services because of the GHL link so we left it out,” another source told the Sunday Guardian. CIC Insurance Brokers, in which Nicholas declared his family had an interest to the tenders committee and exited the meeting, was selected by the Tenders Committee.

The Sunday Guardian learnt the 21st Century filed a complaint to CAL’s board about whether the company was dealt fairly in the selection process. The Broker’s letter of appointment stated that CIC Insurance Brokers Ltd was the exclusive insurance broker for CAL “with respect to our local and regional employee benefits program, which includes but is not limited to Group Health and Group Life insurances. The appointment is also in respect of services required for the implementation and management of Caribbean Airlines Limited Pension Plan.”

The letter, signed by Insurance Manager Ronald Sukhbir, continued: “This letter also constitues authority to furnish CIC Insurance Brokers Limited representatatives with all information they may request as it pertains to our Group Health and Life Insurance contracts and all other data they may wish to obtain for their study of which this letter applies. We request that you do not communicate such information to anyone else.”

Following the firing of former Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring minister Mary King, a red flag was raised in the company which prompted CAL’s internal auditor to inquire whether the its board has declared its interests. State boards have three months, after they are appointed, to declare their interests. The Guardian understands that apart from the verbal revelation in the committee meeting, Nicholas has not declared his interest formally through CAL’s legal department as yet.

Nicholas’ US$99,000 advertisement

One of the thorny issues the CAL board has objected to with regard to its chairman was his “unilateral, high-handed” approach to conducting business. In March, Nicholas agreed to pay Global Business Worldwide—a company subcontracted by Fortune magazine to do country report/advertorials—the sum of US$99,000 for two full-page advertisements. The board was not consulted about this decision and payment was authoised by Nicholas.

Global Business submitted two invoices—one to Caribbean Airlines, Piarco and the other to Jamaican Airlines, Kingston, Jamaica. The invoice, dated March 1, read: Advertisement in a special report on Trinidad and Tobago to be distributed with Fortune magazine.  The total: US$49,500. Total for two advertisements: US$99,000. A 50 per cent downpayment was paid on March 16 and the remaining 50 per cent on March 31. The Sunday Guardian understands that when the invoice reached the CAL’s Finance Department, there were no supporting documents save Nicholas’ stamp of authorisation. The advertisements are supposed to run in the July edition of the magazine. Nicholas, the Sunday Guardian understands, will also be featured in the special report of T&T.

Vice Chairman follies

But Nicholas isn’t the only member of the infighting board to benefit from CAL’s bounties. CAL, the Sunday Guardian understands, has increased its advertising on World Indian Network Television (WIN TV), which is owned by Mohan Jaikaran- since November 2010. Jaikaran along with the rest of the board was sworn in on November 2010.

• On December 9, 2010, Caribbean Airlines paid Win Communication Ltd $28.750.00

• On December 9, 2010, Caribbean Airlines also paid Win TV-$25,000 for “Divali Package 2010 with ads on WIN TV and Win Radio

• On March 24, 2011, Caribbean Airlines paid WIN Communication Ltd-$17,526.00. That sum was paid for a Caribbean Airlines banner of WIN TV website for the months of January and February 2011.

• On May 5, 2011, Caribbean Airlines paid WIN Communication Ltd- $17,526.00. 

• CAL has also paid an invoice for a Caribbean Airlines banner of WIN TV website for November and December 2010.

The Sunday Guardian has copies of all cheques and invoices. The advertising spend has become a concern of the employees of the state-owned airline: “You are not supposed to feed off the very thing you are governing. That’s wrong,” a CAL employee disclosed. Staff at CAL told the Sunday Guardian that they’ve never seen the situation this bad before and expressed concern about the future of the company.

Air Jamaica

A two week extension negotiated by CAL for the signing of their final agreement with Jamaica, for Air Jamaica’s routes, will end today. The Guardian understands that Nicholas and Jaikaran along with CAL’s corporate secretary Nerine Small, are scheduled to go to Jamaica today to sign the agreement. On April 29, one day before the Shareholders Agreement with Jamaica was due to be consumated, Nicholas went ahead and negotiated a two-week extension. The board had been in suspension by line Minister, Jack Warner, and had not finalised the final terms of arrangements.

Nicholas, in an email on April 29 at 5 pm, to CAL’s directors and management which was copied to line Minister Jack Warner and then acting prime minister Winston Dookeran stated: “We have today executed an extension as the Prime Minister (Kamla Persad-Bissessar) has negotiated with Prime Minister Golding for the extension of personnel provision agreement to now be signed on or before June 30, 2011.” Nicholas, the Guardian understands, did not consult with Warner, Dookeran or the CAL board on the matter but dealt with the Prime Minister directly. At the time, Persad-Bissessar headed a 40-member contingent to the World Economic Forum in Brazil.

The Guardian understands that Nicholas’ email was in response to an email sent to the Prime Minister by Warner stating the urgent need to formalise the Shareholders’ Agreement and begin CAL’s permanent acquisition of Air Jamaica.  The Guardian understands that following his email, Nicholas and one of CAL’s directors Gizelle Russell faxed this position, now a supplemental agreement to AJ chairman, Dennis Lalor. Attempts to reach several people: Nicholas, Jaikaran and Warner were futile. Director Allan Clovis, who answered his phone, told the Sunday Guardian that he was steering clear of commenting on anything until a decision of the board’s future had been made. The CAL board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday.

Timeline of CaL Board

November 2010

• Caribbean Airlines board sworn in. George Nicholas is selected as chairman. The other board member include vice chairman, Mohan Jaikaran, Allan Clovis, Gizelle Russell, Susan Smith, Avedanand Persad and Venosh Sagewan-Maraj.

• On November 26 former chief executive, Captain Ian Brunton fired. His dismissal is described as a “necessary adjustment.  The issue of Brunton’s dismissal centered on the purchase of nine ATR 72-600 aircraft for US$200 million ($1.28 bn). Nicholas favoured Bombadier.

Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner  upset. He calls for the board to do the “ethical” thing and resign.

December 2010

•On December 13, 2010—CAL board issues a three-page release stating they will not resign.

• In rebuttal, Warner said the board of state-owned Caribbean Airlines can continue to“ramajay.”

•  Attorney General Anand Ramlogan commissioned a review of the controversial ATR purchase by aviation expert John Dunne. Dunne supports the purchase of ATR.

January 2011

• Warner and Nicholas make peace.

• January 14, 2010—Warner and Nicholas launch a re-branded Air Jamaica in Jamaica. Nicholas announes that Air Jamaica will soon be flying to Heathrow.

• Formal agreement with ATR is signed.

February 2011

• On February 17, the board met with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to express their dissatisfaction at the way Nicholas is running the airline. CAL board wants Nicholas to step down. Warner is left in the dark.

• The board members also expressed their concern to Works and Transport Minister, Jack Warner.

March 2011

• More rumblings at CAL. Warner and Permanant Secretary meet with board to discuss the situation. He makes a recommendation to the Prime Minister. Persad Bissessar, on her return from the Commonwealth meeting, was expected to make a decision.

• Warner suspends board.

• Kamla refers matter to the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

April 2011

• April 16, 2010—Finance Minister Winston Dookeran writes to the Prime Minister. Dookeran said the board should be dissolved and “reconstituted with persons with knowledge and competence in the field.”

“The commercial stakes are high and the cost of political inaction will be high as well,” Dookeran wrote.

• Persad-Bissessar says she’s still awaiting a report from FNGP on CAL issue.

• CAL misses April 30 deadline finalisation of Shareholder Agreement with Air Jamaica.

• Warner appealed to AG Ramlogan to “do whatever it takes” to disband the current board of directors of CAL.
Title: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 overshoots runway after landing at CJIA
Post by: boss on July 30, 2011, 04:27:17 AM
Scary...

Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash landed at CJIA with 154 Passengers and 8 crew members aboard
http://ncnguyana.com/ncngy/index.php/local/local-news/social-issues/1034-caribbean-airlines-flight-bw-523-crash-landed-at-cjia-with-154-passengers-and-8-crew-members-aboard

One-hundred and fifty four passengers and eight crew members aboard a Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 were on Saturday morning rescued from a smoking aircraft, which crash landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

No one on board the flight lost their life. The incident is reported to have occurred around 1 hours 25 today. President Bharrat Jagdeo is currently on the scene leading a high-level government team which includes Transport Minister Robeson Ben, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

Further investigations have revealed that at the time of touch down it was raining heavily. Initial reports are at this time that the pilot’s vision was obscured by the heavy rainfall and misty conditions which led to him actually touching down the aircraft mid-way of the runway.

This resulted in the aircraft exhausting the end of the stretch, plunging through the perimeter fence of the airport. The Caribbean Airlines leased Boeing 737 stopped straddling the road leading to the South Dakota Circuit. Firefighters on the ground quickly worked to cut passengers and crew members out of the aircraft which has broken into two halves by the time it came to a halt.

The pilot is said to have sustained a broken leg while an unknown number of persons have suffered injuries about their bodies. NCN has learnt that flight 523 was a connecting flight from John F Kennedy airport to Miami, Florida before stopping in Port Of Spain Trinidad.

The flight was expected to arrive in Guyana at 21:25 hours on Friday but was delayed arriving at 1:25. A source close to the fire service stated that one of the plane engines was said to be smoking at the time of rescue operations. Civil Aviation Authority officials are currently being assisted by Firefighters, soldiers and police conducting initial investigations.

NCN spoke with Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy as he arrived at the airport. We have since learnt that a press conference is ongoing at the airport. Stay tuned to NCN as we bring you updates as we receive them. NCN has several crews on the ground and we will keep you informed.

A release from Caribbean Airlines on its website states that its Boeing 737-800, operating as flight # BW523, en route from Port of Spain, Trinidad to Georgetown, Guyana has been involved in an incident at the Cheddi Jaggan International Airport in Guyana at approximately 01.32 hours.

The airline says there were no fatalities. Caribbean Airlines immediately activated its emergency response programme and is in direct contact with the relevant authorities. The airline’s primary concern at this time is for those on board the aircraft and their families.

The release goes on to state that Details of the incident will be released as soon as all information has been confirmed.

Caribbean Airlines says it will continue to release information as it becomes available. A press briefing is scheduled for 0.700hours at the VIP lounge at Piarco International Airport.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Jah Gol on July 30, 2011, 05:21:56 AM
Quote
Caribbean Airlines says it will continue to release information as it becomes available. A press briefing is scheduled for 0.700hours at the VIP lounge at Piarco International Airport.

http://www.i955fm.com/watch-i955-fm-studio-live.html
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: D.H.W on July 30, 2011, 06:12:02 AM
plane broke up in about 2-3 pieces, d main section. Saw a picture on BBC . Not good

(http://www.caribbean360.com/thumbnail.php?file=images/Caribbean/caribbean_airlines_crash_514581598.jpg&size=article_medium)

(http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/images/2011/07/DSC_0244.jpg)

(http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/images/2011/07/DSC_0253.jpg)

http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2011/07/30/breaking-news-plane-crash-at-cjia/
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Michael-j on July 30, 2011, 06:23:08 AM
plane broke up in about 2-3 pieces, d main section. Saw a picture on BBC . Not good

(http://www.caribbean360.com/thumbnail.php?file=images/Caribbean/caribbean_airlines_crash_514581598.jpg&size=article_medium)

It's amazing no lives were lost in that crash :o Really amazing!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: grimm01 on July 30, 2011, 07:03:48 AM
plane broke up in about 2-3 pieces, d main section. Saw a picture on BBC . Not good

(http://www.caribbean360.com/thumbnail.php?file=images/Caribbean/caribbean_airlines_crash_514581598.jpg&size=article_medium)

It's amazing no lives were lost in that crash :o Really amazing!

agreed!
just read a report on that passengers had to pay taxi drivers to take them from the wreck to the terminal... ::)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: STEUPS!! on July 30, 2011, 08:20:20 AM
Praises to the Almighty there were no deaths in this crash. judging from those pics, there could have easily been some fatalities
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bakes on July 30, 2011, 09:02:33 AM
Quote
Further investigations have revealed that at the time of touch down it was raining heavily. Initial reports are at this time that the pilot’s vision was obscured by the heavy rainfall and misty conditions which led to him actually touching down the aircraft mid-way of the runway.

So what happen to on-board instruments?  I won't start speculating, but it will be interesting to see what the black box has to say.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Jah Gol on July 30, 2011, 09:50:10 AM
Quote
Further investigations have revealed that at the time of touch down it was raining heavily. Initial reports are at this time that the pilot’s vision was obscured by the heavy rainfall and misty conditions which led to him actually touching down the aircraft mid-way of the runway.

So what happen to on-board instruments?  I won't start speculating, but it will be interesting to see what the black box has to say.
Same thing I saying.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: truetrini on July 30, 2011, 10:16:16 AM
speed probably was a factor as well.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Dumplingdinho on July 30, 2011, 11:17:56 AM
speed probably was a factor as well.

since we all speculating, i will say inexperience pilot.  the story mentioned weather conditions so the pilot might not have been accustom to heavy rain and mist so he misjudge the runway.  it could be speed but i doubt since only an a$$ would be at de wrong speed when trying to land in rain and mist unless de a$$ was drunk.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: D.H.W on July 30, 2011, 11:32:36 AM
Video of the crashed plane on this page

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14353610
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socafan on July 30, 2011, 11:57:05 AM
So its not a crash landing, it overshot the runway.

One woman described how a taxi driver got to the scene before the emergency services and charged her to be driven back to the terminal. :o Jeez....

This happen too early in Caribbean Airlines life. I don't think BWIA ever had something like this, only maybe emergency landing for smoke and slight runway knocks.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: boss on July 30, 2011, 02:55:28 PM
US investigators to probe plane crash
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol   
Saturday, 30 July 2011 13:58
http://www.demerarawaves.com/index.php/Latest/2011/07/30/us-investigators-to-probe-plane-crash.html

Police have secured the crash site as work proceeds on retrieving the baggage

American investigators are due in Guyana Monday to remove the blackbox and data voice recorder of the Caribbean Airlines plane which crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) early Saturday.

Flights in and out of the airport have resumed while feverish efforts are underway to retrieve the baggage belonging to the 151 passengers and six crew.

Airline Chairman, George Nicholas said the probe is being spearheaded by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and will include personnel from the US National Transport Safety Board (NTSB).

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected in Guyana Saturday evening for a first hand assessment of the situation. The airline is the national carrier of the twin-island republic.

Steel barricades, manned by armed police and soldiers, have been erected around the aircraft to secure it for the investigators.

Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com) observed items being removed from the aircraft and loaded into an army truck.

Nicholas called it a miracle that the US$38 million aircraft acquired in 2007 did not catch a fire or persons were not killed or more seriously injured.

"It's an absolute miracle that took place today," he told a news briefing at the CJIA. "It's amazing to have an aircraft in that shape with a small number of injuries."

Nicholas and other senior management officials, who flew in from Trinidad, declined to speak about the weather, how equipped was the airport control tower and other matters that could impact on the investigations in connection with Flight BW523.

The airline officials, however, assured that the pilot has been flying for 25 years and has been doing so to Guyana over that same period.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Saturday afternoon released a list of 35 persons who were seen at the institution, three of whom have been admitted as patients.

They are a male, 46, of Shell Road, Kitty who sustained an injury to his right leg and was admitted to the High Dependency Unit; a 69-year-old female of Whim, Corentyne who sustained an injury to her forehead and was admitted to the Female Surgical Ward and; a 20-year-old female of 110 Second Street, Hopetown who suffered a cerebral concussion and trauma to the abdomen. She too was admitted to the Female Surgical Ward.

No names were released.   

The Diamond Diagnostic Center also treated 17 patients with 11 being referred to the GPHC while were six sent home.

"We will continue to be alert throughout the coming days for passengers who may experience any pain or trauma," Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said in a statement.

Caribbean Airlines spokeswoman, Laura Asborjornsen said a team of Caribbean experts would be arriving in Guyana to assist with "post trauma" counselling for the passengers and crew members.
Scores of persons who arrived on the flight expressed concern about the delay in getting their baggage.

"We want to know why so long we can't get we baggage," one passenger yelled at a Caribbean Airlines staffer who was trying to calm an increasingly tense situation.

However, airline officials said all personal belongings inside the cabin were being collected and placed in individual plastic bags corresponding with each seat.

The incident occurred around 1:25 AM when the jet ran off the runway and down a slope where it broke in two. There has been no official word on the weather conditions at the time of the incident.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socapro on July 30, 2011, 03:17:12 PM
I think it was an Air Jamaica plane rebranded as Caribbean Airlines!
Just noticed Air Jamaica written just below the Caribbean Airways logo of the broke plane.

I can only guess that the pilot was possibly an inexperienced Air Jamaica pilot who had never landed a plane in Guyana before under those conditions!  :-\
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Jah Gol on July 30, 2011, 03:56:10 PM
Guardian just tweeted this

Quote
PM Persad-Bissessar, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj & Foreign Affairs & Communications Min. Dr Surujrattan are heading for Guyana today.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Controversial on July 30, 2011, 04:22:50 PM
thank god no one died :beermug:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Jah Gol on July 30, 2011, 04:38:27 PM
The brand will take a hit .This is the last thing Nicholas needed.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Michael-j on July 30, 2011, 04:58:21 PM
I think it was an Air Jamaica plane rebranded as Caribbean Airlines!
Just noticed Air Jamaica written just below the Caribbean Airways logo of the broke plane.

I can only guess that the pilot was possibly an inexperienced Air Jamaica pilot who had never landed a plane in Guyana before under those conditions!  :-\

Air Jamaica never had any Boeing 737 aircraft of it's own. The aircraft is indeed a CAL aircraft that was leased from an Irish firm and has been in the fleet since 2007. 
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Brownsugar on July 30, 2011, 06:27:38 PM
Guardian just tweeted this

Quote
PM Persad-Bissessar, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj & Foreign Affairs & Communications Min. Dr Surujrattan are heading for Guyana today.

......yet again, Kamla clearly, clearly, does not understand her role as PM.....steups!!!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socafan on July 30, 2011, 06:52:41 PM
Guardian just tweeted this

Quote
PM Persad-Bissessar, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj & Foreign Affairs & Communications Min. Dr Surujrattan are heading for Guyana today.

......yet again, Kamla clearly, clearly, does not understand her role as PM.....steups!!!

I just here thinking "boy like she love to travel". What would be her role there? She doh have more important things to do than to go visit a crash site with barely any injuries in a foreign country? She from Guyana or what? Is there no one else that can do whatever it is she going to do?

Sillines...
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socapro on July 30, 2011, 08:33:28 PM
Guardian just tweeted this

Quote
PM Persad-Bissessar, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj & Foreign Affairs & Communications Min. Dr Surujrattan are heading for Guyana today.

......yet again, Kamla clearly, clearly, does not understand her role as PM.....steups!!!

I just here thinking "boy like she love to travel". What would be her role there? She doh have more important things to do than to go visit a crash site with barely any injuries in a foreign country? She from Guyana or what? Is there no one else that can do whatever it is she going to do?

Sillines...

It seems to be a disease that afflicts all our PM's. They all seem to love flying at every opportunity on taxpayers money, the view is great and also being so high up where the air is rare on a regular basis serves to remind them of their high position in charge of the country!! The previous PM did it so is her turn now, that's the logic!! Never mind taxpayers money is being unnecessarily wasted and you took pains to point that out about the previous PM/government when you were in opposition! ;)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bourbon on July 30, 2011, 08:34:54 PM
One:

Guyana runway kinda short. In fact their airport on the whole is a Category 2  airport  (http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/news/stories/07/21/aviation-safety-rating-points-to-local-deficiencies/)
Quote
For those countries rated under Category 2, it means that the FAA has “assessed this country’s civil aviation authority (CAA) and determined that it does not provide safety oversight of its air carrier operators in accordance with the minimum safety oversight standards established by the ICAO.”

That was 2 years ago...dunno if it changed.


Two:
Rain woulda make it worse.

Three: Pilot error..worse yet.

I just glad nobody died. I real pissed that a 60+ year perfect record gone. Plus this would make flights tighter as its peak season and they barely meet the demand as this..worse yet with one less from the fleet.



And I wondering what exactly our goodly PM looking to do by going Guyana.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socapro on July 30, 2011, 08:39:53 PM
One:

Guyana runway kinda short. In fact their airport on the whole is a Category 2  airport  (http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/news/stories/07/21/aviation-safety-rating-points-to-local-deficiencies/)
Quote
For those countries rated under Category 2, it means that the FAA has “assessed this country’s civil aviation authority (CAA) and determined that it does not provide safety oversight of its air carrier operators in accordance with the minimum safety oversight standards established by the ICAO.”

That was 2 years ago...dunno if it changed.


Two:
Rain woulda make it worse.

Three: Pilot error..worse yet.

I just glad nobody died. I real pissed that a 60+ year perfect record gone. Plus this would make flights tighter as its peak season and they barely meet the demand as this..worse yet with one less from the fleet.



And I wondering what exactly our goodly PM looking to do by going Guyana.

To smile and show her pretty face in Guyana and of course to have a drink with the Guyanese PM while she's there!  ;)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Patterson on July 30, 2011, 09:25:24 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43954430/ns/world_news-americas/
(http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/110730-plane-hlg-2p.grid-8x2.jpg)



http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/189747/20110730/caribbean-airlines-crash.htm
(http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/07/30/140607-caribbean-airlines-jet-is-seen-broken-at-cheddi-jagan-international-ai.jpg)

(http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/07/30/140608-caribbean-airlines-jet-is-seen-broken-at-cheddi-jagan-international-ai.jpg)

(http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/07/30/140611-caribbean-airlines-jet-is-seen-broken-at-cheddi-jagan-international-ai.jpg)

(http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/07/30/140605-caribbean-airlines-jet-is-seen-broken-at-cheddi-jagan-international-ai.jpg)

(http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/07/30/140609-caribbean-airlines-jet-is-seen-broken-at-cheddi-jagan-international-ai.jpg)

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Peong on July 30, 2011, 09:44:47 PM
That is some scary shit.  Thank God no one died.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Jah Gol on July 31, 2011, 08:55:05 AM
To be honest I don't have a problem with the PM visiting the site. Its a very sad day for the National Airline.

I can't say what purpose Suruj supposed to serve.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Brownsugar on July 31, 2011, 09:20:17 AM
Maybe if she hadn't made some stupid appearances before, e.g. showing up in a fete to present Machel with he $2 mill, ah woulda give she de benefit of the doubt......I does have to question most things she do now

As for Suruj, he must be have some family to visit  *shrugs*
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: just cool on July 31, 2011, 10:30:20 AM
I glad this happened to CAL!! haul dey mudda c@nt!!! yes i said it! very happy no one got hurt, but it couldn't have happened to ah better airline! like i said, sorry for the passengers and the flight crew, glad they're OK (the flight crew not so bad) but the administration and the ground staff, they are a serious bunch of kakaholes!!

can't wait for jet blue to start going to T&T since continental and AA is also shittier than CAL. want tuh stop fying with them altogether, BC of the disrespect they made me eat since they were BWEE, but there's no viable choices so i have tuh continue fying with this disrespectful bunch.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: just cool on July 31, 2011, 11:11:31 AM
I think it was an Air Jamaica plane rebranded as Caribbean Airlines!
Just noticed Air Jamaica written just below the Caribbean Airways logo of the broke plane.

I can only guess that the pilot was possibly an inexperienced Air Jamaica pilot who had never landed a plane in Guyana before under those conditions!  :-\
A similar incident occurred in jamaica ah few yrs ago by an "american arline" jetliner that skid off the runway and crashed in similar fashion piloted by an "american" pilot.  ::)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diNpa57PGJ0
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bourbon on July 31, 2011, 11:36:20 AM
To be honest I don't have a problem with the PM visiting the site. Its a very sad day for the National Airline.

I can't say what purpose Suruj supposed to serve.


I could say...but that would be unconfirmed gossip. But from now..take note how often they go together.

I glad this happened to CAL!! haul dey mudda c@nt!!! yes i said it! very happy no one got hurt, but it couldn't have happened to ah better airline! like i said, sorry for the passengers and the flight crew, glad they're OK (the flight crew not so bad) but the administration and the ground staff, they are a serious bunch of kakaholes!!

can't wait for jet blue to start going to T&T since continental and AA is also shittier than CAL. want tuh stop fying with them altogether, BC of the disrespect they made me eat since they were BWEE, but there's no viable choices so i have tuh continue fying with this disrespectful bunch.

And I eh understand dis logic.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: just cool on July 31, 2011, 03:26:15 PM
To be honest I don't have a problem with the PM visiting the site. Its a very sad day for the National Airline.

I can't say what purpose Suruj supposed to serve.


I could say...but that would be unconfirmed gossip. But from now..take note how often they go together.

I glad this happened to CAL!! haul dey mudda c@nt!!! yes i said it! very happy no one got hurt, but it couldn't have happened to ah better airline! like i said, sorry for the passengers and the flight crew, glad they're OK (the flight crew not so bad) but the administration and the ground staff, they are a serious bunch of kakaholes!!

can't wait for jet blue to start going to T&T since continental and AA is also shittier than CAL. want tuh stop fying with them altogether, BC of the disrespect they made me eat since they were BWEE, but there's no viable choices so i have tuh continue fying with this disrespectful bunch.

And I eh understand dis logic.
What's there to understand, it's simple, they fackin suck in terms of customer service! especially on the ground (check in, baggage policy, gate staff, security, reservation) you want more?

imagine, the last time i flew with them they charged me almost 200USD bc they printed the wrong flight time on my I T, when i got there for the flight they closed it and had the nerve to charge me for being on stand by when they were @ fault and not me in the first place, and this was not the first time they handed it to me. fack them i say!.



PS: and not tuh say they charge meh almost half the price of ah ticket and showed me some kinda courtesy and compassion, but they also handled me scruffy in the process, and then had the nerve to call airport security when i raised my voice and complained.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bourbon on July 31, 2011, 04:43:41 PM
To be honest I don't have a problem with the PM visiting the site. Its a very sad day for the National Airline.

I can't say what purpose Suruj supposed to serve.


I could say...but that would be unconfirmed gossip. But from now..take note how often they go together.

I glad this happened to CAL!! haul dey mudda c@nt!!! yes i said it! very happy no one got hurt, but it couldn't have happened to ah better airline! like i said, sorry for the passengers and the flight crew, glad they're OK (the flight crew not so bad) but the administration and the ground staff, they are a serious bunch of kakaholes!!

can't wait for jet blue to start going to T&T since continental and AA is also shittier than CAL. want tuh stop fying with them altogether, BC of the disrespect they made me eat since they were BWEE, but there's no viable choices so i have tuh continue fying with this disrespectful bunch.

And I eh understand dis logic.
What's there to understand, it's simple, they fackin suck in terms of customer service! especially on the ground (check in, baggage policy, gate staff, security, reservation) you want more?

imagine, the last time i flew with them they charged me almost 200USD bc they printed the wrong flight time on my I T, when i got there for the flight they closed it and had the nerve to charge me for being on stand by when they were @ fault and not me in the first place, and this was not the first time they handed it to me. fack them i say!.

Well say dat. In any case....a plane crash to me doh seem like due retribution for poor customer service. Buh dahs just me.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: just cool on July 31, 2011, 05:18:16 PM
To be honest I don't have a problem with the PM visiting the site. Its a very sad day for the National Airline.

I can't say what purpose Suruj supposed to serve.


I could say...but that would be unconfirmed gossip. But from now..take note how often they go together.

I glad this happened to CAL!! haul dey mudda c@nt!!! yes i said it! very happy no one got hurt, but it couldn't have happened to ah better airline! like i said, sorry for the passengers and the flight crew, glad they're OK (the flight crew not so bad) but the administration and the ground staff, they are a serious bunch of kakaholes!!

can't wait for jet blue to start going to T&T since continental and AA is also shittier than CAL. want tuh stop fying with them altogether, BC of the disrespect they made me eat since they were BWEE, but there's no viable choices so i have tuh continue fying with this disrespectful bunch.

And I eh understand dis logic.
What's there to understand, it's simple, they fackin suck in terms of customer service! especially on the ground (check in, baggage policy, gate staff, security, reservation) you want more?

imagine, the last time i flew with them they charged me almost 200USD bc they printed the wrong flight time on my I T, when i got there for the flight they closed it and had the nerve to charge me for being on stand by when they were @ fault and not me in the first place, and this was not the first time they handed it to me. fack them i say!.

Well say dat. In any case....a plane crash to me doh seem like due retribution for poor customer service. Buh dahs just me.

Given the circumstances, no one died or was seriously hurt, i glad no arse! it was the perfect punishment.

doh get me wrong, i felt sad to see the images of a airline i does fly wid in an air disaster, but the last two times i flew with them they disrespected me good and proper and i swore to never use them again , but who's an alternative? CO , AA? they're even worst than CAL and their inflight services stinks. i wish the FAA would flag them for ah six months and allow jet blue access to T&T.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: ckhan on July 31, 2011, 05:32:21 PM
Happy that no one was seriously hurt given the pics of the plane. Heard that the airport is not up to International standards...but i'll wait and let the investigation takes its course.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: D.H.W on July 31, 2011, 06:29:59 PM
Happy that no one was seriously hurt given the pics of the plane. Heard that the airport is not up to International standards...but i'll wait and let the investigation takes its course.

Ah was going to say something , but ill hold meh tongue  ::)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: dinho on July 31, 2011, 08:29:29 PM
I glad this happened to CAL!! haul dey mudda c@nt!!! yes i said it! very happy no one got hurt, but it couldn't have happened to ah better airline! like i said, sorry for the passengers and the flight crew, glad they're OK (the flight crew not so bad) but the administration and the ground staff, they are a serious bunch of kakaholes!!

can't wait for jet blue to start going to T&T since continental and AA is also shittier than CAL. want tuh stop fying with them altogether, BC of the disrespect they made me eat since they were BWEE, but there's no viable choices so i have tuh continue fying with this disrespectful bunch.

Yuh dead wrong here brother, poll a sample population of travellers on the Caribbean route and CAL rates very highly in terms of customer service, safety and punctuality. As a matter of fact as an airline altogether they are far removed from the BWEE days. I assure you, your views are not representative of the travelling public.


Guardian just tweeted this

Quote
PM Persad-Bissessar, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj & Foreign Affairs & Communications Min. Dr Surujrattan are heading for Guyana today.

......yet again, Kamla clearly, clearly, does not understand her role as PM.....steups!!!

You just cyah help yuhself eh?

CAL is the national airline, government is heavily involved with recent strategic changes etc and this is the worst 'disaster' of its kind in its entire history. This is a critical situation.  What is your big issue with her taking a 1 hr pop across to Guyana to tour the site, do you know that she had something more pressing to do with her Saturday?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: just cool on July 31, 2011, 10:57:01 PM
Dinho, i know it eh sound too good, especially after such ah tragedy, but the truth remains, and when i say truth, i mean my personal experiences (my truth). CAL ground crew sucks!

the inflight service is fine, and in many cases if yuh flying business class, not so much coach. the pilots are top shelf, and in some cases the attendants are ok, but that ground staff is who i have real beef wid. them mudfackers is who does give the airline ah stinkin image.

ah hope i made it abundantly clear, im truly sorry for the passengers and flight crew, but i hate the fackin nasty image that the airline has as far as customer service goes.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Brownsugar on August 01, 2011, 05:25:01 AM

You just cyah help yuhself eh?

CAL is the national airline, government is heavily involved with recent strategic changes etc and this is the worst 'disaster' of its kind in its entire history. This is a critical situation.  What is your big issue with her taking a 1 hr pop across to Guyana to tour the site, do you know that she had something more pressing to do with her Saturday?

No I don't know that she had nothing else to do with her Saturday evening......I also don't know that she had anything pressing to do on a fore day morning to find she self in a fete to present Machel with he $2 million or that she had nothing better to do with her day than go down by the lil boy parents who got killed to pose for the cameras and promise a speedy resolution to the crime.......perhaps if the woman hadn't made so many unnecessary PR blunders in her one year in office then I would be questioning her every decision!!! 

I have absolutely no confidence in this woman, you apparently do and ah happy for you!!!

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Jah Gol on August 01, 2011, 06:58:35 AM
IT WAS A STUNNING SIGHT
Originally printed at http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/IT_WAS_A__STUNNING_SIGHT-126497898.html

By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
July 31, 2011
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday described the crashed Caribbean Airlines aircraft as a "stunning sight" that was really heart-rending to see, especially in the daylight.

"It was miraculous what happened because not a life was lost, not a fatality," she said at a media conference at Piarco International Airport after returning from Guyana, where she flew on Saturday to inspect the damage and meet with the injured crew and passengers from Caribbean Airlines Flight BW523 which crash-landed at the Cheddi Jaggan International Airport on Saturday.

Persad-Bissessar and a team comprising Transport Minister Devant Maharaj, Foreign Affairs and Communications Minister Suruj Rambachan, Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Rodger Samuel travelled to Guyana on Saturday to get a first-hand view of the crash.

She said she visited some of the injured passengers and she pointed out that even the most affected passenger who suffered a broken leg assured that he would continue to fly with CAL.

"We thank God for his mercies that not a life was lost and it serves to remind us of the safety track record of Caribbean Airlines," Persad-Bissessar said.

She noted that on Saturday night, a CAL flight coming into Guyana had to circle for over an hour in the air before landing.

The Prime Minister said she was advised this happened because the visibility was low because of the rainfall.

She added that a decision was taken that if the aircraft could not land safely, it would return to Trinidad. However, it was able to land.

She said one pilot sustained back injuries, but he was doing well and not hospitalised.

Arrangements were put in place, she said, to fly one family member of the six crew members to Guyana to lend comfort and support.

"They did appear to be traumatised... they did appear to be in discomfort. I know the airline has brought in persons to speak to them and give them support and counselling, but they are indeed, in my respectful view from interacting with them, they are traumatised," she said.

"I saw a lift when we walked in, all of us, and spoke with them and prayed with them. They were more comforted when we left," she added.

"It is a miracle that they are alive," she added, as she explained that someone by the name of Neil had to literally take an axe to break the door of the cockpit to get the crew out.

Persad-Bissessar said it is expected that there will be some ill effects from the crash, but she stressed that it must be noted that CAL has a proven track record.

"We need to remind ourselves, I want to repeat this and I cannot say it enough that the safety and record of Caribbean Airlines remains, in that not a life has been lost in over the period of time, its previous incarnation as Bwee/BWIA, so thank God for the miracle that has occurred as we probe into this matter to find out what could have led to it," said Persad-Bissessar.

She also clarified that it was not her administration but the People's National Movement (PNM) which had leased the Boeing 737-800 aircraft which crash-landed in Guyana on Saturday morning.

The Prime Minister was not casting any blame, but wanted to correct "misinformation" that was being put into the public domain by bloggers—that the aircraft was leased in April this year under the People's Partnership Government and its new Caribbean Airlines (CAL) board.

She also dispelled reports that there as a CAL crash in St Maarten, pointing out that this was not only false but a 2001 report about another airline.

Persad-Bissessar said she could not provide any explanations as to how the crash occurred, saying that she would leave it to the investigators.

She offered thanks to US Ambassador Beatrice Wilkinson Welters, who arranged for the United States National Transportation and Safety Board to fly into Guyana from Washington to conduct investigations.

In addition, Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago's Civil Aviation Authority, Guyana's Civil Aviation Authority, representatives from Boeing and officials from Suriname will also be probing the crash.

The Prime Minister said she gave instructions that no part of the aircraft should be touched until the investigations were completed.

"I was not of the view that the aircraft should be touched in any manner or any parts removed until the investigators had a chance to come on site and see it," said Persad-Bissessar.

"We don't know what happened and we have no intention of speculating. We would want to await the outcome of the investigations to guide us," she added.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: dinho on August 01, 2011, 09:55:53 AM

You just cyah help yuhself eh?

CAL is the national airline, government is heavily involved with recent strategic changes etc and this is the worst 'disaster' of its kind in its entire history. This is a critical situation.  What is your big issue with her taking a 1 hr pop across to Guyana to tour the site, do you know that she had something more pressing to do with her Saturday?

No I don't know that she had nothing else to do with her Saturday evening......I also don't know that she had anything pressing to do on a fore day morning to find she self in a fete to present Machel with he $2 million or that she had nothing better to do with her day than go down by the lil boy parents who got killed to pose for the cameras and promise a speedy resolution to the crime.......perhaps if the woman hadn't made so many unnecessary PR blunders in her one year in office then I would be questioning her every decision!!! 

I have absolutely no confidence in this woman, you apparently do and ah happy for you!!!


To be quite honest, I haven't had confidence in a government in this country from as long as I remember to spell the word government, so please lets not politicize.

My point is I trying to understand what is your beef here. You have an issue with the PM making a public appearance to the disaster site. Do you similarly have an issue when Obama visits tornado stricken towns or makes himself present at disaster stricken or afflicted areas where there is no real hands on input he can offer? Did you have an issue when the PM was on-site visiting flood victims the very day after the general elections or was that posing for cameras too?

I may be mistaken but I thought the purpose of being there aside from the obvious political agenda (which every politician does) is also to offer full support and encouragement and to show some kinda appreciation of the urgency of a situation. I much prefer that, than to have a PM sitting in the office having a PR person belting out template press releases to respond to every situation.

I was just trying to understand where you coming from, but then again you yourself say that your modus is to question her every decision... so i guess i get my answer.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Brownsugar on August 01, 2011, 10:33:03 AM
I would prefer if she allowed the people she hired to do their jobs and stop turning everything into a campaign stop.  My beef is, that she has been so liberal with her appearances that when she does indeed do something right I wonder if she even knows why she is doing it.

My not questioning her every decision is not a position I came to overnight.  I was really looking forward to her style of governance but lord knows she clearly eh have no kinda style.  SHE herself has made so many minor and major blunders over the past year, I have no choice but to question her.

In my opinion, she didn't have to go to Guyana herself.  She has ah Transport Minister (bad choice) the CEO of CAL (another questionable appointee), she coulda send the "expert" on Security matters Capt. Gary Griffith, her PS, that guy from the Office of the PM Roger Samuel I think is his name.....but this is just my opinion.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socafan on August 01, 2011, 10:59:22 AM

You just cyah help yuhself eh?

CAL is the national airline, government is heavily involved with recent strategic changes etc and this is the worst 'disaster' of its kind in its entire history. This is a critical situation.  What is your big issue with her taking a 1 hr pop across to Guyana to tour the site, do you know that she had something more pressing to do with her Saturday?

No I don't know that she had nothing else to do with her Saturday evening......I also don't know that she had anything pressing to do on a fore day morning to find she self in a fete to present Machel with he $2 million or that she had nothing better to do with her day than go down by the lil boy parents who got killed to pose for the cameras and promise a speedy resolution to the crime.......perhaps if the woman hadn't made so many unnecessary PR blunders in her one year in office then I would be questioning her every decision!!! 

I have absolutely no confidence in this woman, you apparently do and ah happy for you!!!


To be quite honest, I haven't had confidence in a government in this country from as long as I remember to spell the word government, so please lets not politicize.

My point is I trying to understand what is your beef here. You have an issue with the PM making a public appearance to the disaster site. Do you similarly have an issue when Obama visits tornado stricken towns or makes himself present at disaster stricken or afflicted areas where there is no real hands on input he can offer? Did you have an issue when the PM was on-site visiting flood victims the very day after the general elections or was that posing for cameras too?

I may be mistaken but I thought the purpose of being there aside from the obvious political agenda (which every politician does) is also to offer full support and encouragement and to show some kinda appreciation of the urgency of a situation. I much prefer that, than to have a PM sitting in the office having a PR person belting out template press releases to respond to every situation.

I was just trying to understand where you coming from, but then again you yourself say that your modus is to question her every decision... so i guess i get my answer.

This is not a disaster, it's a plane that overshot a runway..IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY... There are no fatalities. Just the loss of an aircraft. You really believe this warrants a visit by the Prime Minister of TnT whoever that may be? Why would any Prime Minister of TnT feel the need to visit this particular event?? Even if is only for PR what good PR is she getting out of it (translate..who is she trying to impress and about what). Obama visits disaster sites in the US, things on a much more massive scale than this, in-country, you know, real disasters. Isn't there someone else that can do this??  TnT taxpayers need to pay for her and her entire entourage to visit Guyana for this?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bakes on August 01, 2011, 11:40:22 AM
To be quite honest, I haven't had confidence in a government in this country from as long as I remember to spell the word government, so please lets not politicize.

My point is I trying to understand what is your beef here. You have an issue with the PM making a public appearance to the disaster site. Do you similarly have an issue when Obama visits tornado stricken towns or makes himself present at disaster stricken or afflicted areas where there is no real hands on input he can offer? Did you have an issue when the PM was on-site visiting flood victims the very day after the general elections or was that posing for cameras too?

I may be mistaken but I thought the purpose of being there aside from the obvious political agenda (which every politician does) is also to offer full support and encouragement and to show some kinda appreciation of the urgency of a situation. I much prefer that, than to have a PM sitting in the office having a PR person belting out template press releases to respond to every situation.

I was just trying to understand where you coming from, but then again you yourself say that your modus is to question her every decision... so i guess i get my answer.

First off this is no "disaster"... that's the first thing.  Secondly, Obama didn't fly to NY when the plane was forced to splash down in the Hudson, let alone fly to a foreign country at that.  The "disaster" talk is as silly as the comparisons to Obama flying to tornado sites in Alabama where not only was there loss of life, but extensive damage to property causing many to be left homeless.  Is one thing for Kamla to drive to a flooded out area to assure residents that government is aware of their plight.  Is another for this woman to hop on a plane and fly to Guyana just to look at a crash site.  It comes of as naive pretentiousness  at best, shameful posturing at worst.  I can't believe man seriously trying to defend that.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: elan on August 01, 2011, 11:56:22 AM
I glad this happened to CAL!! haul dey mudda c@nt!!! yes i said it! very happy no one got hurt, but it couldn't have happened to ah better airline! like i said, sorry for the passengers and the flight crew, glad they're OK (the flight crew not so bad) but the administration and the ground staff, they are a serious bunch of kakaholes!!

can't wait for jet blue to start going to T&T since continental and AA is also shittier than CAL. want tuh stop fying with them altogether, BC of the disrespect they made me eat since they were BWEE, but there's no viable choices so i have tuh continue fying with this disrespectful bunch.

Yuh dead wrong here brother, poll a sample population of travellers on the Caribbean route and CAL rates very highly in terms of customer service, safety and punctuality. As a matter of fact as an airline altogether they are far removed from the BWEE days. I assure you, your views are not representative of the travelling public.


Guardian just tweeted this

Quote
PM Persad-Bissessar, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj & Foreign Affairs & Communications Min. Dr Surujrattan are heading for Guyana today.

......yet again, Kamla clearly, clearly, does not understand her role as PM.....steups!!!

You just cyah help yuhself eh?

CAL is the national airline, government is heavily involved with recent strategic changes etc and this is the worst 'disaster' of its kind in its entire history. This is a critical situation.  What is your big issue with her taking a 1 hr pop across to Guyana to tour the site, do you know that she had something more pressing to do with her Saturday?

Read between de lines what she saying nah man.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Jah Gol on August 01, 2011, 12:08:42 PM
To be honest I don't have a problem with the PM visiting the site. Its a very sad day for the National Airline.

I can't say what purpose Suruj supposed to serve.
I posted this earlier and then I read the express article this morning. I wanted to give the PM the benefit of the doubt but clearly she was as useful as a curious onlooker at the scene of an accident.

Quote
The Prime Minister said she gave instructions that no part of the aircraft should be touched until the investigations were completed.

"I was not of the view that the aircraft should be touched in any manner or any parts removed until the investigators had a chance to come on site and see it," said Persad-Bissessar.

"We don't know what happened and we have no intention of speculating. We would want to await the outcome of the investigations to guide us," she added.
I'm not sure she had any authority to give any such instruction and furthermore isn't that standard procedure anyway. I think she just wanted to talk, seriously , I'm not even trying to be facetious.


Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Trini Madness on August 01, 2011, 05:52:36 PM
not to be stereotypical but if yuh only hear some of the guyanese people talk. saying how trinidad planes eh good or trinidad pilots eh good steupsss is that really necessary????
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: just cool on August 02, 2011, 12:56:03 PM
not to be stereotypical but if yuh only hear some of the guyanese people talk. saying how trinidad planes eh good or trinidad pilots eh good steupsss is that really necessary????
Fack them!! they just jealous that they don't have an airline any more. air guyana was ah bush league airline wid ah bunch ah bush pilots with an old 1980s fleet. they have some nerve to talk. :notlistening:

im surprised air guyana didn't kill anyone in the time they were in contention with those old 1940s war planes they were using. pleasseeeeee. 

ah mean CAL sucks as far as customer service go, and like i said before, the ground crew is nothing short of abysmal, but CAL pilots (local boys that is) are tip top! and for that reason only, well that and the fact that jetblue don't go to T&T, is why i've stuck with them so long.

doh get no horrors breds, the "small" minded west indian is not to be taken seriously. most of them never travel outside of their parameters to see how the rest of the world lives anyway.   who cares what ppl like that think, i don't.  :sleepy:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Daft Trini on August 02, 2011, 01:01:04 PM
not to be stereotypical but if yuh only hear some of the guyanese people talk. saying how trinidad planes eh good or trinidad pilots eh good steupsss is that really necessary????
Fack them!! they just jealous that they don't have an airline any more. air guyana was ah bush league airline wid ah bunch ah bush pilots with an old 1980s fleet. they have some nerve to talk. :notlistening:

im surprised air guyana didn't kill anyone in the time they were in contention with those old 1940s war planes they were using. pleasseeeeee. 

ah mean CAL sucks as far as customer service go, and like i said before, the ground crew is nothing short of abysmal, but CAL pilots (local boys that is) are tip top! and for that reason only, well that and the fact that jetblue don't go to T&T, is why i've stuck with them so long.

doh get no horrors breds, the "small" minded west indian is not to be taken seriously. most of them never travel outside of their parameters to see how the rest of the world lives anyway.   who cares what ppl like that think, i don't.  :sleepy:


Like yuh take in some cricket back in de day... true talk... de safest plane dat they use tuh use was the DC9... and that was a scary ride...
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: NYtriniwhiteboy.. on August 02, 2011, 01:31:12 PM
flying to Kaiteur in guyana was one of the most fun flying experiences ever...pilot did some maneuvers that definitely eh legal..only after we told him that one of the 6 passengers (my cousin) was a pilot also and he was loving it
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socapro on August 02, 2011, 02:04:24 PM
I think we should stop promoting so much damaging misinformation!

The headline of this thread is very misleading!

It reads: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
When it should read: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 overshoots runway after landing at CJIA

The plane never crash landed!!!!

How come everyone just rolling with this misinformation that makes our national carrier 100% safety record appear to be in tatters when the truth is far from so!

The truth is that the plane landed safely but overshot a shorter than normal runway for reasons still to be established; possibly due to pilot error coupled with that of air traffic control error and the bad weather conditions.

Let’s stop promoting the misinformation that the plane crash landed which would have been due to some equipment failure when it clearly didn't and thankfully due to the skill of the pilot no one died with just a few injuries mainly occuring when folks tried to jump off the plane after it came to a halt!

God is a Trini and has trained all our pilots who are some of the best in the world and our aircraft are still all maintained to the highest aviation standards and we still maintain a 100% flying track safety record!!

Stop rolling with the badminded propaganda my people!!
Our airlines still have one of the safest flying track records on the planet and not just in the Caribbean!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: dinho on August 02, 2011, 02:15:06 PM
Funny you should mention that because the media got it right when it was American Airlines a couple years ago:

American Airlines plane overshoots runway in Jamaica (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8427628.stm)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socapro on August 02, 2011, 02:24:44 PM
Funny you should mention that because the media got it right when it was American Airlines a couple years ago:

American Airlines plane overshoots runway in Jamaica (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8427628.stm)

Good example!!
It is clear what the agenda is here!! Misinformation is okay when it’s comes to a Caribbean run airline because we are supposed to be backwards and can’t run our own affairs in their eyes!
But when it’s an American Airlines aircraft involved they take great pains to make sure they don't unwittingly damage the public's perception of their airline's safety record!

Don't fall for the double-standards people!!

The plane never crashed landed and our 100% flying safety record is still intact!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bakes on August 02, 2011, 03:11:41 PM
Good example!!
It is clear what the agenda is here!! Misinformation is okay when it’s comes to a Caribbean run airline because we are supposed to be backwards and can’t run our own affairs in their eyes!
But when it’s an American Airlines aircraft involved they take great pains to make sure they don't unwittingly damage the public's perception of their airline's safety record!

Don't fall for the double-standards people!!

The plane never crashed landed and our 100% flying safety record is still intact!

 ::)

Even the Jamaicans themselves were referring to this as a "crash"

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/AA-crash-lawsuits-begin_7836568




... ah suppose we shoulda criticize Obama for not flying to Kingston to check on things back then.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socapro on August 02, 2011, 03:29:56 PM
Good example!!
It is clear what the agenda is here!! Misinformation is okay when it’s comes to a Caribbean run airline because we are supposed to be backwards and can’t run our own affairs in their eyes!
But when it’s an American Airlines aircraft involved they take great pains to make sure they don't unwittingly damage the public's perception of their airline's safety record!

Don't fall for the double-standards people!!

The plane never crashed landed and our 100% flying safety record is still intact!

 ::)

Even the Jamaicans themselves were referring to this as a "crash"

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/AA-crash-lawsuits-begin_7836568




... ah suppose we shoulda criticize Obama for not flying to Kingston to check on things back then.

That language is to be expected if you are filing legal claims against the airline.
Any decent lawyer will describe it as a “crash” to strengthen their case against the airline.

That does not take away from the fact that our CAL airline actually overshot the runway rather than crash landed as most folks would be mislead into believing from the headline of this thread.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bakes on August 02, 2011, 03:50:10 PM
That language is to be expected if you are filing legal claims against the airline.
Any decent lawyer will describe it as a “crash” to strengthen their case against the airline.

That does not take away from the fact that our CAL airline actually overshot the runway rather than crash landed as most folks would be mislead into believing from the headline of this thread.


So the Jamaica Observer was in cahoots wid the plaintiffs den... I see.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socapro on August 02, 2011, 06:57:13 PM
That language is to be expected if you are filing legal claims against the airline.
Any decent lawyer will describe it as a “crash” to strengthen their case against the airline.

That does not take away from the fact that our CAL airline actually overshot the runway rather than crash landed as most folks would be mislead into believing from the headline of this thread.


So the Jamaica Observer was in cahoots wid the plaintiffs den... I see.

 ???
My argument was not about what happened in Jamaica Bakes!
That's your argument!

I was complaining about the misleading heading of this discussion thread that only serves to make it look like one of our national aircraft actually crash landed in Guyana when in fact it overshoot the runway after a normal landing!!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bakes on August 02, 2011, 07:13:31 PM
???
My argument was not about what happened in Jamaica Bakes!
That's your argument!

I was complaining about the misleading heading of this discussion thread that only serves to make it look like one of our national aircraft actually crash landed in Guyana when in fact it overshoot the runway after a normal landing!!

I have no argument nah pardna... I'm simply trying to point out that the "crash" language is used colloquially in the media and that it's not necessarily the big conspiracy you trying to paint.  The Jamaica 'crash' was used to highlight that very point... the colloquial use of the term.  Apparently I was too subtle the first time around.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Socapro on August 02, 2011, 07:43:27 PM
???
My argument was not about what happened in Jamaica Bakes!
That's your argument!

I was complaining about the misleading heading of this discussion thread that only serves to make it look like one of our national aircraft actually crash landed in Guyana when in fact it overshoot the runway after a normal landing!!

I have no argument nah pardna... I'm simply trying to point out that the "crash" language is used colloquially in the media and that it's not necessarily the big conspiracy you trying to paint.  The Jamaica 'crash' was used to highlight that very point... the colloquial use of the term.  Apparently I was too subtle the first time around.

Ok, point taken!
Sometimes I need things written in crayons to understand right away so don't be so subtle next time!  :D
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bakes on August 02, 2011, 08:19:09 PM
Ok, point taken!
Sometimes I need things written in crayons to understand right away so don't be so subtle next time!  :D

You make a good point in highlighting the fact that this isn't a 'crash' in the truest sense of the word... a plane falling out of the sky, but in the loosest sense, and the sense that the average joe would use it, I don't think the term here is problematic.  If anything, the more one thinks about it, the more Kamla's jetsetting to the scene seems a hysterical, rather than a rational response.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: Bitter on August 02, 2011, 09:50:47 PM
Is a shorter runway more dangerous?
Overrun incidents, like the one in Guyana last weekend, are on the rise. Should we be alarmed?
BY PATRICK SMITH
http://www.salon.com/technology/ask_the_pilot/?story=/tech/col/smith/2011/08/02/caribbean_airlines_accident_guyana

Reuters
Rescue workers inspect a Caribbean Airlines jet after it skidded off the runway at Cheddi Jagan International airport outside Georgetown July 30, 2011.
Here it is, the turn of another month. It dawns on me -- too late -- that I let the first of July go by without mentioning that it was the 25th anniversary of my near-death experience over Nantucket Sound. This was the only close call I've ever had in an airplane, and it happened in a rented Piper Warrior when I was a 20-year-old private pilot hoping to impress a gothed-out, 17-year-old fashion model named Dorothy Meyer. The tale of that near-miss is my all-time favorite flying story, and every year I make a point of running a link. Here it is again, better late than never.

Onward to more timely things ...

Later in the week I'll be getting to the Air France 447 findings. In particular, I'll be looking at the media's garbled interpretation of them. European investigators released their report on July 29, and I've received a blizzard of emails from a confused public. Here's some advice for the time being: Ignore pretty much everything you see or read about this. What they're telling you about the report isn't what the report actually says.

In the interim, let's have a look instead at something that happened over the weekend down in Georgetown, Guyana.

The other morning, a Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737-800 overran the runway at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, sliding to a stop and cracking in half. There were no fatalities, but the jet came perilously close to sliding down a steep embankment.

I've flown into Cheddi Jagan. Located in the town of Timehri, it's an immaculate little airport surrounded by lush rain forest, about an hour's drive from the capital.

There is no radar at Cheddi Jagan. Controllers rely on position reports from pilots -- altitude, distance and bearing from the airport's VOR station -- as a means of sequencing traffic. The main runway, numbered 06/24, is a relatively short strip of just over 7,400 feet. There are steep drop-offs at both ends, which can make the runway appear like a sort of inland tropical aircraft carrier, hovering over a sea of vegetation. The airport is prone to morning fog, and lacks an instrument landing system (ILS) -- what we call a "precision approach." Pilots rely instead on a simpler VOR or GPS procedure with parameters that aren't as tight. These lack the strict vertical guidance of an ILS, and your decision point is slightly higher, and slightly farther out, than it would be with an ILS.

All of that sounds kind of scary, and these are the aspects that the media, both internationally and in Guyana, have been harping on. Which is at least partly unfair.

Taken together, these facets indeed make the airport challenging and less forgiving than others, but they do not make it unsafe by any stretch. It is unclear if any of these characteristics played an important role in the accident. Operating without radar, Georgetown's controllers have an excellent reputation for their handling of traffic. As for that non-precision, so long as you're in the slot, so to speak, touching down from one of these procedures should use up no more runway than landing from an ILS. And no approach, ILS or otherwise, should be continued if things become unstable.

With respect to the short runway, It's logical to assume that had it been longer, the jet would not have gone barreling off the end. And sure, on some statistical level, a shorter runway is less safe than a longer one. But that is not the same as unsafe, and not every runway can be 15,000 feet long. Some will always be shorter than others, and at 7,400 feet, Timehri's 06/24 is roughly the same length as those found at LaGuardia, Washington-Reagan, Chicago-Midway and various other high-density airports, from which thousands of flights operate daily without incident. Whether a given strip is long enough to land on is not a matter of guesswork; performance is guaranteed based on weight and surface conditions. At least on paper there is always room enough to come safely to a stop, and that distance includes a buffer.

I'm reminded of those infernal "world's most harrowing airports" lists that surface from time to time, under slightly different headlines, bouncing around the Web and needlessly scaring the crap out of travelers. Do not pay attention to these. They are always exaggerated, misleading and otherwise full of nonsense. If an airport were even remotely dangerous, no airline would be operating there.

In other words, there is nothing about the Georgetown airport that said this accident had to happen.

However, there was limited margin for error. Reportedly the flight touched down in heavy rain, in darkness. The possibilities that jump out at me would include a microburst -- a form of wind shear associated with thunderstorms -- or an unstable, inadvertently long landing on a wet runway in rainy, perhaps windy conditions. Did the crew fly too close to violent weather? Did they come in too high or too fast? Was there a tailwind? Was there a malfunction in the plane's anti-skid or spoiler systems? Or was it a combination of things? With incidents like this, usually there is more than a single, simple cause.

Runway overrun incidents are on the rise worldwide. Looking through the Ask the Pilot archives, I've covered at least half a dozen, including the 2005 Air France near-disaster in Toronto,  and the Southwest accident in Chicago later that same year.  On one hand, this is alarming. On the other hand, global air traffic has doubled over the past 25 years, vastly increasing the average daily number of takeoffs and landings. Taking in all types of mishaps, the global accident rate -- fatalities per passenger-miles flown -- has fallen sharply. If nothing else, we have clear focus of where the problem is. And better training, more than infrastructure upgrades or new technology, is the key to fixing it. In the majority of cases, human error is the culprit.

Caribbean Airlines, by the way, is the reincarnation of the old BWIA (British West Indies Airways), based out of Port of Spain, Trinidad. BWIA had been in business for more than 60 years before closing its doors in 2006. Caribbean A
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
Post by: boss on August 03, 2011, 01:34:43 AM
The headline of this thread is very misleading!

It reads: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 crash lands at CJIA
When it should read: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 overshoots runway after landing at CJIA

The plane never crash landed!!!!

The headline of the thread was taken from the first article I saw about the incident, which I posted immediately. You're right though, so I've changed it  :beermug:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 overshoots runway after landing at CJIA
Post by: rotatopoti3 on August 03, 2011, 03:39:20 AM
iz pilot error...no need for investigation...

question iz now....where are the lawsuits by the passengers against CAL??
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 523 overshoots runway after landing at CJIA
Post by: pecan on August 05, 2011, 06:48:48 AM
I wonder what the pilot excuse is?


Plane drives off Pearson (Toronto) runway, gets stuck in gra
ss
Published On Fri Aug 05 2011

 
Amanda Kwan Staff Reporter, Toronto

There were no injuries but lots of delayed passengers after an Air Canada plane veered off the edge of the runway at Pearson airport Thursday night.

The Frankfurt-bound plane, which was supposed to leave Toronto shortly after 10 p.m., accidently left the runway and drove onto the grass while it was taxiing from the airport gate, an Air Canada spokesperson said.

Police say one of the plane’s wheels got stuck in the grass, which cannot support the weight of the plane.

Air Canada said there was no major damage to the plane.

Matthew Ponsford, a passenger on the plane, said the flight left the gate around 10:45 p.m.

“When the plane was going down the runway, there were three small bumps and it kind of felt like the weight shifted to one side of the plane,” he said.

Then the pilot came over the PA system and told passengers they were having some problems with the landing gear, he said.

They were told to remain seated but after about an hour, airline staff said they were going to be taken off the plane.

Ponsford said one shuttle bus relayed back and forth between the runway and terminal to carry the 265 passengers back to the airport, where they were briefed about overnight hotel bookings.

But it was only when passengers were on the bus and were looking back at the plane that they found out the front-left wheel was on the grass, said Ponsford, who was supposed to catch a connecting flight to Amsterdam from Frankfurt.

“[Air Canada] tried to inform people…but we were never told we were physically off the runway,” he said.

By 1:15 a.m., almost three hours after the flight was supposed to depart from Toronto, only about half the passengers were moved off the plane, Ponsford said.

“All the passengers took it really well. People were very patient and had good humour,” he said.

Air Canada paid for passengers to stay in hotels overnight. The flight was rescheduled to leave Friday afternoon.

Airport crews are working on moving the plane off the grass, which will probably take until Friday morning, police said.
Title: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 04, 2011, 05:59:55 AM
Does anyone here know the reason why Caribbean Airlines (CAL) painted all (or most) of their planes in Air Jamaica colors ?

T&T Footballers Arrive Via Air Jamaica
bernews.


The Trinidad National Football Team – Bermuda’s opponents for Friday’s World Cup qualifier football match – arrived in Bermuda yesterday afternoon [Oct.2].

An Air Jamaica plane flew the team directly to Bermuda, with the team scheduled to fly back to Trinidad on Saturday.

Bermuda will take on Trinidad & Tobago this coming Friday [Oct.7] at 8:00pm. Bermuda’s first match-up against Trinidad and Tobago was held in Port of Spain on September 2nd, with Bermuda losing 1 -0. They then played Guyana on September 6th, losing 2 – 1, with Bermuda’s goal scored by Khano Smith.

TT assistant coach Anton Corneal said, “Bermuda have never been an easy team when they play us and they are home where they are faced with a must win situation so we expect that they will come at us with everything. But once we prepare well and we play to plan, then the rest will take care of itself.”

W Connection defender Mekeil Williams is the lone uncapped player named in an 18-man squad by Soca Warriors coach Otto Pfister for this country’s next two 2014 CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers away. Williams is also one of eight players in the team that will be playing under the German-born coach for the first time.

(http://bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Air-Jamaica-airline-Bermuda-generic-620x414.jpg)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Football supporter on October 04, 2011, 06:34:49 AM
Does anyone here know the reason why Caribbean Airlines (CAL) painted all (or most) of their planes in Air Jamaica colors ?

T&T Footballers Arrive Via Air Jamaica
bernews.


The Trinidad National Football Team – Bermuda’s opponents for Friday’s World Cup qualifier football match – arrived in Bermuda yesterday afternoon [Oct.2].

An Air Jamaica plane flew the team directly to Bermuda, with the team scheduled to fly back to Trinidad on Saturday.

Bermuda will take on Trinidad & Tobago this coming Friday [Oct.7] at 8:00pm. Bermuda’s first match-up against Trinidad and Tobago was held in Port of Spain on September 2nd, with Bermuda losing 1 -0. They then played Guyana on September 6th, losing 2 – 1, with Bermuda’s goal scored by Khano Smith.

TT assistant coach Anton Corneal said, “Bermuda have never been an easy team when they play us and they are home where they are faced with a must win situation so we expect that they will come at us with everything. But once we prepare well and we play to plan, then the rest will take care of itself.”

W Connection defender Mekeil Williams is the lone uncapped player named in an 18-man squad by Soca Warriors coach Otto Pfister for this country’s next two 2014 CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers away. Williams is also one of eight players in the team that will be playing under the German-born coach for the first time.

(http://bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Air-Jamaica-airline-Bermuda-generic-620x414.jpg)

I'm only guessing here, but given that CAL were pressured into providing free flights, I imagine they have used a "stock" aircraft that has not yet received its CAL makeover?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jah Gol on October 04, 2011, 07:05:04 AM
The Caribbean Airlines planes have an Air Jamaica insignia painted on them and the Air Jamaica Planes have a Caribbean Airlines insignia on it. This is an Air Jamaica plane. It was and still is a shitty move. They share assets and staff too. You will see Jamaicans at the Caribbean Airlines counters and Trinis at the Air Jamaica Counter.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: grimm01 on October 04, 2011, 07:08:47 AM
The Caribbean Airlines planes have an Air Jamaica insignia painted on them and the Air Jamaica Planes have a Caribbean Airlines insignia on it. This is an Air Jamaica plane. It was and still is a shitty move. They share assets and staff too. You will see Jamaicans at the Caribbean Airlines counters and Trinis at the Air Jamaica Counter.

It probably a lot cheaper to do that than repaint all the planes to either CAL/AJ/neutral color scheme.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 04, 2011, 08:23:09 AM
The Caribbean Airlines planes have an Air Jamaica insignia painted on them and the Air Jamaica Planes have a Caribbean Airlines insignia on it. This is an Air Jamaica plane. It was and still is a shitty move. They share assets and staff too. You will see Jamaicans at the Caribbean Airlines counters and Trinis at the Air Jamaica Counter.

All Air Jamaica planes were sold, they owned only Airbus aeroplanes.

All these 737's we are seeing today were BWEE's now Caribbean Airlines owned even before Air Jamaica came on the scene.

Therefore, all these plans were painted to Air Jamaica colors, and I don't know why ?

When I visited Trinidad all I could see on the gates in Piarco were Air Jamaica planes and it was really a disappointing sight.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bitter on October 04, 2011, 10:11:21 AM
CAL and Air Jamaica merged the fleet to all 9Y registrations (9Y is T&T) and flight numbers to BW.
The airline operates under a "One Airline, Two Brands" philosophy, so aircraft are allocated to each brand and painted accordingly.

Because of the way it's been organized, they can fly any plane to any destination. I'm sure they don't take the livery into consideration when scheduling movements if it's going to be a problem. It costs money to move planes around. Also note that Hurricane Irene scrambled the schedule a bit, and they lost a plane in Guyana

CAL:
9Y-ANU
9Y-BGI
9Y-GEO
9Y-JMA
9Y-KIN
9Y-POS
9Y-SLU
9Y-SXM
9Y-TAB

Air Jamaica:
9Y-JMA
9Y-JMB
9Y-JMC
9Y-JMD
9Y-JME
9Y-JMF
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bakes on October 04, 2011, 10:20:08 AM
Therefore, all these plans were painted to Air Jamaica colors, and I don't know why ?

Air Jamaica is a known brand... perhaps even moreso than CAL/BWIA.  This wouldn't justify painting all CAL planes in Air Jamaica colors (if that is what they did), but would explain why they kept the brand alive.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: jahkingdom on October 04, 2011, 11:12:30 AM
allot have to do with marketing. air Jamaica is a bigger brand.

also:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/REDjet-plans-to-launch-new-Jamaican-airline_9803417
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Errol on October 04, 2011, 06:05:30 PM
CAL and Air Jamaica merged the fleet to all 9Y registrations (9Y is T&T) and flight numbers to BW.
The airline operates under a "One Airline, Two Brands" philosophy, so aircraft are allocated to each brand and painted accordingly.

Because of the way it's been organized, they can fly any plane to any destination. I'm sure they don't take the livery into consideration when scheduling movements if it's going to be a problem. It costs money to move planes around. Also note that Hurricane Irene scrambled the schedule a bit, and they lost a plane in Guyana

CAL:
9Y-ANU
9Y-BGI
9Y-GEO
9Y-JMA
9Y-KIN
9Y-POS
9Y-SLU
9Y-SXM
9Y-TAB

Air Jamaica:
9Y-JMA
9Y-JMB
9Y-JMC
9Y-JMD
9Y-JME
9Y-JMF

If you read the link jahkingdom provided you will see they said "The failing Air Jamaica was sold in May to the Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Airlines."

I am based in Trinidad and I can assure you that Flex is correct, all CAL plans were painted in AJ colors, its a big turn off to see our national airline is a AJ plane.

Makes you wonder if AJ was the one who bought CAL.

And jahkingdom, it's not about brand, AJ was once the biggest in the Caribbean, but I am sure BWEE took the record from them many times and they were also well known, CAL don't need AJ to make money or sell their tickets, this is why CAL is still in service while AJ had to sellout because they were broke....
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: ProudTrinbagonian on October 04, 2011, 07:34:36 PM
Not all painted AJ...

I just flew down in a CAL plane.

CAL is all about making $.  They making serious tie ups. 

Not at all about brand; hold onto whatever little pride left in AJ.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: just cool on October 04, 2011, 07:47:12 PM
Not all painted AJ...

I just flew down in a CAL plane.

CAL is all about making $.  They making serious tie ups. 

Not at all about brand; hold onto whatever little pride left in AJ.
Not all the planes are painted in air jamaica colors, i would say 50 / 50.  flew on them in april and they still had the CAL on the planes as well as the AJ, some even have bans painted in blue green and yellow @ the tail of the plane with the CAL insignia. this plane just happens to be one of the AJ planes that works the AJ routes.

i'll ask ah breddren who works for CAL as an air craft mechanic about this when i see him.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Patterson on October 04, 2011, 08:20:48 PM
According to the Air Jamaica SkyWritings  magazine which I read flying in a Caribbean Airlines painted plane to Jamaica, no plane was repainted.
Caribbean Beat and Air Jamaica Skywritings can now be found on both airlines

Air Jamaica rebranded and repainted their planes January 2011 year, Air Jamaica is a brand itself and there will not be any repainting, the small insignias of CAL or AJ were added and will remain.

I've seen several CAL painted jets at Piarco... The magazine also stated that routes are alternated so yes we will see AJ planes comes to T&T at times .
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: jahkingdom on October 04, 2011, 11:24:16 PM
Quote
And jahkingdom, it's not about brand, AJ was once the biggest in the Caribbean, but I am sure BWEE took the record from them many times and they were also well known, CAL don't need AJ to make money or sell their tickets, this is why CAL is still in service while AJ had to sellout because they were broke....

of course CAL don't  need AJ to make money or sell tickets, same way they would not need continental or British airways to to make money, but sell tickets to who?. Air Jamaica brand have nothing to do with its financial mismanagement, if you running a company and you sit by and make your bills ran up without been paid and after you start feeling the effects that's when you want to start paying, your business profit bound to take a hit. Air Jamaica was making a profit but had to be using that profit to pay debts, and fuel price, at that point you have no choice but to close or privatize. how many cities does CAL normally flies to?, some trini thought that Air Jamaica routs were going to be diverted to Trinidad, but would you receive the traffic for it to be sustainable?, air Jamaica carry millions of tourist from allot of cities, why you think continental or America airlines canceling some routs in the Caribbean?. i don't see why it is a problem to have both CAL and AJ symbols on the airlines, just so you know, the Jamaican government actually owns 16% of CAL. 
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: FireBrand on October 05, 2011, 08:12:25 AM
The fleet allocation Errol posted is correct... 9 CAL (was 10)  and 6 painted AJ. Flex the reason why u saw so many AJ planes in T&T is because that's where they are being maintained. FYI, the fleet will be expanding a bit as the airline just bought 2 more 737s.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jumbie on October 05, 2011, 08:18:41 AM
CAL needs some comp on the Toronto - POS route.. right now I feel we paying for the purchase of AJ. Fackers!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Swima on October 05, 2011, 09:55:53 AM
They are also looking into getting 3 767 planes for longer hauls with one being based at KIN in AJ livery and two at POS in CAL livery. They interchange the equipment as it is the same airline. Several aircraft with either livery can be seen at either of the hubs, and whether your flight is "AJ" or "CAL" it's one airline with the BW identification.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: ProudTrinbagonian on October 05, 2011, 09:58:10 AM
CAL needs some comp on the Toronto - POS route.. right now I feel we paying for the purchase of AJ. Fackers!

 :beermug: :beermug:
It's not CAL fault though.
It is beyond ridiculous the cost to fly from Toronto.  The cost is at Pearson...so expensive to fly out of there.

landing fees climb at Pearson year after year while drop at other locales.   A good idea would be for CAL to fly out of Buffalo...see how many more Toronto based would fly to Trinidad.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jumbie on October 05, 2011, 11:51:09 AM
CAL needs some comp on the Toronto - POS route.. right now I feel we paying for the purchase of AJ. Fackers!

 :beermug: :beermug:
It's not CAL fault though.
It is beyond ridiculous the cost to fly from Toronto.  The cost is at Pearson...so expensive to fly out of there.

landing fees climb at Pearson year after year while drop at other locales.   A good idea would be for CAL to fly out of Buffalo...see how many more Toronto based would fly to Trinidad.

but here's the thing. If I didn't mind the connection, I cud easily jump on an AA or Delta (I think) and connect in Miami or Atlanta and it would be a couple hundred less. So are we to assume it's somehow cheaper for these airlines flying out of To? Over the summer months there are charters that are a couple hundred less as well. CA out of buffalo would make sense as many people would take the 1.5 hr drive to save a couple hundred dollars.

CA just making it harder for my wallet to patriotic!

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 06, 2011, 06:18:18 AM
They are also looking into getting 3 767 planes for longer hauls with one being based at KIN in AJ livery and two at POS in CAL livery. They interchange the equipment as it is the same airline. Several aircraft with either livery can be seen at either of the hubs, and whether your flight is "AJ" or "CAL" it's one airline with the BW identification.

I think its 777 and not 767.....
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Swima on October 06, 2011, 09:17:51 AM
They are also looking into getting 3 767 planes for longer hauls with one being based at KIN in AJ livery and two at POS in CAL livery. They interchange the equipment as it is the same airline. Several aircraft with either livery can be seen at either of the hubs, and whether your flight is "AJ" or "CAL" it's one airline with the BW identification.

I think its 777 and not 767.....

Was informed by flight staff that they cannot get properly maintained 777 aircraft for lease. Supposedly they getting 767's from LAN Chile and pilots have started training.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Aviator on October 06, 2011, 10:09:45 AM
They are also looking into getting 3 767 planes for longer hauls with one being based at KIN in AJ livery and two at POS in CAL livery. They interchange the equipment as it is the same airline. Several aircraft with either livery can be seen at either of the hubs, and whether your flight is "AJ" or "CAL" it's one airline with the BW identification.

I think its 777 and not 767.....

Was informed by flight staff that they cannot get properly maintained 777 aircraft for lease. Supposedly they getting 767's from LAN Chile and pilots have started training.

Why would they even consider investing in the 777???? Are they  planning on renewing the POS-Heathrow route? Because other than that I see no reason to invest in a long range aircraft like the 777. The longest route they have ( Georgetown-Toronto) is barely half the range of what the plane is capable of. Not to mention the 777 is considerably more expensive than the 767.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Swima on October 06, 2011, 12:20:38 PM
They are also looking into getting 3 767 planes for longer hauls with one being based at KIN in AJ livery and two at POS in CAL livery. They interchange the equipment as it is the same airline. Several aircraft with either livery can be seen at either of the hubs, and whether your flight is "AJ" or "CAL" it's one airline with the BW identification.

I think its 777 and not 767.....

Was informed by flight staff that they cannot get properly maintained 777 aircraft for lease. Supposedly they getting 767's from LAN Chile and pilots have started training.

Why would they even consider investing in the 777???? Are they  planning on renewing the POS-Heathrow route? Because other than that I see no reason to invest in a long range aircraft like the 777. The longest route they have ( Georgetown-Toronto) is barely half the range of what the plane is capable of. Not to mention the 777 is considerably more expensive than the 767.

Yeah, there is an attempt to get back to London, though I am not sure if they can afford to obtain Heathrow slots again. Also, from what I hear, the GEO-YYZ cannot be done non-stop with the 737-800's, so they need to get long haul aircraft. We just have to wait and see. But placing a larger aircraft on the JFK route or YYZ allows them to carry larger loads and free up aircraft for more frequent short haul routes.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: dinho on October 06, 2011, 12:29:22 PM
I think CAL will be picking up the London route again which is why those planes are being acquired.

It is also true that they repainted a setta CAL planes to Air Jamaica colors. Another nonsense move in a long line of concessions to Jamaica to appease their grievances in the acquisition. I think the idea is 2 brands operating under the one CAL umbrella airline, using CAL operations etc.

The real bacchanal gonna be with them ATR's they purchased for the short haul routes.. Those planes were NOT the best option and coming with a host of operational and technical deficiencies.

Stay tuned.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Aviator on October 06, 2011, 03:31:16 PM
They are also looking into getting 3 767 planes for longer hauls with one being based at KIN in AJ livery and two at POS in CAL livery. They interchange the equipment as it is the same airline. Several aircraft with either livery can be seen at either of the hubs, and whether your flight is "AJ" or "CAL" it's one airline with the BW identification.

I think its 777 and not 767.....

Was informed by flight staff that they cannot get properly maintained 777 aircraft for lease. Supposedly they getting 767's from LAN Chile and pilots have started training.

Why would they even consider investing in the 777???? Are they  planning on renewing the POS-Heathrow route? Because other than that I see no reason to invest in a long range aircraft like the 777. The longest route they have ( Georgetown-Toronto) is barely half the range of what the plane is capable of. Not to mention the 777 is considerably more expensive than the 767.

Yeah, there is an attempt to get back to London, though I am not sure if they can afford to obtain Heathrow slots again. Also, from what I hear, the GEO-YYZ cannot be done non-stop with the 737-800's, so they need to get long haul aircraft. We just have to wait and see. But placing a larger aircraft on the JFK route or YYZ allows them to carry larger loads and free up aircraft for more frequent short haul routes.

Some very valid points there. The 737-800 is actually capable of flying the distance but it will not be a good business practice to cut it so close. You looking at 20minutes of fuel left over.

Another good point  to use those planes on the JFK or YYZ routes besides having the heaviest traffic, the extensive flying range of the 767/777 would allow them to fly the plane twice without refuelling. POS-YYZ-POS could safely be done on one tank of gas with either plane, allowing them to refuel in Trinidad for a much cheaper price.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Sam on October 07, 2011, 08:09:49 AM
F00ck Air Jamaica
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Socapro on October 07, 2011, 09:29:11 AM
F00ck Air Jamaica

Sam we now own Air Jamaica so that will be like f%&!ing ourselves wouldn't it?!  :-\
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Daft Trini on October 07, 2011, 10:20:37 AM
F00ck Air Jamaica

Sam we now own Air Jamaica so that will be like f%&!ing ourselves wouldn't it?!  :-\


:rotfl:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on December 10, 2011, 04:18:10 AM
PILOT STRIKE SHOT DOWN
Tribunal orders Air Jamaica staff to keep flying
By Curtis Rampersad Publications Editor
T&T Express.


Air Jamaica pilots attached to State carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) were blocked from taking strike action yesterday after they threatened to stop flying during the lead-up to Christmas, the second busiest travel season of the year.

On Thursday afternoon, CAL was served notice of industrial action to be taken within 72 hours by the Jamaican Airline Pilots Association (JALPA).

The notice was delivered to CAL at the Ministry of Labour in Jamaica.

The pilots are said to be upset about salary issues, and aviation sources said they submitted a claim for wages to CAL in Port of Spain almost nine months ago, but an agreement had not been concluded.

This could not be immediately confirmed yesterday, but in a statement to Jamaican media late Thursday, CAL said the threat of strike action by the pilots was "regrettable... as the pilots themselves wrote there is nothing Caribbean Airlines is in breach with them".

Jamaican Minister of Labour Pearnel Charles told reporters in Kingston on Thursday that the matter between the pilots and CAL was referred to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal in that country, and an attempt was being made to prevent a shutdown of the airline's operations out of Jamaica.

The tribunal met with the parties yesterday and issued a stop order against JALPA, with respect to this dispute.

Today, the Jamaican Industrial Disputes Tribunal issued an "Order To Refrain From Industrial Action" against JALPA, with respect to the dispute between CARIBAL Ltd (a fully owned subsidiary of CAL) and CAL's Jamaican pilots and, in particular, "that the industrial dispute shall not take place," CAL said in a statement last night.

"We are delighted that a sensible outcome has been achieved for families, friends, tourists and all customers into and out of Jamaica. It is not expected that passengers will experience any interrupted service during this Christmas season. Our contingency plans are still in effect and shall carry through for a few weeks at a much lower scale, and we have retained the ability to bring the contingencies fully up if issues arise to ensure there is no impact to the consumer."

Transport Minister Devant Maharaj and Nicholas have also been involved on Thursday in preventative measures against disruption of travel, which arose with the strike threat by the Jamaican pilots.

Contacted yesterday, Minister Maharaj told the Express he had become involved in the matter after Nicholas contacted him on Thursday night.

He also described the threat of strike action as "regrettable, especially when Trinidad owns Air Jamaica 100 per cent".

He said he was at a loss as to what could have motivated the threat by the pilots and said the CAL board of directors had treated with the situation, and there would be no disruptions.

Since July 1, CAL has successfully integrated the Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines brand into "One Airline".

"We have invested significantly into the pilot body, in particular with Boeing 737 training and development, provided the best in-class aircraft, good employment benefits and provided the employment environment for our Jamaican pilots. The Air Jamaica brand, which consists of 650 employees, will continue to operate," the airline said.

In November, Nicholas said CAL turned a $200 million profit.

But the Draft Estimates of Current Expenditure 2012, one of the national budget documents says Government subsidised the airline's operations to the tune of $290 million this year.

The stop order preventing the Jamaican pilots from taking action came one day after strike action by pilots of regional carrier LIAT continued, which temporarily stranded hundreds of passengers across the Caribbean from Tuesday.

LIAT said it resumed normal operations yesterday.

—additional reporting

by Carla Bridglal
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Socapro on December 10, 2011, 02:35:26 PM
Interesting!  :thinking:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on December 10, 2011, 11:14:20 PM
200 Million TT is how much JA Dollars?

Could be related.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on December 24, 2011, 04:35:19 AM
CAL cuts prices to fight REDjet
By Vernon Khelawan (Newsday).
Thursday, December 22 2011


The Caribbean travel industry is bracing for a fares war between State-owned, Trinidad and Tobago based Caribbean Airlines, new kid-on-the-block, Low Fares Airline, Barbados-based REDjet and to a lesser extent, the oldest serving Caribbean airline LIAT.

The first salvo was fired by CAL’s acting chief executive officer Robert Corbie last week when he announced a one-way fare between Barbados and Guyana of US$59, exclusive of taxes and another reduced one-way fare between Trinidad and Tobago and St Lucia of US$39 when that service begins next year.

Obviously Corbie is taking the low fares fight to its main competitor REDjet, which is creating waves in the industry with its low fares starting at US$10. When REDjet first launched several months ago, Caribbean Airlines immediately slashed their fares substantially to meet the challenge posed by this newcomer to Caribbean aviation.

Business Day has learnt, however, while Corbie has announced reduced fares on these two new routes, Caribbean Airlines has increased its base fares on the Trinidad/Barbados route and the Trinidad/Guyana route by more than 35 per cent in November.

In obvious support of his acting CEO, chairman George Nicholas said REDjet posed no competition for Caribbean Airlines, because they were two different products. He said he always wanted CAL to be the first choice of Caribbean travellers offering affordable fares and “that hasn’t changed,” he added.

Reacting almost immediately to Corbie’s announcement, REDjet’s chairman Ian Burns welcomed the news about the competition and added CAL’s move was evidence that REDjet’s low fares and premier customer service was leading the way for consumers.

“We are delighted that the other airlines would seek to follow REDjet’s lead,” but he insisted “REDjet would remain #1 for low fares and #1 for customer service in 2012,” he said.

Burns, in a media release last week, stated, “CAL’s launching of this so called ‘low cost service’, is proof that REDjet is the leader in affordable travel and is the region’s consumer champion.

“Everyone knows that you cannot teach an old dog, or in this case an old bird, new tricks and consumers are not fooled by outlandish claims. At REDjet we are delivering on our promise of low fares for everyone and unbeatable customer service.

“While our competitors now try to copy REDjet, REDjet is the only airline built to the lowest fares and most reliable service for all our passengers,” Burns added.

Several months ago when bureaucratic delays created by regulatory bodies in Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica and more recently in Barbados, effectively grounded REDjet, it severely affected planned startups and during that period, the CAL fares went back up.

Now that both CAL and REDjet have received permission to operate services between Barbados and Guyana, CAL is seeking to capture a percentage of that market with its US$59 one way fare. REDjet on the other hand has been flying that route for a few weeks and is saying the response to their services was “excellent”.

Burns also pointed out that following on Corbie’s statement, chairman George Nicholas III said CAL would soon be seeking “higher yields” (fares) and further added, “We are making money any way we can.”

And while this comment related to his announcement that CAL was readying itself to create a daily door- to-door cargo service and would soon be adding three B-757 freighters for this purpose, it can also be interpreted to mean the airline was on the lookout for additional revenue streams.

But while all this is taking place, the airline is losing much money on the Tobago airbridge service. Last year CAL’s losses were estimated at US$15 million and this is expected to increase when the figures for 2011 are prepared and made available.

Questions and many eyebrows were raised last month when Nicholas announced CAL had realised a profit $200 million.“The $200 million calculation is based on a trend that was submitted to Cabinet in July,” said Nicholas last week, in explaining his statement.

One foreign observer of regional aviation told Business Day that CAL’s projected profit for 2011, of US$31 million ($200 million), includes its US$75 million fuel subsidy, so in reality it reflects a US$44 million loss.

However, Nicholas said he does not look at it that way.

“The subsidy is not generally subtracted from profit and loss statements. You do not calculate it as a cost to the airline. You do not charge for a free gift. The fuel subsidy has not been part of the profit and loss statement for the last 20 years,” he said.

CAL’s fuel subsidy, the brainchild of former chairman Arthur Lok Jack who preferred to term it a hedge, has generated quite a lot of discussion both in regional aviation circles as well as in the general public. As it is, CAL pays only US$1.50 per gallon, while the going price is closer to US$3.50 per gallon. Between CAL and Air Jamaica, fuel usage this year should top 50 million gallons, which means the minimum subsidy will be close to US$75 million or $476 million. Aviation consultant and former CEO of BWIA, Ian Bertrand recently explained the difference between a hedge and a subsidy. “A hedge carries a risk to the airline; the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s fuel subsidy carries no risk to the airline, only to the taxpayer as prices rise and flights increase willy nilly. The subsidy is open ended, not close ended like most national subsidies. The CAL subsidy is the only Trinidad and Tobago that applies outside Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

The raging controversy over his projected $200 million profit for the state-owned airline does not seem to bother Nicholas as he continues with plans to increase services both regionally and internationally, acquire more aircraft, both jets and turbo props, and a brand new door-to-door cargo operation.

He told Business Day recently he was intent on creating a “top class international airline.” More recently he said he was hoping to make Caribbean Airlines sustainable, a profitable company without the assistance of a fuel subsidy.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: g on December 24, 2011, 11:11:33 AM
With regard to the branding issue, i am neither here nor there. Having been to JA a few times over the last couple months the one thing I've noticed was the amount of corporate sponsorship under the AJ brand. Even when driving into Norman Manley there is huge replica of an AJ tail. Outside of the CAL Invaders pan yard in town, nothing comes close locally.

I guess given the turbulent experience with the takeover, especially with the people aspect, they may have probably agreed to maintain the brand on all the primary Jamaica routes. Once CAL continues to expand routes out of Trinidad and other non Jamaica destinations you will see more prominence of the CAL brand with a possible phasing out of AJ, this may take 5 to 10 years though.

I love the vision though, one airline from the caribbean serving the world. I hope that CAL can even do something with LIAT from an ownership standpoint so a real caribbean route network can be built. Integrating some of their best practices of schedule and reliability that CAL has been able to cultivate.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on January 11, 2012, 04:31:18 AM
CAL sends pundit to join PM in India
By Asha Javeed (Guardian).
Wednesday, January 11, 2012.


Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has spent over a quarter-million dollars to fly one its directors — Abhedanand Persad Sharma and his wife, Lisa Ramnarine-Persad — to India to accompany Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her trip. The T&T Guardian understands CAL footed bills for the first class airfare, which averaged about TT$250,000, as well as hotel expenses of around TT$75,000. In addition, the T&T Guardian learned a per diem (daily allowance) of US$350  ($2,250) was paid to both Sharma and his wife. “When the accounts department questioned who approved the duty allowance for Pundit Persad and spouse, since that usually has to be approved, it learned it was a direct instruction from the chairman,” the T&T Guardian was told.

In a telephone interview yesterday, CAL chairman George Nicholas confirmed he approved the trip on December 30, 2011. Questioned why CAL footed the bill for Sharma’s wife, he said: “It was part of the rationale. We are sending him 20 hours away and that was one of the things he had asked.” Nicholas said Sharma was tasked with exploring code-sharing arrangements between CAL and India. “He was briefed before he left and we expect to be briefed when he comes back,” said Nicholas.

Sharma, who in the past has performed Hindu prayers for Persad-Bissessar, was not part of the PM’s contingent when the $10 million trip was announced. Sharma and his wife did not travel with Persad-Bissessar on January 2 when she left T&T. Instead, they left on January 4 and travelled to India, via New York. Due to the late bookings, the T&T Guardian understands CAL had to pay higher prices for flight and  accommodations.

Hotel prices, the T&T Guardian understands, are between US$350 ($2,250) to US$450 $2893)a night. Nicholas, as well as Transport Minister Devant Maharaj, had stated CAL’s intention to fly to Heathrow and to India. In a press statement yesterday, Maharaj said he was in India “for signing the air services agreement between the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Government of the Republic of India. “The minister also is exploring various transport solutions with respect to air, land and sea transport that can be adopted by Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement added.

 However, an informed source told the T&T Guardian CAL recently had sent someone to sort out the regulatory issues pertaining to flying there so there was no need to have any directors there. Further, the discussion has now changed from CAL flying to India to Air India coming to T&T. The T&T Guardian was told: “This comes at a time when all CAL departments are being forced to cut back to save money. The Swift air wet leases were terminated prematurely to save money.

 “Of course, someone in CAL will have to get approval from the Ministry of Finance for that expenditure. Should be interesting.” Persad-Bissessar travelled to India to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, as well as to shore up investment opportunities. Apart from a business delegation, she is accompanied by Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George, Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath, Foreign Affairs and Communication Minister Surujrattan Rambachan and Maharaj.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jumbie on January 11, 2012, 06:45:24 AM
wait, is TT$250,000 for two people to fly first class to India? That's almost 40K USD .. that can't be correct.. right?



BTW.. Right now CAL have "Omni" planes doing the YYZ > POS route.
Title: CAL sends pundit to join PM in India
Post by: weary1969 on January 11, 2012, 07:52:48 AM
Published: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Asha Javeed

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has spent over a quarter-million dollars to fly one its directors — Abhedanand Persad Sharma and his wife, Lisa Ramnarine-Persad — to India to accompany Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her trip. The T&T Guardian understands CAL footed bills for the first class airfare, which averaged about TT$250,000, as well as hotel expenses of around TT$75,000. In addition, the T&T Guardian learned a per diem (daily allowance) of US$350  ($2,250) was paid to both Sharma and his wife. “When the accounts department questioned who approved the duty allowance for Pundit Persad and spouse, since that usually has to be approved, it learned it was a direct instruction from the chairman,” the T&T Guardian was told.


In a telephone interview yesterday, CAL chairman George Nicholas confirmed he approved the trip on December 30, 2011. Questioned why CAL footed the bill for Sharma’s wife, he said: “It was part of the rationale. We are sending him 20 hours away and that was one of the things he had asked.” Nicholas said Sharma was tasked with exploring code-sharing arrangements between CAL and India. “He was briefed before he left and we expect to be briefed when he comes back,” said Nicholas.


Sharma, who in the past has performed Hindu prayers for Persad-Bissessar, was not part of the PM’s contingent when the $10 million trip was announced. Sharma and his wife did not travel with Persad-Bissessar on January 2 when she left T&T. Instead, they left on January 4 and travelled to India, via New York. Due to the late bookings, the T&T Guardian understands CAL had to pay higher prices for flight and  accommodations.


Hotel prices, the T&T Guardian understands, are between US$350 ($2,250) to US$450 $2893)a night. Nicholas, as well as Transport Minister Devant Maharaj, had stated CAL’s intention to fly to Heathrow and to India. In a press statement yesterday, Maharaj said he was in India “for signing the air services agreement between the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Government of the Republic of India. “The minister also is exploring various transport solutions with respect to air, land and sea transport that can be adopted by Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement added.


 However, an informed source told the T&T Guardian CAL recently had sent someone to sort out the regulatory issues pertaining to flying there so there was no need to have any directors there. Further, the discussion has now changed from CAL flying to India to Air India coming to T&T. The T&T Guardian was told: “This comes at a time when all CAL departments are being forced to cut back to save money. The Swift air wet leases were terminated prematurely to save money.


 “Of course, someone in CAL will have to get approval from the Ministry of Finance for that expenditure. Should be interesting.” Persad-Bissessar travelled to India to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, as well as to shore up investment opportunities. Apart from a business delegation, she is accompanied by Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George, Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath, Foreign Affairs and Communication Minister Surujrattan Rambachan and Maharaj.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bakes on January 11, 2012, 08:22:15 AM
Disgusting that $10m was approved and spent on yet another f**king foreign junket... and now this  CAL expenditure on top of that.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on January 11, 2012, 08:46:50 AM
How much it is on expedia? First Class....5 star hotel....duration of stay?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: grimm01 on January 11, 2012, 09:57:56 AM
i understand that people upset about CAL footing the man bill but let's back it up a bit; Kamla pundit on the Board of Directors for Caribbean Airlines?

Anyone know of his qualifications other than saying prayers?

Also why would you send someone from the BOD (not even Chairman of the Board) to explore code sharing? The role of the Board is not to conduct business on behalf of the company.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jah Gol on January 11, 2012, 11:44:25 AM
Disgusting that $10m was approved and spent on yet another f**king foreign junket... and now this  CAL expenditure on top of that.
This is why I have a problem with state-run airlines in the first place. Whatever ideological or political end takes precedent over sound business. I would have no problem with us establishing a route to India if there was a sufficient demand to have a sustainable profitable route. This is just shit.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Dutty on January 11, 2012, 01:05:06 PM
i understand that people upset about CAL footing the man bill but let's back it up a bit; Kamla pundit on the Board of Directors for Caribbean Airlines?

Anyone know of his qualifications other than saying prayers?


Manning had he seer woman travelling...why Kamla cyah take de pundit?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: elan on January 11, 2012, 02:05:55 PM
i understand that people upset about CAL footing the man bill but let's back it up a bit; Kamla pundit on the Board of Directors for Caribbean Airlines?

Anyone know of his qualifications other than saying prayers?


Manning had he seer woman travelling...why Kamla cyah take de pundit?

Yeah but Manning was ah Mad Hatter displaying ah King of Hearts personaility.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: congo on January 11, 2012, 04:15:15 PM
i understand that people upset about CAL footing the man bill but let's back it up a bit; Kamla pundit on the Board of Directors for Caribbean Airlines?

Anyone know of his qualifications other than saying prayers?


Manning had he seer woman travelling...why Kamla cyah take de pundit?

I think she was a pastor. Have some respect..!!!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bakes on January 11, 2012, 05:39:46 PM
i understand that people upset about CAL footing the man bill but let's back it up a bit; Kamla pundit on the Board of Directors for Caribbean Airlines?

Anyone know of his qualifications other than saying prayers?


Manning had he seer woman travelling...why Kamla cyah take de pundit?

Because unlike the "creeping dictatorship" that Manning was running... Kamla come promising change.  How yuh go talk "change" and still likening yuh behavior to the ones yuh supposedly "changing" from?

Or wait... logic and rationality eh have no part in this debate?  My bad.
Title: George Nicholas was a BOSS!
Post by: Bourbon on May 05, 2012, 05:23:51 PM
Five months after this (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_Nicholas__CAL_makes__200m_profit-133855338.html)

Quote
Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) chairman George Nicholas is boasting that despite recent troubles, the national airline not only raked in $200 million in profits, but is also putting money back into the country's coffers.

"We will close a profit of $200 million this year, even with reduced fares and increased flights. Accordingly we are able to put millions into the treasury," he said. Nicholas made the statement at he welcomed the first of nine new aircraft at the Piarco International Airport yesterday.


De man leave...and not even 3 months later  you hear  this!  (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/PLANE_SHOCK-150260385.html)
Quote
Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) recorded a consolidated unaudited loss of US$52.8 million (TT$339.5 million) for 2011, while Air Jamaica recorded an unaudited loss of US$38.1 million (TT$ 245.2 million).
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 05, 2012, 09:23:43 PM
Five months after this (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_Nicholas__CAL_makes__200m_profit-133855338.html)

Quote
Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) chairman George Nicholas is boasting that despite recent troubles, the national airline not only raked in $200 million in profits, but is also putting money back into the country's coffers.

"We will close a profit of $200 million this year, even with reduced fares and increased flights. Accordingly we are able to put millions into the treasury," he said. Nicholas made the statement at he welcomed the first of nine new aircraft at the Piarco International Airport yesterday.


De man leave...and not even 3 months later  you hear  this!  (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/PLANE_SHOCK-150260385.html)
Quote
Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) recorded a consolidated unaudited loss of US$52.8 million (TT$339.5 million) for 2011, while Air Jamaica recorded an unaudited loss of US$38.1 million (TT$ 245.2 million).


TNT SWEET 4 CENTRIES
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 06, 2012, 05:36:03 AM
MINISTERS UNDER FIRE
By Asha Javeed (Express).
May 5, 2012

• Nicholas blasts Dookeran on CAL losses
• Residents slam Govt on South highway project


Former Caribbean Airlines (CAL) chairman George Nicholas has lashed out at Finance Minister Winston Dookeran, saying he has "failed his people".

Nicholas' rebuke comes after Dookeran disclosed the unhealthy financial position of the airline Nicholas chaired for 16 months.

CAL lost $339.5 million in 2011.

Dookeran disclosed the losses and the level of indebtedness of the national carrier in answer to a question from Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in Parliament at Tower D, International Waterfront Centre, on Friday.

"The publication of the thoughts of Minister Winston Dookeran, a Finance Minister who has failed his people and in particular the hard working people of CAL cannot be left without response for fear that someone might think that his...ill thought-out comments are true," said Nicholas in a statement yesterday.

He described Dookeran's statement in Parliament, in which he listed the debts owed by the national carrier, as without "context", "wholly misleading" and "conveniently selected facts".

Nicholas, who resigned from the national carrier on April 3 in a letter to Dookeran, issued a two-page statement yesterday titled "CAL truth."

He said when he reported "the hope and expectation that we would close the year with a $200 million profit" for the airline, that the "report was based on the figures that management presented showing an US$18 profit to that time".

In Nicholas' view, Dookeran's change of the fuel subsidy affected the airline's profitability and cast doubt on his statement.

"In November 2011 the fuel subsidy was reduced without consultation by the Minister and the price CAL had to pay was retroactively increased, as from January 2011. The increase, which was an attempt to play politics with the livelihood of all those who work so hard for CAL, was an increase of 50 per cent (where fuel is 80 per cent of the airline's cost) to $2.34.

The airline did over $2.4 billion in revenue last year. Passengers and freight would have paid for flights throughout 2011 on the basis of tickets calculated at the former fuel price. CAL would not be able to make up the loss that this would generate and that wiped out the prospective profit and caused an unanticipated loss. Had we then known the fuel price, the cost of fares would have been different. Interestingly the fuel price has been reduced to $1.50 for the year 2012," Nicholas explained.

He chastised Dookeran for his "lack of candidness" because it was Dookeran's ministry which did "not fully pay the subsidy in any event at the old rate or the new rate during the year, CAL was constantly having to go with its begging bowl seeking the money that it was entitled to receive".

He said the "purchase of Air Jamaica (which was subsumed into the CAL family without regard to the cost burden on CAL), and the ATRs' purchase" were decisions made by the Government prior to his appointment at CAL.

In his defence of money which was never paid to the Children's Life Fund, Nicholas said the Fund was heralded at the Heads of Government meeting in Grenada and had adopted a marketing programme similar to that used by other airlines.

He said the board he inherited had not filed financials for a considerable period and "they left many bills unpaid, something that warrants more political attention but is ignored at the expense of making rather pathetic cheap political and personal jibes".

He advised that "the achievements of CAL, as most business people will appreciate, will result not only in the company meeting the GORTT's objectives for Trinidad and Tobago, but also enabling it to be owned by investors again rather than being a burden on the ever pressured taxpayer."

Asked to comment on Nicholas' statement yesterday, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj said it was "unfortunate" that he felt the need to come out and defend himself because he was handling the matter.

At an event in Tunapuna yesterday, Dookeran also declined comment on Nicholas' statements

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on May 06, 2012, 07:24:11 AM
We must be real dotish in true.


Yuh come braying how dey going and make 200 million profit. PROFIT. You eh pay no bills.....Boeing hear that and say...but you have over 50 million for us.....we not giving you parts until you pay dat off....putting a maintainence check under pressure and causing problems.

Yuh had money for Airports Authority too....which yuh eh pay...but boasting yuh going and make 200 million in profit.



If dahs your business sense....seem like de CEPEPP contractor is a upgrade.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on May 06, 2012, 12:35:20 PM
Allan Clovis, while he was still a board member of CAL, said they are running the place like a parlour.  Dey pelt him out.....and surprise, surprise, the man was right.

I never believed that story bout profit.....how de arse CAL would make a profit and airlines losing money all over the world??  Further not too long ago, CAL was ketching its nenen to just break even.  So what kinda magic Georgie boy applied to make a profit??   Steups!!!  Lawd, three more years of this shyte..... ::)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on May 06, 2012, 01:34:24 PM
I reading de article over eh.

I hoping is a misprint....

Quote
He said when he reported "the hope and expectation that we would close the year with a $200 million profit" for the airline, that the "report was based on the figures that management presented showing an US$18 profit to that time".

18 US or 18 Million? Seems like it was 18 US alone.

Den.....

Fuel Costs increased by 50% to 2.34. Meaning to say the original cost was something like 1.17. Which is stated as 80% of OPEX so....some rough maths giving you a cost of 1.4625 (I assume billion)

And then its said that the airline did 2.4 Billion in revenue. So.....where is the loss? Who lying here? Who playing politics with who? Because if Dooks playing politics......den it would be at the loss of his own government.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 06, 2012, 10:19:13 PM
Allan Clovis, while he was still a board member of CAL, said they are running the place like a parlour.  Dey pelt him out.....and surprise, surprise, the man was right.

I never believed that story bout profit.....how de arse CAL would make a profit and airlines losing money all over the world??  Further not too long ago, CAL was ketching its nenen to just break even.  So what kinda magic Georgie boy applied to make a profit??   Steups!!!  Lawd, three more years of this shyte..... ::)


Because we iz d best in d world.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on May 10, 2012, 04:32:13 PM
After hearing this (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business/98084364.html)

Quote
Finance Minister Winston Dookeran has described the decision by national carrier Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) to acquire Air Jamaica routes as a "good deal".

Dookeran was speaking at the Tunapuna Chamber of Commerce's "Meet the MPs" Business Forum at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya on Wednesday evening.

He said the board of directors appointed by the previous administration at Caribbean Airlines had done good work.

He said the "recent arrangement" in which Caribbean Airlines had purchased the revenue stream but not the debts of Air Jamaica was a good, sound one, which allowed Caribbean Airlines "to expand".


 This (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/US_149m__gone-150881715.html) makes sense.

Quote
State carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) had US$149 million or more than TT$900 million deposited in several banks and financial institutions at the beginning of 2010.

But then...why this?

Now, only two years later, the airline which replaced its failed predecessor BWIA in January 2007, is reporting an unaudited loss of US$52.8 million (TT$339.5 million) for 2011.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on May 10, 2012, 04:39:23 PM
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Devant__CAL_Air_Jamaica_to_drop_unprofitable_routes-150881705.html

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jah Gol on May 10, 2012, 08:37:49 PM
Government has no place in the airline business. Both airlines are now losing money and are saddled by debt. I support the move to drop unprofitable routes but I am wondering how this approach will apply with the government's wish to establish a route to India.

Jokers ,every last one them.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on May 20, 2012, 05:37:32 PM
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-05-20/treasury-burdened-cal-cabinet-disregards-recommendations

Finance Minister Winston Dookeran is corporation sole to Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) in name only. His decisions and recommendations to Cabinet on the cash-strapped airline have been disregarded. So much so that the opposition that Dookeran faces in Cabinet regarding CAL, in one instance, came from his own Congress of the People (COP) party member MP Anil Roberts, who voted against Dookeran’s recommendation to allow the Arthur Lok Jack board to stay on.

 

Dookeran, Sunday Guardian learnt, took the recommendation to Cabinet on the basis of a report, the High-Level Business Appraisal of Caribbean Airlines. The report, which evaluated the financial standing of CAL, was submitted to the Finance Minister on June 22, 2010.

 

It was compiled by Conrad Aleong, former CEO of BWIA; former finance minister Selby Wilson; former vice-president of General Electric Capital Aviation Services Michael Dolsingh; and chartered accountant Krishna Boodhai. But as Dookeran moved to send a letter to Lok Jack requesting the board to stay on at CAL, he was bypassed.

 

On the same day the Lok Jack board received Dookeran’s letter, the Ministry of Works and Transport issued another letter—accepting the resignations of the board members. A member of the team who did the appraisal on CAL told Sunday Guardian, “Despite the report, they were insisting that the board must go—because the members were appointed by the former administration. It was an embarrassment for Dookeran, especially when his own COP member went against him.”

 

The team member also revealed, “Up to May 2010, CAL still had in the bank the initial capital of US$115 million that the former administration invested in the airline. There were losses—but CAL had money in the bank.”

 

So who are the real decision-makers for CAL?
As the blame game continues, the report listed that for the period 2007 to April 2010, CAL recorded a cumulative loss of US$76 million when fuel subsidies are removed. Questions remain unanswered as to who and what exactly led to the mammoth consolidated unaudited loss of US$52.8 million (TT$339.5 million) for 2011, and the unaudited loss of US$38.1 million (TT$245.2 million) for Air Jamaica.

 

Meanwhile, the Sunday Guardian in this special report has unearthed that it was only a matter of time before such a “disaster” happened. Sunday Guardian learnt that not only is the advice of Dookeran being disregarded, but the recommendations of the report are also not being followed.

 

Cabinet sources said that Dookeran and others “were taken by surprise” by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s July 2010 announcement at Jamaica House, Kingston, of the decision to honour the agreement on the US$30 million transition plan for CAL to acquire and operate six Air Jamaica aircraft.

 

Persad-Bissessar said then: “It took us a while to review the agreement, but we are happy to know that we are partners when it comes to Air Jamaica and CAL.” The appraisal report identified significant risk in the CAL/Air Jamaica agreement and strongly suggested the need for mitigation before such a deal was signed (See box).

 

Despite the warning Government signed the CAL/Air Jamaica deal. “The team never recommended doing the Air Jamaica deal,” said the appraisal team member. “We were shocked by that announcement. “What we said was, there are opportunities—but risks. “The biggest opportunity was whether Government was prepared to use one Caribbean carrier. If this was the case, the risks needed to be considered.

 

“We told Government, if you want to pursue the Air Jamaica deal and reduce the risks, then Government should consider keeping on the Lok Jack board. We felt if the former board recommended the deal, then they should be responsible for what transpired. “Everything happened so quickly. The announcement shocked the entire team. I do not know how the decision was made, based on the report.”


Red flags went unheeded
Further investigations revealed that other red flags were also raised but went unheeded. Findings of the report further revealed, while the airline commenced operations with an initial capital of US$115 million, CAL was deemed a burden on the treasury.

 

In 2010 it was estimated that US$126.12 million was required to meet the airline’s financial needs. The report stated: “CAL continues to rely heavily on the national treasury for financial support. The Air Jamaica route operations will require a fuel subsidy of US$11.8 million from May to December 2010 in addition to the additional capital of US$49.2 million into CAL as per the agreement between the parties. The fuel subsidy to CAL (Trinidad route operations) for 2010 is estimated at US$24.98 million.”

 

In addition, the report said CAL insisted that a retroactive January 2007 fuel subsidy payment of US$20.2 million was owed to the airline, on the basis that Government made an error in calculating the amount reimbursed to CAL by using US$1.75 instead of US$1.50.

 

The estimations were projected as follows:
Fuel subsidy    (US$M)
Outstanding 2009    $16.21
Budgeted 2010
CAL    $24.98
Air Jamaica operations    $11.80
Retroactive fuel claim    $20.20

 

CAL Equity for JA Operations    $49.20

 

T&T airbridge subsidy
Outstanding 2009    $0.47
Budgeted 2010    $3.26

 

“If you are asking for US$126.12 million from the Treasury in 2010, you cannot say the airline is making a profit,” said the appraisal team member. “At this point Government should have known they were headed down the wrong path. Government should have never allowed CAL to be in the position it is now in.

 

“The sad fact is that Government went even further, to allow persons with no airline experience to lead CAL down the slippery slope at a faster pace. “To add insult to injury, Air Jamaica—a loss-making disaster—was put on top of the pile, with no regard to the plan, which was developed to support the acquisition.

 

“The pot calling the kettle black is poor comfort for taxpayers and citizens,” the team member concluded. Attempts to contact both Dookeran and Roberts proved futile as telephone calls to their cellular phones went unanswered.

 

 

Proceed with caution:

Risks identified by the CAL appraisal team and taken directly from the report stated:
• Regulatory risk: The Government of Jamaica still has to acquire the Jamaica route approvals from the United States Department of Transport, the Canadian Department of Transport and others.
During the transition the Government of Jamaica secured waivers of its existing bilateral agreements to permit CAL to operate on behalf of Air Jamaica. The current US waiver expired on July 14, 2010.
• Execution and assumption risks: CAL’s evaluation of the Jamaican routes and its contribution to CAL is premised on synergistic cost rationalisation to achieve savings of US$25.2 million and to increase revenues by 60 per cent by the end 2011. The present board of directors has stated that the execution of this integration plan requires a strengthened and focused implementation team. In addition, there is concern that a large portion of the estimated savings of US$15.2 million in respect of fleet renewal and maintenance may not be realisable.
• Market risk: Jamaica entered into an open-skies agreement with the US a few years ago. This means that any Jamaican or US carrier can fly to any destination in the respective countries. At the present time two low-cost carriers—Spirit Air and Jet Blue—maintain routes into Montego Bay and Kingston. Currently American Airlines, Air Canada and Delta fly into Kingston as well as to Montego Bay. In this environment CAL would have to compete aggressively to gain market share. Its low-fare strategy will have to be applied and it may not be sustainable once the fuel subsidy expires on December 31, 2010.
• Fuel-price risk: The Government has agreed to extend the fuel guaranteed price-subsidy arrangement to Jamaican operations from the start of the transition period on May 1, 2010 to the end of December 2010. At the end of this period, CAL, inclusive of its Jamaican operations, will have to pay the true commercial price of fuel, thus affecting its profitability. In the event that prices are increased to unaffordable levels, there may be a call on Government to subsidise the cost of fuel to CAL again.
• Cultural risk: In any merger or acquisition there is a risk associated with the “blending” of diverse cultures: different airline cultures, work/productivity cultures, national cultures and the like that have the potential to cause suboptimal teamwork.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on May 20, 2012, 05:38:06 PM
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/CAL_facing__operational_risk_-152179785.html

After five years of business and in the face of mounting debt, national carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) faces "operational risk".

And government will have to intervene financially in the cash-strapped airline to keep it flying.

Finance Minister Winston Dookeran told the Sunday Express that his ministry has asked the State airline for a list of its financial requirements and a business plan for the future.

This, Dookeran confirmed yesterday, will inform the amount and type of intervention which the government will pursue for CAL.

CAL's outstanding liabilities, the Sunday Express learnt, currently stand at an estimated US$40 million exclusive of US$100 million owed to France's Aviones de Transport Regional (ATR).

Significant liabilities are due to the airline's major suppliers include:

• US$5 million in taxes owed to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for a penalty charged to the airline

• US$3 million owed to the US for Customs and Border Taxes

• US$3.5 million owned to National Petroleum for fuel which could cause disruptions to operations,

• US$2 million owed to Strategic Air Services (which handles cargo for CAL)

• US$2 million owed to Swissport for Passenger Handling

• US$3 million for the Comptroller of Customs for Passenger Taxes

Other debts include money owed to the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, Ross Advertising and Synergy Aviation which supplies aircraft parts for the airline.

On May 4, Dookeran disclosed to Parliament that the airline made an unaudited loss of US$52.8 million ($339.5 million) for 2011 while Air Jamaica recorded an unaudited loss of US$38.1 million ($245.2 million) for 2011.

Dookeran's own ministry has been criticised by CAL sources for being tight-fisted with releasing funds owed to the airline (as a result of a fuel subsidy rebate) which exacerbated the airline's financial woes.

The majority of CAL's debt is centered around two investments- the decision to acquire nine aircraft from ATR and the airline's Air Jamaica commitments.

The Sunday Express learnt that while cabinet gave approval on September 9, 2010, from a note submitted by then line minister Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner, for CAL to enter into a purchase agreement with ATR for nine aircraft, that no funding requirements were identified for the acquisition.

CAL paid the US$1.8 million commitment fee-calculated to a $200,000 deposit on each aircraft- out of pocket on September 13.

By January 2011, the Sunday Express learnt, CAL management had approached the Ministry of Finance for money for the ATR purchase but was told that no funding had been requested on the cabinet note.

Subsequently, CAL was forced to utilise its own internal funding to pay fully for the first two aircraft.

To date, CAL has paid US$77 million to ATR.

However, CAL now faces a default risk, as well as penalities and interest, on that Heads of Agreement signed with ATR on September 13, 2010.

The Sunday Express learnt that an ATR representative had sought a meeting with the Ministry of Finance to consider how the seven outstanding aircraft will be financed. ATR began handing over aircraft to CAL in November 2011 with the expectation that one would be delivered every month thereafter. However, at least four aircraft remain unpaid and uncollected on their hands.

Transport Minister Devant Maharaj told the Sunday Express that he was considering financing arrangements for the airline to acquire the aircraft.

The other half of CAL's financial burden is its commitment to Air Jamaica.

CAL's investments, the Sunday Express was told, have had to be liquidated to address the costly operations of Air Jamaica. Former CAL chairman Arthur Lok Jack had told the Express exclusively that the board he chaired had left some US$149 million in CAL's accounts before they resigned in June 2010.

Sources told the Sunday Express that the present CAL board made commitments to Air Jamaica during its Transition Services Agreement without approval and without a business plan.

Among those decisions include CAL's intention to operate Air Jamaica to Havana, Montego Bay/Kingston shuttle service with its ATR aircraft.

This, they said, affected an initial projection of expected losses and slim margins initially, previously made by the Lok Jack-chaired board when they considered acquiring the profitable routes of Air Jamaica.

The government of Air Jamaica owns 16 per cent of CAL following the consummation of a Shareholders Agreement which was signed on May 26, 2011.

The Sunday Express learnt that the business plan for the Air Jamaica operations for the months of May-December 2010 forecast a profit of US$4.6 million and $16 million for 2011.

However, data obtained show that the actual performance for the Air Jamaica operation from May to December 2010 was a loss of US$21 million "for various reasons" and US$38 million for 2011. The 2011 figure has to be contextualised given that there was an adjusted fuel subsidy from US$1.50 to US$2.34 a gallon.

The adjusted fuel subsidy forced CAL to fund the shortfall by utilising its internal investments.

"Given the expansion of the combined operations, the level of expenditure and cash payments has increased significantly especially in the areas of fuel costs, flight operations, aircraft leases and marketing two separate brands. The increases in fuel payments were directly linked to the increased number of flights across the network matched by the global increase in fuel prices and restricted rebates from the government over the period. Other areas of increased cash outflow occurred in the areas of employee cost, maintenance and engine reserves and aircraft parts. As a result, it was necessary to utilise the deficits that were being incurred," the Sunday Express was told.

The issue of cash burn was first brought to Maharaj's attention in August 28, 2011, when CAL's management wrote a letter of complaint and copied Dookeran and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan.

"The executive management of the company is very cognisant of the fact that it is responsible for the manner in which public funds are utilised and accounted for and while the performance of the company has been adequate, given the challenging integration with Air Jamaica, we are concerned about the current rate of cash burn over the last eight months. Certain undertakings have been made by the chairman (then George Nicholas) without the consent of management which involve financial commitments that can have a negative impact on the planning and overall financial performance of the company. CAL has prided itself on being a self sufficient organisation, operating outside of the need for significant annual subventions from the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. With the current pattern of cash burn we are not certain that this lack of dependency for subventions will exist in the short term," the letter alleged.

Former chief executive Captain Ian Brunton told the Sunday Express there are some fundamental questions that the taxpayer, through the Corporation Sole, need urgently answered.

He pointed out that the Corporation Sole needs to be able to see the financial effect that the Air Jamaica Operations are having on CAL – and by extension the T&T Treasury.

"For instance, when I and the CFO left CAL in November of 2010, the October 2010, CAL-only, financial statements showed a US$9.1 million in net profit with a projected end-of-year net profit of US$10 to  US$12m after the December revenue peak. Yet the end of 2010 figures recently supplied by CAL show a consolidated loss of US$17.6 million: a negative change of some US$30 million. Was this the cash loss to  Air Jam for just 2010? The cash balance we left was just over US$169 million (even more than the US$149 million recently revealed by Mr Lok Jack...his figures were a little dated)," he said in an e-mailed response.

He said during his time at CAL "the accounting was totally separate for CAL and Air Jam precisely to try and assess the effect of our efforts to improve the performance (and assess the wisdom) of the Air Jam acquisition. The GOTT  supplied US$50 million to assist in the restructuring of Air Jam. It is irresponsible to the TT taxpayer to merge the Air Jam figures into CAL until the restructuring is completed."

Taking Minister Dookeran's recently supplied figures, CAL lost US$52.8 million and Air Jam lost US$38.1 million in 2011; and yet the CAL figures show a consolidated profit for the two airlines of US$16.5 million at the  end of August 2011. This represents a negative movement of US$107 million in the space of four months! Or for CAL alone, a reversal of fortunes to the value of negative US$62 million in 14 months (+US$9.2 million to  -US$52.8 million). We hear that the airline is unable to pay its debts to the AATT, NP, ATR etc. and yet the CAL-supplied figures show a positive cash position at the end of August 2011, of over US$111 million. We know that  the comparable cash position as at the end of October 2010 was US$169.3 million. So how can you burn US$169.3 million in 14 months?

"The country is owed an urgent explanation - and perhaps expeditious measures instituted to correct disastrous trends. For example I would ask for a detailed cash flow and P&L forecast for the impending London route - and for all the recent new routes and undertakings of the last 18 months," Brunton said.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: vb on May 20, 2012, 11:09:27 PM
Me eh no commercial travel expert. But if there is a demand for certain routes, why can CAL make a profit or break even.

Countries like Singapore and UAE can do so well, why can't we even come close to breaking even.

VB
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on May 21, 2012, 04:59:11 AM
Me eh no commercial travel expert. But if there is a demand for certain routes, why can CAL make a profit or break even.

Countries like Singapore and UAE can do so well, why can't we even come close to breaking even.

VB

Cuz they running the thing like a parlour (not me say so, is Allan Clovis say so), they flying to unprofitable routes like London and Panama......and the recently appointed Chairman's first order of business was to looking to ordering an Audi Q7......dais the fella with common sense, quite unlike the previous chairman (not George Boy) whose only claim to fame is selling Sunshine Snacks in "Sah Wha" (not me say so is Deviant say so)........

Yuh still confused??.....
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: NYtriniwhiteboy.. on May 21, 2012, 06:04:26 AM
all dis madness i damn glad i book my flight home for carnival on British Airways, plus BA cheaper!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 21, 2012, 12:47:39 PM
Me eh no commercial travel expert. But if there is a demand for certain routes, why can CAL make a profit or break even.

Countries like Singapore and UAE can do so well, why can't we even come close to breaking even.

VB

Cuz they running the thing like a parlour (not me say so, is Allan Clovis say so), they flying to unprofitable routes like London and Panama......and the recently appointed Chairman's first order of business was to looking to ordering an Audi Q7......dais the fella with common sense, quite unlike the previous chairman (not George Boy) whose only claim to fame is selling Sunshine Snacks in "Sah Wha" (not me say so is Deviant say so)........

Yuh still confused??.....

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Michael-j on May 24, 2012, 08:38:32 AM
(http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/0/1/7/2104710.jpg)


One of the "new" Boeing 767 aircraft for the London route. Apparently it's sitting in a hangar somewhere in Mexico due to certification issues. It's a beauty though.

CAL’s London route runs into some turbulence
http://www.newsday.co.tt/businessday/0,160658.html (http://www.newsday.co.tt/businessday/0,160658.html)

By Vernon Khelawan Thursday, May 24 2012

THERE is the distinct possibility that state-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) may be forced to postpone its highly touted plan to re-introduce non-stop service to London on June 14, albeit through Gatwick, the Heathrow slots having been sold by the former Board, more than five years ago.

Two reasons have reared their heads which could crash the airline’s carefully laid preparations for the start up of the service. They are: Difficulties in the certification process of the leased B-767 aircraft, which CAL plans to use for the service and bookings continue to be slow in spite of the London Olympics.

Business Day has learnt that CAL is experiencing some challenges in getting the two Boeing 767-316ER aircraft leased from Chilean airline Lan Chile, properly certified by the local aviation authorities. Both aircraft have been painted in CAL’s colours, inclusive of the humming bird logo, and are now sitting in a hangar at Mexico’s Benito Juarez International Airport.

The certification problems surrounding the final release of both aircraft remain sketchy and all Business Day could garner was that the situation could mean that the planes would not arrive at Piarco for at least another two weeks, which places the June 14 inaugural flight in some jeopardy, since flight crews might not be completely ready to operate the planes, although a Chilean pilot is supposed to accompany the local crews on the flights. Efforts to get an update on the situation from acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Corbie have been futile, since dozens of calls to his cellphone and his CEO’s office land line go unanswered and requests for return calls are never granted. As far as bookings go, Business Day has learned that they have been slow in coming. This situation has been supported by statements from the president of the Travel Agents Association, Wayne Rodriguez, who two weeks ago said reports reaching him do not reflect any high demand for tickets to London.

But on that same day (May 9) new CAL chairman Rabindra Moonan told Newsday the Board had asked for a report on the viability of all Caribbean Airlines’ routes. “Those routes which are not profitable will be reviewed and a decision taken on either adjusting the flight schedule, or possibly dropping the route altogether,” Moonan said.

Almost simultaneously however, Moonan admitted that the London route is expected to lose money for at least 18 months to two years and added, “London is a go.” Aviation observers are asking. “Is there some confusion here?” The Board mandates senior managers at the airline “to come up with alternatives as to how we currently do business, because we need to reduce expenses and increase profits”, but the chairman, in a conflicting statement, agrees that a losing London route would not be chopped.

As the position now stands, CAL has two 16-year-old B767-316ER aircraft, sitting in a hangar in Mexico, not sure when they can be pressed into service because of the continuing certification problems. At the same time the airline also has five brand new ATRs sitting in the manufacturer’s hangar in Toulouse, France, which cannot now be delivered because CAL doesn’t have the money to pay for them. Further, CAL may have to pay some kind of penalty to Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) for the delay in taking possession of the completed aircraft.

According to the agreement signed in January 2011 for nine aircraft, two of the state-of-the-art turbo prop aircraft were to be delivered in November and December of 2011 and the remaining seven aircraft, one every month from January 2012.

Those first two aircraft, which according to reports, were fully paid for, each costing (US)$19 million, arrived pretty much on schedule. But this is where things began to go awry. The January delivery was not effected because of CAL’s money woes and this situation has continued every month since then and now there are five brand new aircraft, built especially for CAL, which they cannot now take possession of because of the lack of funds.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 24, 2012, 08:42:43 AM
They betta doh play because ah done buy meh ticket to fly wit dem for d UK.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on May 24, 2012, 12:21:58 PM
Mariano Browne, former Minister in the Ministry of Finance, did an extensive discussion on the CAL situation over the last two Fridays on his programme on I95.5 fm.  I have found his programme to be very informative and even though on Fridays I like to stay away from the political stuff and talk radio generally, I find his programme to be very good and without a pro-PNM/political slant.  He just delivers good, good information.  So I take a listen.....

Anywho, he said that the London route was given up by the previous board (the one headed by the man whose only claim to fame is selling Sunshine Snacks in "Sah Wha"  ::)), because it was an unprofitable route.   He also said that no cash was paid for Air Jamaica in response to the claim that CAL burn through cash in two years for things like payment for Air Jamaica.  I think he also said that CAL didn't take any of Air Jamaica's debt, the Jamaican government took up that......

But say what....we have a board now headed by a man who have real common sense so CAL in good hands....right Deviant??   ::)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 27, 2012, 04:32:38 AM
NEW RIDE for cal boss
Caribbean Airlines leases Prado SUV for chairman
By Asha Javeed (Express).


In the face of a $339 million loss, State carrier Caribbean Airlines is now paying $20,000 a month to local company Triple D Rentals to lease a Toyota Prado vehicle for chairman Rabindra Moonan.

The Sunday Express understands that Moonan initially requested an Audi Q7 to be leased for the chairman's use but subsequently changed his preference to the Prado.

The Sunday Express was told that it actually cost the airline more to lease the PCL-licensed Prado than the Audi Q7.

Moonan requested the vehicle be delivered on the first day of his board meeting on May 9.

It was authorised by CAL's legal department.

Contacted yesterday, Moonan asked why this issue was news.

"CAL may have leased a Prado for themselves and they have used it to transport me to various events. If there are any events which I attend on behalf of the company, the company provides me with transport," he told the Sunday Express.

When it was pointed out that former chairmen did not enjoy such luxuries, Moonan defended the lease: "The last chairman was George Nicholas III. I live in San Fernando. At times, I have to go to three meetings in one day."

CAL sources explained that it was an unusual development in the company as only board fees have traditionally been paid to the directors.

But the State Enterprises Performance Monitoring Manual titled: "Improving The Corporate Governance Framework for State Enterprises" published by the Ministry of Finance in July 2011 and given to all State appointees states under the Car Loans section: "Company cars of car loans should not be granted to chairmen or directors."

Further the manual lists exactly what chairmen are entitled to: a monthly fee and a travelling allowance.

The Sunday Express understands the chairman of CAL is paid a meeting fee of $7,000 and is entitled to $1,000 in travelling.

The vice chair is paid $6,500 per meeting and is entitled to a $750 travelling allowance while directors are paid $5,500 meeting fee with a $500 travelling allowance.

The Ministry of Finance held a workshop for all State appointees last year to make them aware of their fiduciary responsibilities.

That meeting was attended by Nicholas.

Moonan explained that his focus was on the "bigger picture" at CAL.

At the moment, the airline is facing "operational risk" with its debt challenges.

Finance Minister Winston Dookeran had said Government will have to intervene to keep the airline flying even as it faces some US$140 million in bills—$40 million to various entities and US$100 million to France's Aviones de Transport Regional (ATR) .

Dookeran said his ministry had asked the State airline for a list of its financial requirements and a business plan for the future which will inform the amount and type of intervention which the government will pursue for CAL.

On May 4, Dookeran disclosed to Parliament that the airline made an unaudited loss of US$52.8 million ($339.5 million) for 2011 while Air Jamaica recorded an unaudited loss of US$38.1 million ($245.2 million) for 2011.

Despite the losses, CAL remains committed to expanding its network to London next month for the London 2012 Olympics. Transport Minister Devant Maharaj has said the route's feasibility will be reviewed after six weeks.

But the Sunday Express learned that the airline was recently facing problems with getting its two aircraft for the route prepared in time and it resulted in a slashing of flights which were previously proposed. It was learned that one aircraft would operate the route from June 14-29 while the other aircraft will start from June 30.

(http://media.trinidadexpress.com/images/1338086584849nw10.jpg)
Rabindra Moonan

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on May 27, 2012, 07:15:26 AM
Me eh no commercial travel expert. But if there is a demand for certain routes, why can CAL make a profit or break even.

Countries like Singapore and UAE can do so well, why can't we even come close to breaking even.

VB

Cuz they running the thing like a parlour (not me say so, is Allan Clovis say so), they flying to unprofitable routes like London and Panama......and the recently appointed Chairman's first order of business was to looking to ordering an Audi Q7......dais the fella with common sense, quite unlike the previous chairman (not George Boy) whose only claim to fame is selling Sunshine Snacks in "Sah Wha" (not me say so is Deviant say so)........

Yuh still confused??.....

.........as I was saying........smdh.....three more years of this shyte..... ::) ::)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on May 27, 2012, 09:23:36 AM
Meanwhile workers bonus jumping up.


Lok Jack and Brunton at least had a plan. But....dis musbe a CEPEPP gang we running here.


Say what ent?


Them belly full, but we hungry;
A hungry mob is a angry mob.
A rain ah fall, but the dirt it tough;
A pot ah cook, but the food nuh nuff
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 28, 2012, 11:55:25 AM
They betta doh play because ah done buy meh ticket to fly wit dem for d UK.

Well dey play meh plans change SMH SMH SMH. I just hv 2 pray now they go and bring meh bck.
Title: Caribbean Airlines needs planes
Post by: Socapro on August 14, 2012, 02:50:01 AM
http://www.newsday.co.tt/businessday/0,164536.html

Caribbean Airlines needs planes
By Vernon Khelawan Thursday, August 9 2012

CARIBBEAN Airlines Limited (CAL) is expected to take delivery of its third ATR-72-600 by the end of this week.


This came from a well-placed Piarco source late last week, however, the actual date could not yet be confirmed, because discussions on the payment for the aircraft were ongoing and expected to be finalised on Monday.

Business Day also learned that the other six aircraft would be delivered on a monthly basis, quite similar to the original arrangement, except there still seems to be some difficulties surrounding the sourcing of cash to pay for each individual aircraft before delivery. As it stands the fourth aircraft is expected before the end of September.

The inability of the airline to take possession of the planes according to the original schedule has caused serious problems on the airbridge, mainly because of a shortage of pilots, since many of the cockpit crews who operated the airline’s Dash-8-300 fleet were sent for training on the ATRs. Also, the plans as Business Day understands it, were to take the Dash-8s offline and replace them with the ATRs as they came in every month according to the original plans. But this never happened.

CAL is in such desperate need of these new planes that even though the aircraft has not yet arrived in Trinidad, CAL has already placed the third aircraft on the airbridge schedule, beginning the third week in September. Weekends proved to be nightmares last month and many have been the occasions when there was need to press into airbridge service one of the B-737s to reduce the long standby list at both ends – Piarco International in Trinidad and the Arthur Robinson International in Tobago.

And while on the subject of airplanes, Caribbean Airlines has not yet been apprised by the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) about the certification status of the two B-767ER-216 aircraft the airline has leased from Chilean airline LAN Chile, specifically to operate the London service to Gatwick.

While that service has been operating for almost two months, no word has come publicly from the TTCAA as to when these two planes, which remain sitting in a hangar at an airport in Mexico City, would be able to fly into Trinidad. At the launch of the London service on June 14 last, there was talk that the planes would have been in Trinidad. That too, has not happened.

What also has not happened is a public final report on the Caribbean Airlines B-737 aircraft which skidded off the runway at Cheddi Jagan International in Guyana on the night of July 30 2011.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has already submitted its own findings, which has attributed the accident to pilot error. The US authorities, who were also involved in the investigations, have remained silent on the matter.

According to the Guyana report, its probe indicated that the pilot had overshot the runway, going past the normal touchdown point and the out of control aircraft careened into a perimeter fence and split in two. These findings did not go down too well with the TTCAA which insisted at the time that investigations were still being conducted.

And even as the anniversary date flew past last week, there is no indication of exactly where the probe is right now and how much longer it would take before the findings are made known to the public.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on August 14, 2012, 11:39:38 AM
And thats what people know about.... ::)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 18, 2012, 03:33:42 AM
(http://newsday.co.tt/galeria/2012-10-17-8-1A_CAL_plane.jpg)
FIT FOR FLIGHT: One of the two Boeing 767 aircraft being leased from Land Chile for Caribbean Airline (CAL)'s London route. CAL assured the aircraft is "perfectly functional to fly" the trans-Atlantic route after concerns were raised in the Senate yesterday.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 18, 2012, 03:38:47 AM
VIDEO - CAL under US and local investigations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecxG0D3a0M&feature=player_embedded&list=PL7jslrWeLyJ3gjJ_dx5s9uuMKFc-vz7nI)

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: just cool on October 18, 2012, 04:02:38 AM
VIDEO - CAL under US and local investigations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecxG0D3a0M&feature=player_embedded&list=PL7jslrWeLyJ3gjJ_dx5s9uuMKFc-vz7nI)


I have a lady friend whom i picked up @ the airport recently , and she was complaining how the plane she came up on was way too small, now this is a lady who flies regular so she knows the equipment (737 800) that CAL normally use for the POS JFK route.

she said the plane was a jet but much smaller than what she usually travel on, is there a smaller jet in their fleet that services the POS JFK route now?
Title: Part of Caribbean Airlines plane's engine falls off
Post by: boss on October 26, 2012, 09:02:09 AM
(via CCN TV6 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCNTV6/posts/452721258103405)  :beermug:

CAL confirms that part of the engine of an aircraft BW Flight 300 fell off. It returned to Piarco Int'l Airport. The passengers are now at Piarco Terminal awaiting another flight to Caracas
Title: Re: Part of Caribbean Airlines plane's engine falls off
Post by: Michael-j on October 26, 2012, 09:36:51 AM
Heard it was part of the engine cowling that fell off (the protective covering of the engine). This is one of the brand new aircraft so I'm hoping it's not a problem with the aircraft itself....Maybe the mechanics were working on the engine and didn't secure the cowling properly afterwards. Although I don't think passenger safety was compromised, I don't think this is the kind of publicity CAL needs at this time  :(
Title: Re: Part of Caribbean Airlines plane's engine falls off
Post by: D.H.W on October 26, 2012, 09:42:52 AM
-_-
Title: Re: Part of Caribbean Airlines plane's engine falls off
Post by: lefty on October 26, 2012, 09:48:25 AM
all of a sudden :( :(
Title: Re: Part of Caribbean Airlines plane's engine falls off
Post by: weary1969 on October 26, 2012, 10:28:08 AM
all of a sudden :( :(

ENTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 08, 2013, 03:26:01 AM
CAL staff angry as top executive orders US$20,000 trip for 19 ‘friends’
By Anika Gumbs-Sandiford (Guardian).


Vice-chairman of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) Mohan Jaikaran is proving the state enterprise is not cash-strapped, as he has requested 19 complimentary airline tickets for a Mother’s Day concert scheduled for New York City and Toronto this weekend, of which he is a co-promoter. The directive caused raised eyebrows among management, as two weeks ago there were reports that the national carrier had once again turned to the Government for funding, to the tune of $100 million.

Jaikaran, however, denied the airline was facing money woes and instead insisted it was “heading in the right direction.” T&T Guardian learned that last week, Jaikaran, who is also the chairman of WIN Communications Ltd (WINTV), gave instructions via e-mail for the tickets to be booked free of charge. The T&T Guardian learned loss of revenue for the tickets was estimated at approximately US$20,000. Only taxes were paid on the tickets.

Checks at the airline yesterday revealed that a ticket from Piarco International Airport to John F Kennedy International Airport during the month of May costs US$725.80, and a flight to Toronto’s Lester B Pearson International costs US$345.20 for the same period. The concert, which is being advertised on the Web site of the television station, takes place on Saturday at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel near the Toronto Airport and on Sunday (Mother’s Day) at Jamaica Avenue, Richmond Hill, New York.

Performers include Raymond & Dil-E-Nadan, Ravi B & Karma, and KI & 3Veni Band. Jaikaran is listed as a co-promoter of the event. Attempts to get a comment from Jaikaran yesterday were unsuccessful, as telephone calls and text messages went unanswered. Up to yesterday, nine of the 19 tickets had been confirmed and the other ten were awaiting flights and times before being confirmed.

CAL officials said yesterday this was not the first time such a directive had been issued by a high-ranking CAL official, adding that the company was being denied thousands of dollars in revenue at the same time it was depending on the Government for help. “Proper procedures are not being followed,” a top management official told the T&T Guardian. “Directives are just being given. The relevant parties are being bypassed and this is not how it is supposed to be.

“What we are having are upgrades free of charge and people receiving free tickets to travel around the world. People are being upgraded from economy to first class by a telephone call.”

The official added that sponsorship deals to WINTV were also being queried by employees. The deals were said to be more than $200,000 for last year alone. As a result of the recent developments, senior CAL staff have expressed frustration over the present management style and may protest today, when the board is scheduled to meet.

Sources said yesterday that acting CAL CEO Robert Corbie, who had butted heads with some executives over recent decisions, had gone on seven days’ leave. Staff are now calling on line minister Chandresh Sharma to investigate the operations of CAL. In response to a text message sent by T&T Guardian to Sharma yesterday, asking if he was aware of the request for the complimentary tickets, the minister said, “No.”

Telephone calls to CAL chairman Rabindra Moonan were also unsuccessful as he did not return calls or messages left. While the airline struggles to stay afloat, T&T Guardian investigations showed a 50 per cent discount was approved on 25 airline tickets to Toronto. The ticket request was for the 2012 WINTV Chutney in the Park at the Caribana festival. The T&T Guardian also obtained copies of invoices showing that for 2012, the airline also contributed to:

WINTV pageant—$2,500
WIN Radio spots closing and opening credits—$48,000
WIN Communications package for NCIC Indian Arrival Day celebrations—$28,750
WIN Web site banner—$51,117.50
WINTV T20 Games held in Fort Lauderdale (four confirmed economy tickets)—$50,000
WINTV Chutney in the Park Caribana (50 per cent of 25 tickets)—$48,000
WINTV Divali Queen show —$50,000
Maracas New York City Liberty Avenue Divali 2012 (two tickets to a Caribbean destination as a door prize)—$8,694
WIN Radio Wet Fete (January 13, 2013 and Green Event February 3, 2013)—$30,000
WIN Radio live link-up from New York 10.30 am to 11.30 am (January 20-December 31)-$72,000

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: fishs on May 08, 2013, 03:40:44 AM
Mariano Browne, former Minister in the Ministry of Finance, did an extensive discussion on the CAL situation over the last two Fridays on his programme on I95.5 fm.  I have found his programme to be very informative and even though on Fridays I like to stay away from the political stuff and talk radio generally, I find his programme to be very good and without a pro-PNM/political slant.  He just delivers good, good information.  So I take a listen.....

Anywho, he said that the London route was given up by the previous board (the one headed by the man whose only claim to fame is selling Sunshine Snacks in "Sah Wha"  ::)), because it was an unprofitable route.   He also said that no cash was paid for Air Jamaica in response to the claim that CAL burn through cash in two years for things like payment for Air Jamaica.  I think he also said that CAL didn't take any of Air Jamaica's debt, the Jamaican government took up that......

But say what....we have a board now headed by a man who have real common sense so CAL in good hands....right Deviant??   ::)

I start taking this flight and it is always full.
Loads of Surinamese and Guyanese using it.
So maybe it is making some money now
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 08, 2013, 08:31:02 AM
After the stress Cbb Islands but me through last year as I headed to the London Olympics I really eh want to hear bout them.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 09, 2013, 02:58:41 AM
CAL Five Absent
Board fails to meet after ‘free tickets’ report
Anika Gumbs-Sandiford (Guardian).


The board of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) did not meet yesterday as scheduled because  vice-chairman Mohan Jaikaran and other directors were absent. Jaikaran, who is also the chairman of WIN Communications Ltd (WINTV), was among five directors who were a no-show yesterday. The other absentee directors were Gizelle Russell, Avedanand Persad, Venosh Sagewan-Maraj and the Jamaican representative, Dennis Lalor.

T&T Guardian learned chairman Rabindra Moonan was the lone director who turned up at CAL yesterday after the board meeting was cancelled. An exclusive T&T Guardian story yesterday reported that Jaikaran had requested 19 complimentary tickets for a Mother’s Day concert scheduled for New York City and Toronto this weekend.

After the publication of the article yesterday, a number of people telephoned the T&T Guardian to complain the next available flight to John F Kennedy International Airport was on May 26. Several questioned whether they were “bumped off” flights to facilitate Jaikaran’s request. When the T&T Guardian called to ask about flights to New York, a reservation clerk confirmed the next available flight was on May 26.

Contacted yesterday, Moonan confirmed that the board meeting did not take place. “Two directors called in sick and the other three directors had other engagements,” Moonan said. Asked if he was aware that a directive had been given by Jaikaran to issue the 19 complimentary tickets to him, Moonan said: “What I found out is that no directive was given. An application was made for sponsorship for some bands to go to Toronto and New York and it was approved at a management level.”

The 19 tickets did not have to go to the board for approval, he said. “Management approves that. It would have been between the marketing department and the acting CEO, Robert Corbie.” Told that information obtained by the T&T Guardian revealed that Corbie had not approved the 19 complimentary tickets, Moonan replied: “The information you have probably is different to the information that was made available to me.”

Performers carded for the concert include Raymond & Dil-E-Nadan, Ravi B & Karma, and KI & 3Veni Band. The concert is being held on Saturday at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel near the Toronto airport and on Sunday (Mother’s Day) at Jamaica Avenue, Richmond Hill, New York. Jaikaran is listed as a co-promoter of the event.

Moonan dismissed the suggestion there might be a conflict of interest between Jaikaran’s employment as vice-chairman at CAL and executive chairman of WINTV. “I am not aware there is a conflict of interest.  My information is that these particular shows have been going on for the longest while. He has been receiving sponsorship from both BWIA and CAL.”

Asked if it was the norm for BWIA or CAL (which replaced BWIA in 2007) to give Jaikaran 19 complimentary tickets, Moonan said: “No, I do not have the exact amount but what I am saying it is part of the normal sponsorship programme.” Moonan said last year CAL also sponsored airline tickets for the Olympic team. “Last year we approved tickets for the entire Olympic team which is part of our normal management practices.”

Moonan said CAL also sponsored airline tickets for two reporters from radio station I95.5 to attend a function in London. He did not disclose their names. He said the airline had also sponsored tickets for the Red Cross Society  and various sporting organisations.   
Jaikaran did not respond to telephone calls or text messages sent by the T&T Guardian yesterday.

(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/field/image/mohan%20jaikaran.jpg)
Mohan Jaikaran

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on May 09, 2013, 04:55:05 AM
After the stress Cbb Islands but me through last year as I headed to the London Olympics I really eh want to hear bout them.

Dais which airline??....
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: fishs on May 09, 2013, 05:34:08 AM
After the stress Cbb Islands but me through last year as I headed to the London Olympics I really eh want to hear bout them.

Dais which airline??....

 :rotfl: :rotfl: by now u shld b usd to W69 srthd
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 09, 2013, 10:54:50 AM
After the stress Cbb Islands but me through last year as I headed to the London Olympics I really eh want to hear bout them.

Dais which airline??....

I should have booked on them instead I might not have had to go on Monarch never again. Imagine yuh hand bag is yuh hand luggage. MONARCH NEVER AGAIN.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on May 10, 2013, 05:43:05 AM
After the stress Cbb Islands but me through last year as I headed to the London Olympics I really eh want to hear bout them.

Dais which airline??....

 :rotfl: :rotfl: by now u shld b usd to W69 srthd

I usually can interpret what she means but she stumped me this time..... ;D
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: maxg on May 11, 2013, 09:53:46 PM
Wait nah..how allyuhbdoes put up with these things, and focus on football..
200 million ? 60 million in credit card fraud..I is the only person cyah sleep on this?

Left and right millions , billions..stolen, overlooked wasted, taken out the country...and we arguing bout football

For real..well dat is Allyuh, I focusing on these mudda ass crooks now & in future...everybody know and nobody doing nothing?

WRITE OFF, easy so
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 12, 2013, 02:53:58 AM
$200m CAL WRITE-OFF
State airline loses out on cargo, credit card payments for tickets
By Asha Javeed (Express).


State carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) is facing a potential write-off of approximately $200 million in losses, including $60 million lost from what executives say could amount to credit card fraud related to airline ticket purchases.

More than $100 million has already had to be written off from the company’s cargo department.

A report submitted to the CAL board of directors recently stated the losses were incurred because there were no policies in place to ensure the enterprise got its earnings. 

Four executives from the company’s management team, who had oversight over those operations but failed to stop the haemorrhage from the company or come up with solutions to recover the money lost, have been identified by other senior staff for the losses. 
 
The Sunday Express obtained a series of e-mails and documents last week which point to questionable actions by management of the company with regard to several multi-million dollar transactions which have handicapped the organisation financially.

The Sunday Express understands the CAL board has already sanctioned an independent company to conduct an audit of the multi-million cargo losses and has instructed the management team to fix the credit card issues related to ticket purchases.

With regard to the credit card problems, the Sunday Express understands basic principles were not followed when tickets were booked.
It has cost the company millions, sources close to the operations explained.

Since the inception of CAL, the Sunday Express learnt that management never adopted the basic controls required for online and call centre credit card transactions and was not concerned about the millions of dollars these lack of controls cost the company.

With regard to the cargo revenues, the Sunday Express understands the losses occurred in 2011 and 2012.

For 2011, the company will write down $21.4 million of overstated revenue and will write off $40.4 million of uncollected cargo revenue.
CAL, the Sunday Express learnt, could not determine if all manual invoices raised have been settled.

In 2012, the company will write down $43 million of overstated revenue, and will write off $44.3 million of uncollected cargo revenue.
“It has not been sufficiently determined since the invoices are done manually as such there is no accurate method to track if payment is collected on all invoices,” the note read.

The Sunday Express understands that when CAL began operations in 2007, it simply had an “honour” agreement with its cargo operators who paid the company afterwards and as such, was always in the red with payments as CAL was never up to date on invoicing its customers. 

The Sunday Express learnt the independent review of the cargo issues will be presented to the board this week and it is expected a senior executive could be dismissed.

Another executive, speaking to the Sunday Express on condition of anonymity, pointed out that it was “gross negligence” and “incompetence” on the part of CAL’s management over the past three years which led the company to its present state.

While the executive conceded that CAL was to some extent mirco-managed by its board, he pointed out the management was hired to run the organisation for its best interest while the board is supposed to be principally focused on governance issues.

Some executives further allege certain officials at the airline sought to ingratiate themselves to the board but never sought the best interest of the company.

Several attempts to reach CAL’s acting chief executive, Robert Corbie, yesterday to respond to the allegations and finger-pointing at several of his senior staff members were futile.

The Sunday Express understands he is out of the country but is expected back next week.

While the issue of the losses and fraud have been known to the company’s executives within the last month, some executives questioned why this had not been as “leak worthy” to the press as the tickets and upgrade requests of the company’s vice-chairman, Mohan Jaikaran.
 
“It is a well-known fact that these executives have not and would not make any decision and when engaging the board would take suggestions, provide feedback and carry it out without question. They would then turn it around and communicate to the general staff that the board were giving these guidance or suggestions as directives,” another staff member said.

To illustrate their point, the executives pointed to a Guardian story on Jaikaran’s request for CAL’s sponsorship of a Mother’s Day concert in Toronto, Canada, in the form of tax only tickets.

They observed it was never a board decision but a decision taken by CAL’s marketing department.

In an e-mail dated April 26, acting chief executive Corbie wrote to Alicia Cabrera, CAL’s senior marketing manager, and copied its corporate secretary, Nalini Lalla: “Alicia as per meeting the VC (vice chair) this morning and the coverage (if you are ok with the levels of returns) we will proceed as requested.”

They further observed that Jaikaran’s request to upgrade passengers who included manager of the West Indies cricket team Omar Khan; chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), Sushilla Ramkissoon-Mark; chairman of National Petroleum (NP), Neil Gosine, and family; Minister of Legal Affairs, Prakash Ramadhar, and his wife; CrimeWatch host Ian Alleyne, and his spouse and child; chairman of the National Self Help Commission, Surujdeo Mangaroo, and Nadra Mangaroo; attorney Kelvin Ramkissoon; former Miss Universe, Janelle Commissiong; among others, cost the company less than the mismanagement which has taken place over the past three years.

Another executive, when asked for comment, was concerned about “how the public is being distracted with a few thousands of dollars in upgrades when in fact, the (chief financial officer) has now exposed hundreds of millions in write-offs from cargo and credit card, insurance claims never being claimed since the inception of CAL”.

Another was concerned about how the leaks have put the company at risk legally by divulging travel itinerary and personal travel plans of certain individuals which is in contravention of CAL’s policy.

“It is time for CAL’s executives to be executives and act decisively in carrying out the transformation plan, communicating with internal and external customers. The team realises that confidence needs to be built in CAL’s product and our focus should be on that and not on leaking information,” said another executive, who was also reluctant to be named.

The losses are separate from the credit crunch which CAL is seeking to crawl out off.

In 2012, CAL’s unsubsidised cash flow was a deficit of US$234 million for 2012. To this end, the airline embarked on a Stabilisation and Transformation Road Map, to incrementally reduce cost and streamline the airline’s operations once more.

In a statement issued to staff by the company explaining the state of affairs at CAL, which the Sunday Express was privy to, it was explained: “The unsubsidised cash flow deficit of US$234 million for 2012 arose primarily as a result of reckless management decision to purchase nine ATR aircraft at a total cost of US$174 million out of operational cash flows.

“This cash purchase was chosen over an alternative leasing arrangement which is the norm in the airline industry. This decision put extreme pressure on the airline’s cash flow.” (See table)

The statement explained to staff that the operational deficit of US$120 million was financed by short-terms loans which totalled US$114.2 million.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: asylumseeker on May 12, 2013, 05:15:39 AM
Who are these clowns?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: g on May 12, 2013, 06:05:13 AM
What i don't understand is that since the Lok Jack board was terminated with a reported positive ledger balance, how could things degenerate to this level now?

This is a national tragedy, such a potential rich initiative now pretty much back to the 90s style BWEE mantra
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: lefty on May 12, 2013, 06:14:51 AM
diaz what does happen when yuh give what essentially is ah parlour man ah airline to run......


Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on May 12, 2013, 06:46:37 AM
$200m CAL WRITE-OFF
State airline loses out on cargo, credit card payments for tickets
By Asha Javeed (Express).



Four executives from the company’s management team, who had oversight over those operations but failed to stop the haemorrhage from the company or come up with solutions to recover the money lost, have been identified by other senior staff for the losses. 
 
The Sunday Express obtained a series of e-mails and documents last week which point to questionable actions by management of the company with regard to several multi-million dollar transactions which have handicapped the organisation financially.




With regard to the cargo revenues, the Sunday Express understands the losses occurred in 2011 and 2012.

For 2011, the company will write down $21.4 million of overstated revenue and will write off $40.4 million of uncollected cargo revenue.
CAL, the Sunday Express learnt, could not determine if all manual invoices raised have been settled.

In 2012, the company will write down $43 million of overstated revenue, and will write off $44.3 million of uncollected cargo revenue.
“It has not been sufficiently determined since the invoices are done manually as such there is no accurate method to track if payment is collected on all invoices,” the note read.

 



Another executive, speaking to the Sunday Express on condition of anonymity, pointed out that it was “gross negligence” and “incompetence” on the part of CAL’s management over the past three years which led the company to its present state.




Some executives further allege certain officials at the airline sought to ingratiate themselves to the board but never sought the best interest of the company.

They further observed that Jaikaran’s request to upgrade passengers who included manager of the West Indies cricket team Omar Khan; chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), Sushilla Ramkissoon-Mark; chairman of National Petroleum (NP), Neil Gosine, and family; Minister of Legal Affairs, Prakash Ramadhar, and his wife; CrimeWatch host Ian Alleyne, and his spouse and child; chairman of the National Self Help Commission, Surujdeo Mangaroo, and Nadra Mangaroo; attorney Kelvin Ramkissoon; former Miss Universe, Janelle Commissiong; among others, cost the company less than the mismanagement which has taken place over the past three years.






The losses are separate from the credit crunch which CAL is seeking to crawl out off.



In a statement issued to staff by the company explaining the state of affairs at CAL, which the Sunday Express was privy to, it was explained: “The unsubsidised cash flow deficit of US$234 million for 2012 arose primarily as a result of reckless management decision to purchase nine ATR aircraft at a total cost of US$174 million out of operational cash flows.

“This cash purchase was chosen over an alternative leasing arrangement which is the norm in the airline industry. This decision put extreme pressure on the airline’s cash flow.” (See table)




(http://replygif.net/i/639)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jah Gol on May 12, 2013, 07:49:46 AM
diaz what does happen when yuh put what essentially ah parlour man ah airline to run......
this
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jah Gol on May 12, 2013, 07:58:09 AM
What i don't understand is that since the Lok Jack board was terminated with a reported positive ledger balance, how could things degenerate to this level now?

This is a national tragedy, such a potential rich initiative now pretty much back to the 90s style BWEE mantra
You have to make a series of bad decisions for literally years to end up in that position. I can't believe I'm going to say this but Warner was probably right about this one.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 12, 2013, 08:34:47 AM
Mohan Jaikaran is a con-man living in NY. We have plenty of them in NY, queens. Ahmad Realty is another one.

These indian businessmen think they smarter than everybody. They roam the streets of Liberty Avenue trying to con they own people.

Read some of my reviews on yelp.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ahmad-realty-ozone-park



Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 12, 2013, 04:17:25 PM
diaz what does happen when yuh give what essentially is ah parlour man ah airline to run......




We give d country over to be run like a parlour. So C.A. must b run like a parlour.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 13, 2013, 04:22:56 AM
CAL on auto pilot
Staff query who’s in charge at national airline as losses multiply
By Asha Javeed (Express)


Yesterday, the Sunday Express reported on the millon-dollar write-off at national carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) in the midst of the company’s financial turbulence.

Part 2 today considers whether CAL is being run in the best interest of its shareholders, the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, by the people appointed to manage it.

It’s the question being asked by the company’s staff in the face of mounting million-dollar losses and a potential $200 million write-off on cargo revenues and possible credit card fraud.

Several executives have raised concern about the degree to which the company is being mirco-managed by its board, aided by management officials and the negative impact certain decisions have had on the company’s bottom line, contributing to lack of profitability.

While the CAL board has fiduciary responsibility, the airline’s top management has a responsibility to operate in the best interest of the airline, the Express was told.

Some executives have questioned whether the airline is carrying out its responsibility to its shareholder, the Government, or whether it is carrying out the ruling People’s Partnership’s agenda.

For instance, when CAL was first launched, it was a leaner, cost-efficient operation that had replaced the debt-riddled BWIA.

But the six-year-old company now resembles its predecessor, from taking on old, abandoned routes such as London, to adding new ones without a view to profitability.

This, the Express understands, has put CAL in the red with its financial statements for 2010, 2011 and 2012, in stark contract to its break-even position achieved in 2008.

Apart from millions in losses that CAL will have to write off, the State carrier has lost millions more in questionable decisions which were the collective responsibility of the board and the company’s senior management.

Among those decisions are the cash payment for CAL’s ATR aircraft; the integration of Air Jamaica’s operations; the wet leasing of aircraft due to delays experienced in the start-up of CAL’s London route; and the company’s response to competition.

These decisions were taken at the board level with top management who sat in on board meetings.

The Express understands that the board and management approved the last-minute “wet-leasing” of aircraft at high prices to fly routes and to fly more frequently.

It has cost the company close to US$31 million in 2012.
“No other options such as lease by the hour or re-routing flights or cancelling flights were even considered,” one executive told the Express.

The Express learnt that CAL’s board has now mandated its management “they will not support any wet-leasing going forward unless it is critical”.

“Management is now forced to come up with ways to operate without these expensive wet leases. Staff in CAL are now confused why this was not done before by management instead of using the most expensive option,” the source explained.

With regard to Air Jamaica operations, the acquisition of the airline’s routes was costly to the company.

“There were no plans to build upon and improve these routes, to grow this brand which has very strong nationalistic appeal.

Instead, management let it die a slow painful death which is now causing growing rifts,” said the executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

But the investment which set the company back financially was the cash purchase of five ATR aircraft.

The Express understands that ATR has offered CAL an operating lease agreement, which is similar to what CAL has with its other airline manufacturer, Boeing, but that no such recommendation was made to the board and it was not explored by CAL’s management.

Instead, after Cabinet approved the acquisition of the aircraft, the company used its cash in hand to make the purchase.

“With no financing arrangement secured by management mere weeks before delivery of the aircraft, the last option to purchase using cash was approved by the board, which many believe has been and continues to be unfairly blamed as the former chairman’s (George Nicholas III) directive and which threw the company into cash flow chaos,” a senior executive stated.

It has cost the company US$116 million.

Another bad decision was CAL’s pricing strategy to stave off competition which led to it running major losses.

“Management kept these low prices even after the competition left. Why didn’t they give the competition the low end of the market?

“They used the easy approach of price warring and then kept prices low after,” the executive observed.

CAL had introduced new flights to compete against Barbadian low-cost carrier RedJet, but then uncompetitively left these flights with low loads even after RedJet discontinued service.

Several CAL executives are seeking to distance themselves from the decisions which have led to the present state of affairs.

One pointed out that it was difficult for an executive to challenge the decision of a board because many were concerned about job security.

The Express was unable to get chief executive Robert Corbie to comment on the issues, but current acting CEO Captain Jagmohan Singh stated that CAL’s transformation plan was in effect to fix these issues and the company was aiming to be at break-even by the end of 2013.

Cognizant not to compromise the company’s strategy, Singh said CAL has rolled out several projects, including managing air fares more aggressively on all routes; route and fleet optimisation; cost cutting throughout the organisation aimed at removing close to US$55 million in costs involving the Jamaica operations; wet leasing strategy; and catering.

When pressed further on the losses and leaks at CAL, Singh indicated that it has always been CAL’s intention to be a profitable organisation and plans are now in place to do so.

Singh also stressed that if the taxpayers of Trinidad and Tobago are being called on to fund CAL’s past losses, the company will now need to be fully transparent going forward on what it is doing.

After publication of CAL’s financial state in a Sunday Express exclusive, the Express learnt that its chief financial officer Shiva Ramnarine presented CAL’s transformation plan to Ministry of Finance representatives, foreign suppliers, bankers and employees to appease its vendors and to be transparent.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 14, 2013, 03:46:35 AM
DON’T BLAME ME
Former CAL chairman files claim in court on role in airline’s performance
By Asha Javeed (Express).


Former controversial Caribbean Airlines (CAL) chairman George Nicholas says he’s not to blame for the company’s present financial state.

The six-year-old airline, of which Nicholas was the chairman for 16 months, has been in the red for the past three years and has suffered millions in losses and write-offs during the same period.

Nicholas’s response was in a statement of case he filed in the High Court against publisher Maxie Cuffie, for a column Cuffie wrote in the Trinidad Guardian on April 21, 2013 titled “CAL Heads for Another Crash”.

Cuffie’s column had followed a Sunday Express exclusive that CAL had an accumulated debt of $1.4 billion and was seeking a loan to stem its debt.

Nicholas took offence at Cuffie’s statement that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had appointed him (George) as chairman, “someone with no significant track record other than employment in the family firm, but stuck with him when from the outset, George Nicholas 111 proved himself manifestly unequal to the task. The absence of aptitude for the job was demonstrated in public spats with the Ministers of Finance (then Winston Dookeran) and Works and Transport (then Jack Warner) whose opinions were ignored as the PM continued to show favour to the neophyte chairman”.

In his statement of case, Nicholas claimed Cuffie ignored the accomplishments of CAL under his chairmanship.

From November 2010 to April 2012, the period during which CAL was under Nicholas’ tenure, he identified his achievements as:

1. Growing the company from circa $600 million to $3.4 billion within 16 months—this notwithstanding having the fuel hedge retroactively increased by 50 per cent by Cabinet in or about November 2011 after billions of tickets were sold premised on the unadjusted subsidy.

2. Crisis management of an aircraft incident in Guyana. (In July 2011, CAL’s flight BW 523 crash landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Timehri, Guyana, and the aircraft split into two. All 163 passengers survived.)

3. Winning the best airline in the region for two years—2011 and 2012—beating over 40 competitors.

4. Making CAL the State’s second largest revenue earner.

5. Acquiring two fleets of aircraft (ATR and 767-300s and 8 737-800 aircraft).

6. Reacquiring the London to Port of Spain route.

Nicholas stated Cuffie “ignored the recently published reports of the financial and investment successes of the publicly listed company Mora Ven Holdings Ltd of which the claimant (George) is the executive chairman. Mora Ven Holdings Ltd registered a 90 per cent increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2013 and over 500 per cent increase in profit before tax; its Solaris Renewable Energy division formed in 2010 is now present in ten countries and has active interest in Africa.”

He stated Cuffie’s column “was written in such a manner as to present the current financial situation of CAL as entirely attributable to the claimant, whereas in fact and in truth such is entirely false”.

The former chairman, in his statement of case filed by Lionel Luckhoo in the civil court on May 7, 2013, included his resume to substantiate the quality of his character and business acumen. His lists CAL in his professional background (November 3, 2010 to date) and itemises his success as:

1. Significant revenue growth in a competitive market place, year on year.

2. System wide service upgrades.

3. Air Jamaica merger and that brand’s profitable turnaround and on time record.

4. Produced a strong EBITADA result for the first three months.

5. An eight-digit improvement in net results for the first three months.

6.  Motivating 1,860 employees in 18 destinations through a nimble management structure.

Nicholas resigned from the cash-strapped national carrier in April 2012 over what he said were statements about his performance by his then line authority, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj.

He ended his tenure at CAL via letter to corporation sole, then finance minster Winston Dookeran. He was swiftly replaced by Rabindra Moonan.

The former chairman has not commented on the airline’s activities except to lash out at Dookeran after he revealed CAL’s unhealthy financial state in Parliament last May. He said  Dookeran “had failed his people”.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 14, 2013, 03:51:18 AM
CARICOM HEADS VEX OVER CAL.
T&T Guardian Reports.


Shareholder governments of the regional airline Liat say the T&T Government’s subsidy to State-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) is a violation of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs Caricom. Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, speaking at the end of a shareholders’ meeting of Liat in Barbados, said the subsidy to CAL also violated the Common Air Services Agreement among Caricom member countries and had resulted in substantial losses to Liat. Gonsalves plans to raise these issues with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar when he comes to Port-of-Spain later this month for a meeting between regional leaders and US Vice President Joe Biden.

He said: “You take the period 2008 to 2012, because we have the data. Liat expended on fuel US$106.1 million in that five-year period but if we were to get the price that CAL paid, we would have spent US $43.64 million. “In other words, we have spent US$62.4 million on the fuel bill over this period more than we would have spent if we got the subsidy similar to CAL.” Gonsalves said Liat paid an average US$127 for a barrel of jet fuel over the five-year period, while CAL paid an average price of US$53. “That is on the fuel-subsidy side. It is estimated by the management that during that five-year period we lost 78, 000 passengers to CAL because of their subsidy, and the revenues which we would have lost as a result of that unfair competition would have been US$10.2 million,” he said.

But Gonsalves, who chairs Liat’s shareholder governments, said they had no intention of picking a fight with the Government of T&T. “This is a serious matter, so we have the facts on our side and we have the law on our side but we don’t want to fight T&T. We won’t want to get into any confrontation with them, but we have to have a sensible discussion on this matter,” he said. The Liat shareholder governments are Antigua-Barbuda, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados. The shareholders’ meeting also examined proposals to strengthen co-operation between Liat and CAL, with airline officials indicating they are not contemplating a merger but seeking practical areas of co-operation.

LIAT chairman Dr Jean Holder said there have been several unsuccessful attempts in the past to create a nexus between the carriers, but  it was  time they returned to the drawingboard, given the competitive nature of the airline business. “You don’t wait until you have a situation—Air Jamaica as it is about to fall out of the sky, as it were, through bankruptcy. That is not a strategic merger. You are merging just to save the Jamaican brand—and even now we are concerned about whether that is working or not. “While LIAT and CAL are still flying we need to sit down and say what is the best route to go for us to create air services for the region. That should be the goal: how do you create excellent air services so that our tourism industry flourishes? And I think it can be done. But we must drop some of the idea that somebody needs to be in charge of somebody else,” Holder said.

LIAT has also announced that it is holding discussions with the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to secure a long-term commercial loan to fund its re-fleeting exercise. CEO Captain Ian Brunton said the re-fleeting exercise was estimated at US$100 million and LIAT was seeking to borrow between US$60 and US$70 million from the regional bank. “We are going through a process of engaging the CDB to explore a long-term commercial loan. The CDB, of course, has been long-term traditional partners with LIAT and with this entire region, so they are our preferred lender, obviously, if it is possible. “We are in the discussion stages and in the due-diligence stages and so nothing is concrete yet, but it will be the preferred option for us, and I am sure that the CDB wants to assist LIAT too,” Brunton said.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on May 14, 2013, 04:50:20 PM
It is all about the luck of the draw in life. The northerners have all the nice beaches!!!! TT has oil and gas ..... for now.   location, location, location!!!!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 15, 2013, 02:39:22 AM
$704m LOSS FOR CAL
Finance Minister reveals state of national airline in 2012
By Ria Taitt Political Editor


Caribbean Airlines (CAL) lost US$70 million last year.

And if the fuel subsidy is added, the total loss would be US$110 milli­on ($704 million), Finance Minister Larry Howai conceded yesterday.

However, he said the airline remains solvent.

Howai yesterday faced a barrage of questions on the State-owned airline. And People’s National Movement (PNM) Senator Lester Henry said he was “astounded that the minister could describe as solvent a company which cannot cover its costs and no money in the bank’.

Howai replied that the company may be cash-strapped but it had assets.

“Perhaps the decisions made in respect of how those assets would be leveraged and what kind of leveraging you have for the balance sheet were not addressed perhaps in the way that others might have done,” the minister said.

He said the “preliminary” unaudi­ted” figures showed US$32 million of the $70 million loss was incurred by the Air Jamaica route, and another major part of the loss was also incurred on the London route.

“On the Jamaica route, it has cut flights to Jamaica and on the London route, it has terminated the wet-leasing arrangement. He said he expec­ted to “significantly reduce the losses of the airline during this year”.

He said the airline used a lot of its cash in the acquisition of planes. He said he had instructed that a new restructuring of the balance sheet be done where the airline would have to borrow and replace the cash which had previously been used. “It is better to leverage the asset rather than leave it unencumbered while having the company incurring significant debt obligations.”

On the issue of CAL vice-chairman Mohan Jaikaran issuing instructions for 19 complimentary tickets to be approved for a Mother’s Day function in Toronto, Canada, in which he is a promoter, as well as his instructions to upgrade persons from economy to first-class, Howai said he had asked for and received a report.

“But when we went through it, there were a number of questions which the Ministry of Finance had that we have asked for further clarification on before I take anything to Cabinet.

“When I left earlier today, they (Ministry of Finance) had not yet received all the information required.... I expect that by tomorrow, I would have the additional information I need...to facilitate a discussion on the matter on Thursday at Cabinet,” he said.

He said one contention put forward by Caribbean Airlines was that it was normal practice, predating this board. He said CAL said this was an arrangement for marketing of the airline and the arrangement was that part of the cost would have been picked up by the company itself and part by the marketing people. They have submitted some documentation to support that, but there were additional questions.

Asked whether there is a clear con­flict of interest between Jaika­ran’s position on the board and the de­gree to which CAL has been supporting many of the ventures which involve his companies, Howai said Jaikaran has a company which perhaps did work for CAL even before he became vice-chairman of the board.

“But there is a concern that we do have—where a director is getting a contract from the company; our expectation is that the director is not involved in any way in the discussion or decision concerning the matter and that the board of directors would be the appropriate body to approve such an arrangement...the director himself being excused from the deliberations of the board. These are some things that we are trying to get clarification on—was this decision taken by the board? “

The board, in approving this arrangement, must be satisfied that it is getting value that is defensible and easily explained to the population at large, Howai stated.

“Yes, you have a company and you can’t be expected to stop the business of your company. You are on board. Your company does business with Ca­ribbean Airlines. If there is going to be an approval of any such undertakings, then it should take place in a particular kind of way.

“That protocol is that it must be approved at the highest level of the company, which is the board, and the director (Jaikaran) should not be involved in any of the deliberations.

“Because it seems, and that is subject to correction...that the director may have liaised directly with the management. And it would have perhaps created some degree of discomfort somewhere along the line”, he said.

Asked whether Jaikaran should be on the board, given the potential of conflict of interest situations, How­ai said when he gets all the data, the ministry would come to a conclusion on that and present its findings and recommendations to Cabinet.

Asked whether any jobs were on the line, he said: “Like I said, we would go to Cabinet and let the decision be made. I don’t want to pre-empt Cabinet.”

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 15, 2013, 02:40:25 AM
Rowley: Air Jamaica bleeding T&T ‘like a chop neck’
By Ria Taitt Political Editor


Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said yesterday Air Jamaica was bleeding Trinidad and Tobago “like a chop neck”.

“Right now nobody knows what the Minister of Finance is doing by bankrolling CAL. All he is doing is giving them permission to go and borrow money short term. As of now we don’t know how much money they have borrowed and they writing off $200 million and the CAL board is having a generally good time as you see in the behaviour of  (vice chairman) Mohan Jaikaran,” Rowley said.

He said the airline was now “absolutely bankrupt”.

Rowley who recalled that he had always opposed the Air Jamaica/Caribbean Airlines merger, said as a backbencher in the last PNM administration, he took strong objection to that Government buying into Air Jamaica and had warned that it could come to no good.

He was responding to a Sunday Express exclusive story which disclosed that CAL was facing a potential $200 million write-off, after having already been given a $100 million write-off.

 He said it was after serious investigation and study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that that international body had advised Jamaica to get rid of its airline. 

“Jamaica needs Air Jamaica more than we do, and if the IMF could have told Jamaica to get rid of that expense, what in God’s name was Trinidad and Tobago Government doing taking up that airline?” he asked.

Rowley said despite his persistent objections, this People’s Partnership Government came into office and proceeded to buy Air Jamaica.

Rowley said when he raised issues about what was happening in CAL in the last no-confidence motion last year, not a single Government spokesperson responded to anything he said about CAL.

“Look at what is happening in CAL today. Imagine you are running a jet airline with multi aircraft going to international areas and you take the cash flow, the working capital for the country, and go and buy jet prop aircraft to go and fly to Tobago, Grenada and Barbados. You have to be crazy,” he said. He said nobody buys planes today as everyone is into lease arrangements.

Noting that the last chairman, Arthur Lok Jack, had stated that the previous board had left over $100 million in CAL’s account, Rowley said: “Today they are borrowing $40 million by the piece. $40 and $50 million, paying high interest rates for short-term borrowing to keep the airline afloat, while the Minister of Finance is absolutely silent.”

He also noted that the situation with CAL was now compounded by the legal issue because St Vincent is prepared to push the matter of Trinidad and Tobago being in breach of the Caricom treaty by subsidising CAL  and not subsidising anybody else (ie LIAT) with whom CAL is competing in the region.

He said if this matter goes to the Caribbean Court of Justice, this country would not have a leg to stand on “because we are subsidising an airline which is competing with other airlines in the region who are not part of the subsidy”.

He said the law (revised Treaty of Chaguaramas) requires that the country either stops the subsidy or makes it available to the other regional airline.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 17, 2013, 02:44:40 AM
CAL board's wings clipped
T&T Guardian.


The wings of Caribbean Airlines’ board have been “clipped” and a new board is on the horizon, expected to be announced shortly, government officials said yesterday. The development is now in the works after yesterday’s weekly Cabinet meeting, they added. The new board is tipped to include certain business and professional people. However, former BWIA CEO Conrad Aleong is not among them, a source said. The first CAL board appointed by the People’s Partnership (PP) administration in 2010 was headed by George Nicholas III, who resigned in April 2012. He was swiftly replaced by current chairman Rabindra Moonan.

In 2011, board members Allan Clovis and Susan Smith were also dropped from the board. Smith was replaced by an Air Jamaica (AJ) representative. The current board listed on CAL’s Web site comprises the rest of the original board, including Mohan Jaikaran (vice-chairman), Gizelle Russell, Avedanand Persad, Venosh Sagewan-Maraj and Dennis Lalor. CAL was expected to be the focus of discussion at a certain Cabinet level yesterday, after Finance Minister Larry Howai’s stance on the recent incident in which a senior CAL executive reportedly requested 19 complimentary tickets for friends to attend Mother’s Day concerts in New York and Toronto. The request, which raised concerns among CAL management and staff, was allegedly made by Jaikaran, also a co-promoter of the concert event, and was reported exclusively in the T&T Guardian last week.

On Tuesday, Howai expressed deep concern about the way the matter was handled. He had said CAL board directors should not be involved in any deliberations where a company of theirs is doing business with the state-owned company.

The impending removal of the board also comes as CAL attempts to restructure its way  with new initiatives out of an $800 million loss for 2012, and amid complaints by Caricom neighbours of preferential treatment for the airline by  the Government. At yesterday’s post-cabinet media briefing, Communications Minister Jamal Mohammed said discussions on CAL did not arise at yesterday’s session. However, after the meeting, Government officials confirmed to the Trinidad Guardian that the CAL issue had been concluded, the current board was on its way out and a new board was overhead.

They said Howai is expected to meet today with the outgoing board and incoming board. They said he would then make a comprehensive statement on the situation at a press conference today or tomorrow. A senior official explained that the CAL’s board was perceived as “weak” and had not come up to scratch in terms of technical competence or experience for the airline industry. The board members, the official said, would “by now have expected” to be replaced, since the board largely comprises people who were appointed in 2010 and their term would have been up “by now anyway.”  Around 5.30 pm yesterday, letters were being drafted for the new board members.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, a Government source said, is expected to peruse the situation and have final say before the expected news conference. A special emergency Cabinet meeting will also have to be held before the announcement, since the board has to be officially appointed by Cabinet, officials said. Arrangements were being made to try to fit everything in with today’s Parliament session. Other sources said efforts may be made to place outgoing CAL board members in other positions. On Tuesday, Howai had commented on the CAL board’s handling of the complimentary ticket issue. Describing the issue as one of governance, Howai said he had received a report which he had requested from CAL on the matter. He said CAL’s report had contended that the procedure which took place with the tickets was previously used in a marketing arrangement for the airline and documentation was provided to support this. But Howai said the ministry had additional questions on this and sought further clarification “to get answers” before proceeding “with a position to Cabinet.”

Howai had expected the additional information by yesterday, and to raise the matter at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. He said there was the concern that despite Jaikaran had a company that was doing business with CAL, a director was not expected to be involved in any way in discussions concerning their business aspect. Howai said it was expected the director would be excused from board deliberations in such situations. Howai had said his ministry had tried to find out if this was done in the current issue, since that information was not included in the document which he received. He had said there ought to have been “some protocol” by which such issues were handled.  Howai said it seemed the director may have liaised directly with the management in the current issue. In fact, reliable sources had told the T&T Guardian that acting CEO Robert Corbie objected to the number of airline tickets, said to be worth more than US$20,000, requested, but was pressured to approve the request.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on May 17, 2013, 11:42:26 AM
Ah hear on the news new interim board install.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: grimm01 on May 17, 2013, 01:38:24 PM
Ah hear on the news new interim board install.

Steups they go and replace a board that had nobody with airline industry experience with another board that have nobody with airline industry experience. At the very least they couldn't find someone with experience in corporate restructuring/turning around distressed companies to provide advice to the management?

The new board consists of three public servants (one is a lawyer), a HR professional (whatever that is), and a consultant (former Finance exec.) and the Jamaican is an insurance exec.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 19, 2013, 06:33:43 AM
ONE DOWN AT CAL
Howai fires new director at State airline
By Asha Javeed (Express).


One day after he was appointed to the Caribbean Airlines (CAL) board on Friday, the appointment of Courtney McNish has been revoked by Finance Minister Larry Howai.

The Express reported yesterday that McNish was previously employed at CAL as vice president of Human Resources in 2008, but was fired from the company in 2009. In a statement yesterday, Howai said he had withdrawn McNish from the interim CAL board chaired by former senator Philip Marshall.

“Immediately as information about Mr McNish’s previous tenure at CAL came to light, I acted to withdraw his name on Friday afternoon as I have every intention of ensuring that the board has the full confidence and faith of all stakeholders and is focused on achieving its very clear mandate,” said Howai.

On Friday, Howai accepted full responsibility for the massive million-dollar losses racked up the national airline.

The Express was told that Howai did not seek Cabinet’s approval to change the board but did so himself.

McNish was one of five members appointed to the CAL board to replace the dismissed board chaired by Rabindra Moonan last Friday.

The Express was informed that McNish’s employment with the airline came to an end following a janitorial contract awarded by CAL to a company in which he was a major shareholder.

Contacted for comment yesterday, McNish who is also president of the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago, argued that he was never appointed to the CAL board as he never received any instrument of appointment.

But he confirmed that he was present at the meeting in which the Minister asked him and the other members—Marshall, Vishnu Dhanpaul,  Indira Ramkissoon, Patricia Kong-Ting and Jamaican businessman Denis Lalor—to be part of the interim board.

On Friday, Howai had officially announced McNish as one of the members of the interim CAL board.

McNish yesterday told the Express that he had made his previous employment history at CAL known to the other incoming members and while he had reservations sitting on a public board he was persuaded to be part of the new composition because of his love for the airline.

He said he spoke with Howai yesterday morning and it was a “mutual agreement” to not go forward with the appointment given his previous tenure at the airline.

“It was a very amicable discussion. It was a good decision,” he said.

Employees at CAL had indicated their concern to the Sunday Express when McNish was selected to the board.
For his part, McNish maintained that he had a one-year employment contract at CAL and he left the company after the contract expired in July 2009.

He told the Sunday Express that the then Arthur Lok Jack board had already begun discussions with Air Jamaica (AJ) for the acquisition of its routes and they had already identified a vice president of Human Resources from AJ to take over so he departed the organisation.
“I didn’t necessarily want to continue,” he said.

 The Shareholders Agreement with AJ was signed in May 2010 and the deal was finalised in June 2011.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Express understands that employee morale is at a low.

Howai has given the interim board a three-month deadline to diagnose the company’s issues and chart a way forward.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 05, 2013, 02:01:57 AM
US blanks Caribbean Airlines…
By Vernon Khelawan (Newsday).
Saturday, October 5 2013


The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has blanked Caribbean Airlines in its request to fly non-stop from Georgetown to New York. The same applies to Fly Jamaica’s application to operate a similar service.

An order signed by Paul Gretch, director, Office of International Aviation of the DOT, and dated September 30, stated both carriers had not provided “ compelling evidence” that doing so would be in the public interest.

What this in effect means is that in both instances the carriers would have to access JFK International, New York, through Port-of-Spain in the case of Caribbean Airlines and Kingston in the case of Fly Jamaica, as they now do. It also means Guyanese passengers would have to continue with their layover at Piarco International and at Norman Manley International if Fly Jamaica is the carrier.

The order stated, “In light of these existing Georgetown-New York services and the lack of a showing by the applicants on the record that there is a truly demonstrable need for additional Georgetown-New York services, we are unable to find that the CAL and Fly Jamaica seventh freedom turnaround proposals satisfy our public interest test for the type of extraordinary authority at issue.”

A window of seven days from the date of the order has been given within which petitions to review this action, can be submitted, but it added, “This action is effective immediately and the filing of a petition for review will not alter the effectiveness.” Efforts to reach acting Chief Executive Officer at CAL, Captain Jagmohan Singh yesterday as to whether or not CAL planned to file for a review were futile.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: dcs on October 05, 2013, 09:30:49 PM
Trinidad Express
Vision Airlines to begin service to and from T&T (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business/Vision-Airlines-to-begin-service-to-and-from-TT-226538731.html?m=y&smobile=y&clmob=y&c=n)
Story Updated: Oct 4, 2013

Amral’s Travel has announced that TravelSpan Vacations and Vision Airlines have been granted approval by the Government and the United States Department of Transportation to begin nonstop services to and from Trinidad, New York and Guyana, using a wide-body Boeing 767 aircraft from December.

Amral’s Travel and TravelSpan have been serving these markets for over 47 years, the company said in a statement.

Vision Airlines brings over 20 years of aviation expertise, along with a fleet of three 767s, three 737s and several Dornier 328 aircraft, the company said.

The proposed flights will depart Piarco International Airport for New York on Tuesdays and Fridays, with additional flights for the peak season.

Schedule and fares are currently available either on-line at www.amralstravel.com or by calling any Amral’s Travel office.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: dcs on October 05, 2013, 09:31:34 PM

The return of the charter flights. Come bring something to Miami.
Title: Pilots' sickout affects all Caribbean Airlines flights
Post by: Socapro on July 01, 2014, 10:57:15 PM
Pilots' sickout affects all Caribbean Airlines flights
Passengers advised to consult company website for flight updates (http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2014-07-01/pilots-sickout-affects-all-caribbean-airlines-flights)
Published: Tuesday, July 1, 2014 (T&T Guardian)


Scores of passengers seeking to leave the country for business, vacation and other reasons have been affected by an apparent sickout by Caribbean Airlines pilots, which has resulted in all its flights for today being grounded.

In a release, the company said all of its international and domestic flights scheduled for today would be affected, as many of its pilots who were rostered to operate flights had called in sick.

The Guardian understands some 24 pilots called in sick yesterday.
Despite the sickout, the airline said it would do everything to minimise delays.

CAL asked all passengers to confirm their flight times with the Flight Status Tool on the Web site at www.caribbean-airlines.com before arriving at the airport to avoid any potential further inconvenience.

In an internal release to all staff, CEO Michael DiLollo said the company was “naturally concerned firstly for the health and welfare” of its pilot body, since this was an unprecedented occurrence.

“This unfortunate situation has disrupted our scheduled services at the beginning of our critical summer season, during which we count most on our operational crews to demonstrate reliability and service for our loyal customers.”

DiLollo also expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the disruptions to passengers who had committed hard-earned savings to enjoying this time together.

“To disappoint them will surely be a serious breach of our unspoken contract with them, a betrayal far deeper than even our legal commitment to provide the promised service.”

The release said while the management and the pilots’ recognised majority union, the T&T Pilots Association (TTALPA), have been in communication, Caribbean Airlines was disappointed by the action of the pilots.

“Caribbean Airlines will continue to urge further open and frank discussion in good faith with TTALPA while exploring all options available,” it said.
Title: STRANDED: Dozens of flights cancelled as CAL pilots stage sick-out
Post by: Socapro on July 01, 2014, 11:03:14 PM
STRANDED
Dozens of flights cancelled as CAL pilots stage sick-out (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/STRANDED-265472681.html)
By Port of Spain Carla Bridglal carla.bridglal@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jul 1, 2014 at 9:43 PM ECT (T&T Express)


Travellers on State-owned airline Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) were yesterday left stranded across the hemisphere as almost 20 pilots who were rostered to operate flights called in sick.

In a release yesterday, the airline said all its inter­national and domestic flights would be affected.

Most of the pilots parti­cipating in the “sick-out” action belong to the majo­rity recognised pilots’ union, Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots’ Association (TALPA).

Sources told the Express the situ­a­tion was developing since late Monday night. The tensions culmi­nated in most of CAL’s flights to and from New York (USA), Toronto (Canada), Guyana, Suriname, seve­ral Caribbean islands and the Tobago air bridge being either delayed or cancelled.

The flight schedule for Piarco International Airport listed on the Airports Authority (AATT) website as 38 CAL flights down to arrive yesterday, but 18 were listed as cancelled. Forty-one were scheduled to depart, but 20 of those were cancelled. The majority of flights affected were on the T&T air bridge where out of 42 flights between the islands, 24 were cancelled.

As of 3.21 p.m., the Express was told all flights on the air bridge were grounded, with no idea when they would take off.

In its release yesterday, the airline’s newly appoin­ted chief executive officer, Michael DiLollo, said the company was “naturally concerned for the health and welfare” of its pilots since the incident was “unprecedented”.

“This unfortunate situation has disrupted our scheduled services at the beginning of our critical summer season, during which we count most on operational crews to demonstrate reliability and service to our loyal customers,” he said.

He noted the potential negative impact of the disruption, especially since families had chosen this time to travel and committed hard-earned savings to enjoying this time together.

“To disappoint them will surely be a serious breach of our unspokencontract with them, a betrayal far deeper than even our legal commitment to provide the promised service,” he continued.

CAL said it had been “in commu­nication” with TALPA but it was disappointed with the action of the pilots. The airline added however it will continue to “urge open and frank discussion in good faith while exploring all options available”.

When the Express contacted CAL’s communications director, Clint Williams, he said he could not say more on the situation than the release had stated. He also advised passengers to confirm their flights online at www.caribbean-airlines.com before going to the airport.

CAL’s line minister, Finance Minister Larry Howai, directed questi­ons about the situation to the airline’s chairman, Phillip Marshall, but he did not return telephone requests for comments.

The Express tried repeatedly to speak with a representative of TAL­PA but was told the executive members were “in a meeting” and will issue a statement “soon”. Up to press time last night, none had been given. The Express was told however that DiLollo and TALPA president Capt David Pereira met yesterday.

One pilot, who did not give his name, said he and his colleagues felt they were overworked as a result of the airline’s refusal to hire new pilots. As such, the present staff have been overworked for far too long and their remuneration packages were not up to par.
 
Displaced passengers at Piarco express frustration
 
The Express visited Piarco International Airport to see how the affected passengers were faring but for the most part, there wasn’t much chaos, just a general feeling of frustration and resignation.

Most were reluctant to give interviews but Gillian, who was booked to fly to St Lucia, said while she was advised by counter staff that there were no more flights until Friday, they were “very helpful”, redirecting her to another airline, United, heading to her destination.

The same happened to Irvin, a St Lucian working in Trinidad, heading home on holiday. He couldn’t get a flight on CAL but the counter staff tried to get him on to British Airways instead.

Displaced passengers between Trinidad and Tobago resorted to the interisland ferry as a last-ditch attempt to get to the other side, resulting in sold-out trips, several stand-by passengers and large crowds gathered at the ferry terminals at both the Ports of Port of Spain and Scarborough.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on July 22, 2014, 02:04:54 AM
London calls for separate airline to operate Tobago airbridge
By Anna Ramdass (Express).


FLY OUT, CAL

There should be a separate airline to service the Trinidad to Tobago airbridge.

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London has requested that Finance Minister Larry Howai look into delinking of the Trinidad to Tobago airbridge from Caribbean Airlines (CAL).

However, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Vasant Bharath says the current route is heavily subsidised and a separate airline through the private sector would result in increased airfares.

London met with Howai last week to discuss the upcoming 2015 national budget.

According to a release from the THA yesterday, London stated the use of a separate airline could bring better management to the Trinidad to Tobago route.

“We are asking Caribbean Airlines to make a profit but on the other hand we are accepting the fact that the Trinidad to Tobago airbridge has to be subsidised. We are saying this situation is untenable, it is unworkable and it will create problems for the central government and, of course, the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” stated London.

“Our strong recommendation is that we return to a more efficient arrangement which would entail that we have a separate airline running the bridge between Trinidad and Tobago where we could deal with all the nuances. We could determine what level of subsidy, we could determine what is the best type of airplane and we can ensure it achieves the objective with respect to bringing people between the two islands,” he added,

London stated the THA was convinced that if there was an efficient airbridge there would be tens of millions worth in benefit to the tourism sector.

He added he was heartened by Howai’s response as well as by the response of Transport Minister Stephen Cadiz, whom he met earlier this month and was looking forward to a statement on the matter in this year’s budget.

Cadiz said CAL no longer falls under his ministry and is now under the purview of the Finance Ministry.

However, he said the Finance Minister would have to look at the suggestion and determine if it is feasible.

He said CAL is being asked to make a profit or break even and at the same time they operate the very heavily subsidised Trinidad to Tobago airbridge.

TOURISM MINISTER: CHARGE PASSENGERS FOR UNUSED RESERVATIONS:

Contacted for comment yesterday, Tourism Minister Gerald Hadeed said there should be some action in dealing with the current booking system used by CAL.

He pointed out that people make reservations and block seats and don’t utilise them. He said in this way the flights always appear full but when one goes to the airport there is availability.

Hadeed said travellers should be charged $400 for reserving earlier and confirming their seat and $300 if they go straight to the airport and purchase from the counter.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on July 22, 2014, 06:55:54 AM
Hoovercraft from Toco to Tobago.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Conquering Lion on July 22, 2014, 01:45:07 PM
Mohan Jaikaran is a con-man living in NY. We have plenty of them in NY, queens. Ahmad Realty is another one.

These indian businessmen think they smarter than everybody. They roam the streets of Liberty Avenue trying to con they own people.

Read some of my reviews on yelp.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ahmad-realty-ozone-park





I knew the name sounded familiar...http://www.espncricinfo.com/usa/content/story/545127.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/usa/content/story/545127.html)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on December 21, 2014, 05:38:57 AM
Any $$ cutback for CAL?
By Vernon Khelawan
Thursday, December 18 2014


It seems hardly likely that State-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) would be a victim of the Finance Minister’s paring knife as he seeks to control spending in the various ministries and other State-run companies because of declining oil prices.

Minister of Finance and the Economy Senator Larry Howai in responding to an email question told Business Day he did not think CAL’s allocation of $718 million would be touched, because the airline was in the process of implementing its new Business Plan, which contains several cost cutting components. The money was appropriated to the cash-losing carrier to help with its debt servicing obligations among other things.

Last month Minister Howai said a new Business Plan would have been presented to him by the airline’s new Chief Executive Officer Michael Di Lollo. Whether this has in fact been done is not known at the time of writing. Business Day understands however, that this new Plan was supposed to be completed with the help of the German Consulting Group connected with German carrier Lufthansa and members of CAL’s local management team.

Asked whether he has been told that the airline’s allocation might be cut, Di Lollo, responding through an external Public Relations company couched his answer this way, “CAL’s management is aware of all leading macro risk indicators that affects us and must manage all risk and combined with proactive preparation, this planning remains an important part of CAL’s work.”

Di Lollo added, “The management team will do its utmost in risk preparedness and mitigate in a proactive manner.” (Since the departure of Clint Williams a few months ago, CAL does not have a Corporate Communications Manager and has sought the assistance of Port-of-Spain PR company to help with its external communications. Business Day understands that a two –person short list has been completed in the search for Williams’ replacement, one of which has served in the position before.)

On the question of whether or not any reduction of taxpayers’ money would impact on the airline’s new Business Plan, Di Lollo said, “We are conducting sensitive analysis and modelling various outcomes in preparation. Therefore adjustments can be made if and when required.”

He further said strategic plans were road maps to any organisation’s competitive position and cannot be shared with publicly. “Organisations”, he said “guard these plans and their details closely. Cal is no different.”

Di Lollo, however, gave the assurance that efforts were currently being made to cut costs. “We have initiated many cost cutting and expense reduction initiatives,” he said. “Both external and internal cost focus has been applied, he added. “Some of our work is already showing results,” he boasted. “An airline must continuously focus on its cost if it is to survive in a hyper competitive market,” said Di Lollo.

If later down the fiscal road however, there remains no choice but to reduce the airline’s allocation what areas would be most affected? Di Lollo responded, “The key area that will never be compromised is safety. Customer Service, essential services and our market position score very high on the priority scale.

“Austerity,” he added, “will be applied in priority to areas with the least impact and working up from there. The breadth and depth of any adjustments will correlate to the sensitivity assessments we are doing.”

However, on the revenue generating side of the equation and following an exclusive report by Business Day, alerting loyal customer and potential passengers that CAL would soon introduce charge for extra baggage on its flights, the airline last Friday put out a notice it was implementing baggage charges in two phases.

Beginning today the carrier will charge (US)$25 for the second checked piece of luggage, for tickets bought from December 18 for travel from January 15, 2015 on all flights between the Caribbean and Toronto.

Phase two will kick in on tickets purchased on or after February 1, 2015 for travel from April 15 on all flights throughout the remainder of its network. The statement says, “This two-phase introduction allows our customers to adjust and plan ahead.”

But there are passengers who would be exempt from paying for their second bag. They include: Those who purchase fully flexible fares in W, Y and K categories; Caribbean Miles members in Executive Gold. Gold and Silver Tier categories and 7th Heaven Rewards Executive Gold, Gold and Silver Tier levels. Emphasising that its new baggage policy is highly competitive, the statement read, “While our competitors showcase low fares, they conveniently fail to mention that bag fees – some in excess of (US$100 – are charged to customers. Caribbean Airlines assures its passengers that our fee of (US)$25 for the second bag is the lowest in the industry.”

One group to benefit significantly from the new baggage fees are customers travelling within the Caribbean who will now see a reduction in their bag fees as it drops from (US)$50 to (US)$25.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on December 21, 2014, 05:39:39 AM
CAL’s seat sale pays off; customers benefit
By Vernon Khelawan
Thursday, December 11 2014


IN an attempt to take the fight to the competition, dominated mainly by low cost carriers, Caribbean Airlines recently offered severely reduced fares between Port-of-Spain and all its North American destinations, including Toronto.

The airline also cultured a low fare to London, which has been snapped up by anxious visiting friends and relatives desirous of spending the Yuletide season in London or other parts of Europe.

According to well-placed sources, the two- week sale — offered between November 1 and 15 — has resulted in increased bookings on all the advertised destinations, with London reflecting the biggest jump in sales. While no specific figures are available, Business Day has learned that US destinations like Miami and Fort Lauderdale are doing quite well in spite of heavy competition from American on Miami and JetBlue to Fort Lauderdale.

The New York route according to booking statistics has shown a huge jump and as Christmas comes closer the demand continues to rise to the point that CAL may be forced to mount extra flights to take care of the growing demand of passengers wishing to spend Christmas back home with their families and friends.

The Toronto service however, continues to lag behind the competition, although the current figures represent an increase in bookings. As of now, Canadian low cost carrier WestJet controls a larger share of that market into which CAL is finding some difficulty in regaining.

The cheaper fares were sold for a specific time period, between December 15 and 25 out of Port-of-Spain with return bookings covering the period January 01 to 15. One way fares to Miami and Fort Lauderdale were sold at (US)$168, while the JFK, New York fare was (US)$202 and the price to Toronto’s Pearson’s International stood at (US)$165. The airline’s Orlando fare remained the highest at (US)$310.

All fares were for economy travel and is inclusive of taxes, fees and surcharges, but were subject to seat availability at the time of booking. Some advantages passengers using these lower fares would still enjoy include free meals, snacks and beverages, inflight entertainment and the ability to earn frequent flyer miles.

The highly attractive two free bags each of 50 pounds applies plus one carry-on piece with a limit of 22 pounds. Passengers requiring special meals were able be accommodated by the airline.

However, in a masterful stroke of marketing, Caribbean Airlines became the first carrier to eliminate the longstanding fuel surcharge. In a media release last week, the airline announced the “immediate removal of fuel surcharges on all routes between North America and the Caribbean.”

Canadian George Reeleeder, vice-president of Commercial and Customer Service stated in the release, “This is great news for Caribbean Airlines’ customers. With the reduction in jet fuel prices, we have removed the surcharges as they were only ever planned to be of temporary nature.”

The fuel surcharge was introduced to cover additional costs when the price of fuel was more than (US)$100 per barrel. Reedleeder said, “We never wanted this surcharge to be a permanent feature of our fares, thus when our largest expense – fuel – came down, we wanted our customers to benefit.” He added, “As we approach the Christmas travel season, there could be no better time to remove this surcharge.”

Caribbean Airlines which enjoyed a fuel subsidy from the Trinidad and Tobago Government was taken away last year following threats by Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines and also Chair of the government owners of LIAT, to take the matter to court. The removal was announced by Finance Minister Larry Howai in his 2014 budget presentation.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on January 19, 2015, 06:05:55 AM
Close call for CAL, JetBlue planes at JFK
T&T Newsday Reports.


Passengers aboard JetBlue flight 1295 are today thanking their lucky stars after the aircraft they were in almost collided with a Caribbean Airlines aircraft at Kennedy Airport in New York, USA on Saturday night. The JetBlue flight was proceeding at full speed down the runway and was about to take off for Austin, Texas, USA when it came to a sudden halt.

Passenger Brandon Card told Eyewitness News, New York, that Caribbean Airlines flight 526 was right in the path of the JetBlue plane. “The people came on the intercom and said ‘yeah, we almost collided with another plane,” said another passenger Krista Hollis.

“When they said that collision would have been inevitable if we hadn’t braked, I was like, ‘what?!’”

Eyewitness News, New York reported that radio transmissions between the tower and both planes show the tower contacted the Caribbean Airlines pilot at least twice with no answer. There were tense moments as the JetBlue pilot aborted his takeoff moments before a potential deadly disaster could have taken place.

Aviation expert JP Tristani said the Caribbean Airlines plane should not have been on the runway.

“No aircraft that is taxiing has the right of way without clearance from the ground operator,” Tristani said. Passengers aboard the JetBlue flight eventually made it to Austin, Texas, several hours late, but more than happy to be safe.

“They gave us a hundred dollar voucher, we had beer and wine and whatever we wanted on the plane,” added passenger Anna Greenwood, “free movies - it was fine, they took good care of us.”

JetBlue says that Caribbean Airlines was not authorised to cross the runway at the time.

JetBlue is not sure how close the two aircraft got to each other. No one was hurt.

Attempts to contact officials at CAL yesterday were unsuccessful as calls made went to voice mail.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Socapro on January 19, 2015, 06:43:44 AM
Close call for CAL, JetBlue planes at JFK
T&T Newsday Reports.


Passengers aboard JetBlue flight 1295 are today thanking their lucky stars after the aircraft they were in almost collided with a Caribbean Airlines aircraft at Kennedy Airport in New York, USA on Saturday night. The JetBlue flight was proceeding at full speed down the runway and was about to take off for Austin, Texas, USA when it came to a sudden halt.

Passenger Brandon Card told Eyewitness News, New York, that Caribbean Airlines flight 526 was right in the path of the JetBlue plane. “The people came on the intercom and said ‘yeah, we almost collided with another plane,” said another passenger Krista Hollis.

“When they said that collision would have been inevitable if we hadn’t braked, I was like, ‘what?!’”

Eyewitness News, New York reported that radio transmissions between the tower and both planes show the tower contacted the Caribbean Airlines pilot at least twice with no answer. There were tense moments as the JetBlue pilot aborted his takeoff moments before a potential deadly disaster could have taken place.

Aviation expert JP Tristani said the Caribbean Airlines plane should not have been on the runway.

“No aircraft that is taxiing has the right of way without clearance from the ground operator,” Tristani said. Passengers aboard the JetBlue flight eventually made it to Austin, Texas, several hours late, but more than happy to be safe.

“They gave us a hundred dollar voucher, we had beer and wine and whatever we wanted on the plane,” added passenger Anna Greenwood, “free movies - it was fine, they took good care of us.”

JetBlue says that Caribbean Airlines was not authorised to cross the runway at the time.

JetBlue is not sure how close the two aircraft got to each other. No one was hurt.

Attempts to contact officials at CAL yesterday were unsuccessful as calls made went to voice mail.



Wonder what their excuse could be?! Someone obviously needs to get the sack here!  :-\
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on January 19, 2015, 09:02:17 AM
http://7online.com/travel/jetblue-flight-stops-short-during-takeoff-at-kennedy-airport/479757/

Quote
Having been given a clearance, a passenger-packed JetBlue flight 1295 headed full throttle down JFK's runway. At about the same time, Caribbean Airways Flight 526 had just landed. Air Traffic Control gave it instructions to hold short, meaning to stop before crossing the active runway.

The Caribbean Pilot never answered because as Eyewitness News has learned, he was on the wrong frequency and never heard tower instructions to stop, nor repeated calls from the tower.

Flight 526 rolled across the runway as the JetBlue plane neared take-off speeds. Fortunately, the JetBlue pilots saw the other plane crossing in the night and slammed on their brakes.

"It's about as bad as it can get without having two planes collide," said former commercial airline pilot Bob Ober.

Bob Ober spent decades as an airline pilot and flew in and out of JFK hundreds of times.

"In just a matter of two to three seconds, that plane would have been at a speed where it could not have stopped," Ober adds.

The FAA says the planes never came within 2,800 feet of each other, which is not that much space when one plane is going 130 miles per hour.

"We were headed full steam down the runway, and the plane came to a screeching stop," said passenger Brandon Card.

"When they said a collision was inevitable if pilot hadn't braked, I said 'WHAT?!'" adds passenger Krista Hollis.

Eyewitness News has learned that JFK was scheduled to get a new runway lighting system that would help prevent through flashing red lights, this exact kind of close call. Red in-pavement lights illuminate when it is not safe to enter or cross the runway.

Airport sources tell Eyewitness News that the FAA has not even begun to install the safety lights - a year overdue.

"Ninety percent of these things can be eliminated with technology," says Ober, "you spend the money and do it right, there's no reason for a delay in doing this."

9 airports including Dulles Airport in Washington D.C. have the safety lights installed on the runway. JFK, LaGuardia and Newark are all waiting for the safety lights to be installed.

Map My News

This seems strange to me...what frequency were the instructions to land given on? How come that change happened so quickly?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Michael-j on January 19, 2015, 09:29:55 AM
Not downplaying the seriousness of the incident, but how long would it have taken  the CAL aircraft to cross the runway? According to the FAA the planes never got within 2,800 ft of each other...that's about 850 metres...so the JB aircraft was even farther away initially when it sighted the CAL crossing...could CAL have made it across within that time, even if JB was going at 130 mph ?  Who doing de maths??
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on January 19, 2015, 12:15:45 PM
 :o
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: 100% Barataria on January 19, 2015, 12:20:17 PM
CNN report says the planes were 2800 ft apart when the JetBlue pilot applies the brakes (http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/01/19/newday-marsh-air-trouble-fuel-dump.cnn). 

Travelling at 130 mph that's basically 14 seconds away from collision.  In taxi mode a plane travels between 6 to 23 mph and the runway at large airports like JFK can be as wide as 262 ft, so to avoid collision, the CAL plane would have had to be travelling faster than about 12 mph

Again, many assumptions in here (JB take off speed is constant at 130 mph; CAL plane enters runway at the time JB pilot applies brakes, width of runway etc).

Point here though is that a major disaster was averted and steps should be taken to further minimize in the future...
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: asylumseeker on January 19, 2015, 01:37:55 PM
JFK is an airport that I avoid out of caution. On Thursday morning, I was on the runway there contemplating this very concern as flight after flight queued up for takeoff ... had to have been a queue of at least 8 in my vision, based on the traffic visible before we rounded the bend to takeoff, and those behind the aircraft I was on. Each plane barreled down the runway within minutes of each other. You could see planes landing as well. With clarity now  ... that the system could be better, my concern is reinforced.

In any event, in the present security climate it's a place I avoid. There was an El Al plane on the ground, a few yards away from an Emirates plane. Both were isolated from other aircraft, and the El Al had a police presence.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: kounty on January 19, 2015, 02:46:29 PM
Not downplaying the seriousness of the incident, but how long would it have taken  the CAL aircraft to cross the runway? According to the FAA the planes never got within 2,800 ft of each other...that's about 850 metres...so the JB aircraft was even farther away initially when it sighted the CAL crossing...could CAL have made it across within that time, even if JB was going at 130 mph ?  Who doing de maths??
i ent too bright, but i drive 130 miles per hr in my car in western Texas already. I don't think a plane will take off traveling that slow.  but i ent search or nothing.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on January 20, 2015, 04:59:27 AM
Apparently there was another aircraft "Redwood 56" that had just landed and given clearance to use that frequency. Maybe the CAL pilot heard that and switched and was following the wrong directions. The logs should bear that out.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Aviator on January 20, 2015, 10:00:34 PM
Not downplaying the seriousness of the incident, but how long would it have taken  the CAL aircraft to cross the runway? According to the FAA the planes never got within 2,800 ft of each other...that's about 850 metres...so the JB aircraft was even farther away initially when it sighted the CAL crossing...could CAL have made it across within that time, even if JB was going at 130 mph ?  Who doing de maths??
i ent too bright, but i drive 130 miles per hr in my car in western Texas already. I don't think a plane will take off traveling that slow.  but i ent search or nothing.

The plane in question can take off from as "slow" as 132 MPH, so the comment made in one of the articles that the plane was 2-3 seconds from being at the point of no return is accurate.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on January 21, 2015, 05:12:16 AM
No flying duties for 2 pilots
Probe starts into near crash of JetBlue, CAL jets

By Leah Sorias

Both pilots of the Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flight which almost collided with a JetBlue plane at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York on Saturday night have been taken off flying duties, pending the outcome of an investigation.


This was confirmed by director of the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) Ramesh Lutchmedial in a news release yesterday.


Lutchmedial did not say whether the pilots are on suspension.

He noted, though, that safety inspectors of the TTCAA are expected to meet with Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control (ATC) officials at JFK Airport today to determine the facts surrounding the incident.

“Caribbean Airlines Ltd is fully co-operating with the investigators,” Lutchmedial added.

The JetBlue passenger flight 1295, which was bound for Texas, was forced to abort its take-off after BW526 shot across the runway in front its path.


Reports have stated the CAL flight BW526 (a Boeing 737) had landed on runway 22L of JFK at 10.27 p.m. following a flight from Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana.


Its pilots were instructed by air traffic controllers to “hold short” or stop before the parallel runway (22R) on which JetBlue 1295 was about to gain speed for take-off.
According to a transcript of the (ATC) instructions, the CAL pilots were warned on three occasions to stop.

At 10.30 p.m., the final warning was given: “Caribbean 526, hold short...526 STOP!”

The CAL pilots never responded and as a result JetBlue1295 was immediately told to abort take-off to avoid collision.

It was able to stop 2,800 feet or just over half-mile short of BW526.
There were no injuries to passengers and both planes were not damaged.  The Jet Blue plane, an Airbus A320, returned to the gate and took off for Austin, Texas, three hours late.

ABC News reported yesterday that the CAL pilots were on the wrong frequency and never heard the tower instructions and repeated calls from the tower to stop.

The Express tried to confirm this information with CAL officials but this proved futile. All calls to the cellphone of the airline’s chairman Phillip Marshall went unanswered, while the communications department did not entertain questions.

In a news release yesterday, the airline said it was taking the alleged incident very seriously.
“We are in the process of investigating and compiling the facts surrounding this allegation in co-operation with all regulator agencies.

“In the interim, Caribbean Airlines is complying with all incident management procedures included within its Safety Management System and adjunct regulations.”


Transcript of ATC instructions




22:25


Tower: “Caribbean 526…clear to land.”


22:26


Tower: “Caribbean 526 right (via) Juliett, hold short (runway) 22R. Remain this frequency.”


BWA 526: “..to the right (Caribbean) 526.”


Tower : – gave crossing clearance for runway 22R to an Aeromexico flight taxiing ahead of the Caribbean 737 -


AMX : – readback of crossing clearance -


Tower: – gave further taxi instructions after crossing 22R to Aeromexico crew -


22:27


Tower: – take-off clearance for Emirates 206 (B777) on runway 25R -


Tower: “JetBlue 1295 caution wake turbulence, line-up and wait runway 22R.”


JBU 1295: – readback -


22:28


Tower: – gave crossing clearance of runway 22R to Virgin America flight 56 -


22:29


Tower: – gave landing clearance to a United Airlines crew for runway 22L -


Tower: …”JetBlue 1295 wind 240 at 8 runway 22R shortened cleared for take-off.”


JBU 1295: “Cleared for take-off JetBlue 1295 short.”


Tower: – gave instructions to a VFR lighttype -


22:30


Tower: Caribbean 526 hold short…526 STOP!”


Tower: JetBlue 1295 abort take-off.”


Tower: Caribbean 526 (repeat).”


- no reply from Caribbean 526 -




Source: Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (JACDEC), Germany


http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/No-flying-duties-for-2-pilots-289095411.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/No-flying-duties-for-2-pilots-289095411.html)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: asylumseeker on January 21, 2015, 06:10:02 AM
From the Leah Sorias article above:

Quote
Its pilots were instructed by air traffic controllers to “hold short” or stop before the parallel runway (22R) on which JetBlue 1295 was about to gain speed for take-off.

Parallel runway?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Swima on January 21, 2015, 06:55:24 AM
One would assume this is referring to the runway the Jetblue was using to takeoff. Caribbean used a runway that was parallel to that to land, and while on the taxiway to head to the terminal, would have had to cross the parallel runway.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on January 21, 2015, 10:33:34 AM
From a real good source......almost as good as the horse's mouth  ;D......Air Traffic Control is where the problem originated.....

For starters there was only one ATC on duty that night.......ONE  in JFK!!!!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on January 21, 2015, 10:54:49 AM
From a real good source......almost as good as the horse's mouth  ;D......Air Traffic Control is where the problem originated.....

For starters there was only one ATC on duty that night.......ONE  in JFK!!!!

From the start of this event I sense that the ATC was at fault. Something was missing
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bakes on January 21, 2015, 11:48:48 AM
From a real good source......almost as good as the horse's mouth  ;D......Air Traffic Control is where the problem originated.....

For starters there was only one ATC on duty that night.......ONE  in JFK!!!!

I find this extremely difficult to believe... JFK is one of the busiest airports in the world.  Maybe only one was on duty in that tower, and even that I'd find hard to believe, but certainly not the only one in the entire airport.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on January 21, 2015, 06:38:38 PM
From a real good source......almost as good as the horse's mouth  ;D......Air Traffic Control is where the problem originated.....

For starters there was only one ATC on duty that night.......ONE  in JFK!!!!

I find this extremely difficult to believe... JFK is one of the busiest airports in the world.  Maybe only one was on duty in that tower, and even that I'd find hard to believe, but certainly not the only one in the entire airport.

Yeah Bakes, perhaps in that tower......but still ONE??   ???  :-\  Maybe its not a regular occurrence and the other ATC's were out sick or something.....
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Agent Jack Bauer on January 21, 2015, 07:59:41 PM
If it was another airport I would entertain that......but not JFK.........
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bakes on January 21, 2015, 11:52:39 PM
Yeah Bakes, perhaps in that tower......but still ONE??   ???  :-\  Maybe its not a regular occurrence and the other ATC's were out sick or something.....

It possible I suppose... given the airlines involved my guess is that this was one of the "smaller," less busy runways.  I could see somebody fold up in a corner sleeping somewhere while they partner cover for them.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on January 29, 2015, 02:52:27 AM
After meeting with CAL flight probers...
DPP advises: Charge Reyes
By Derek Achong (Guardian).


Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Peter Reyes is set to be charged with three criminal charges related to his alleged conduct aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight from Tobago last month.

The T&T Guardian understands that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, advised investigating police to lay the charges under the Civil Aviation Act, after a meeting with lead investigator DCP Glenn Hackett at his offices at Richmond Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.

Hours later, Hackett reportedly met with his team of investigators from the Professional Standards Bureau to discuss how to proceed with the investigation.

A source close to the investigation said the team was considering charging Reyes via summons in lieu of issuing a traditional warrant for his arrest.

Under this process, the information related to the charges will be laid in the Arima Magistrates Court, with Reyes, who is currently on sick leave, being notified of a pre-fixed date of hearing of the case.

On that day, Reyes will have to appear in court to answer the charge and depending on his plea, will then be issued bail until a trial.

Several calls to Hackett’s cellphone yesterday went unanswered and he did not return voice messages.

The charges, which fall under Section 60 (1) of the legislation, are for threatening the safety of the aircraft and passengers on board; using abusive and insulting language towards a crew member and for intentionally interfering with  crew members in the execution of their duties. All three carry a maximum fine of $25,000 and up to a year imprisonment.

Incident on flight

According to reports, around 5 pm on December 18, Reyes, who had only just been assigned as ACP for Tobago at the time, boarded the Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) flight at the Piarco International Airport.

While the plane was taxiing on the runway, Reyes reportedly got into an argument with flight attendants over their request that he switch off his cellphone.

The pilot returned the plane to the terminal and Reyes was escorted off the plane to speak to security personnel of the Airports Authority of T&T (AATT). He was then allowed to leave and completed his journey to Tobago on a flight the following day.

After they completed their shift that night, CAL crew members reported the incident to the Piarco Police Station. The flight crew also pointed Reyes out in an identification parade earlier this month. 

In an interview which followed, Reyes claimed that he had difficulties switching off the cellphone which was issued to him by the T&T Police Service as part of his promotion.

Suspension looms​

According to an AATT report on the incident, which has been made public, Reyes reportedly told security officials at the airport that he felt the airline staff were victimising him because of his ethnicity.

AATT security officials conducted their own investigation into the incident but they determined that no charges could be brought against the senior cop.

The incident and corresponding media reports caused a massive public outcry and was condemned by the executive of the Police Social and Welfare Association and even by acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams.

In an almost immediate response, Williams transfered Reyes from the Tobago Division to T&T Police Service (TTPS) community relations department. Once charged, Williams will have the option of suspending Reyes and deducting his pay during the period of suspension.

Williams did not answer his cellphone when contacted yesterday evening.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on February 02, 2015, 03:47:51 AM
CAL director feared dead
By Nalinee Seelal (Newsday).
Monday, February 2 2015


THE JOINT team of police officers probing the disappearance of Caribbean Airlines director Azad Niamat, 69, now believe he may have been killed and his body dumped in the San Raphael area.

Police sources said yesterday because they have no proof of life and no one has demanded a ransom they have concluded Niamat may have been killed in a planned robbery.

Niamat, who was in possession of a large sum of cash, left his home at 70 Chaguanas Main Road, Chaguanas last Thursday at about 10.45 am telling relatives he was going into Port-of-Spain to purchase items for his woodwork shop.

The father of two reportedly sent a distress call to his daughter who lives in Miami prompting her to alert relatives. Officers of the Chaguanas Police Station were called in and a party of officers led by Snr Supt Johnny Abraham along with Inspector Terrence Williams, Sgt Jitindra Toolaram carried out enquiries and Niamat’s vehicle was discovered in San Raphael early Friday.

Yesterday officers of the National Operation Centre using Viper One unsuccessfully combed several areas in San Rapheal in search of Niamat.

Newsday understands Niamat’s son, a doctor who resides in England, is expected in the country today.

Niamat separated from his wife 12 years ago and resided at his mother’s home.

Police sources told Newsday relatives now remain convinced that he may have been murdered but they want closure as soon as possible.

Meanwhile the Trinidad and Tobago Airlines Pilots Association (TTALPA) has expressed concern over Niamat’s disappearance.

TTALPA’s spokesperson and industrial relations consultant, Gerard Pinard, yesterday said the association’s “entire membership is concerned over the disappearance of former pilot and current CAL director Azad Niamat.”

“(We) remain hopeful that he will be found unharmed. In the meantime, our prayers and thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Calls to the mobile phone of CAL chairman, Philip Marshall, went unanswered yesterday but Newsday was able to contact the airline’s chief executive officer, Michael DiLollo.

“At this stage, I can’t make any comments to the story. However I encourage you to stay in touch with our communications people and they will be issuing statements when it’s an appropriate time to do so,” DiLollo stated.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: weary1969 on February 02, 2015, 12:14:55 PM
If it was another airport I would entertain that......but not JFK.........

So what is the latest on this?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: TdotTrini on February 02, 2015, 12:54:15 PM
CAL director feared dead
By Nalinee Seelal (Newsday).
Monday, February 2 2015


THE JOINT team of police officers probing the disappearance of Caribbean Airlines director Azad Niamat, 69, now believe he may have been killed and his body dumped in the San Raphael area.

Police sources said yesterday because they have no proof of life and no one has demanded a ransom they have concluded Niamat may have been killed in a planned robbery.

Niamat, who was in possession of a large sum of cash, left his home at 70 Chaguanas Main Road, Chaguanas last Thursday at about 10.45 am telling relatives he was going into Port-of-Spain to purchase items for his woodwork shop.

The father of two reportedly sent a distress call to his daughter who lives in Miami prompting her to alert relatives. Officers of the Chaguanas Police Station were called in and a party of officers led by Snr Supt Johnny Abraham along with Inspector Terrence Williams, Sgt Jitindra Toolaram carried out enquiries and Niamat’s vehicle was discovered in San Raphael early Friday.

Yesterday officers of the National Operation Centre using Viper One unsuccessfully combed several areas in San Rapheal in search of Niamat.

Newsday understands Niamat’s son, a doctor who resides in England, is expected in the country today.

Niamat separated from his wife 12 years ago and resided at his mother’s home.

Police sources told Newsday relatives now remain convinced that he may have been murdered but they want closure as soon as possible.

Meanwhile the Trinidad and Tobago Airlines Pilots Association (TTALPA) has expressed concern over Niamat’s disappearance.

TTALPA’s spokesperson and industrial relations consultant, Gerard Pinard, yesterday said the association’s “entire membership is concerned over the disappearance of former pilot and current CAL director Azad Niamat.”

“(We) remain hopeful that he will be found unharmed. In the meantime, our prayers and thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Calls to the mobile phone of CAL chairman, Philip Marshall, went unanswered yesterday but Newsday was able to contact the airline’s chief executive officer, Michael DiLollo.

“At this stage, I can’t make any comments to the story. However I encourage you to stay in touch with our communications people and they will be issuing statements when it’s an appropriate time to do so,” DiLollo stated.



This guys Aunt work with my wife. Very troubling time for the family.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on February 04, 2015, 02:53:10 AM
CAL suffers US$60m loss
By Gail Alexander (Guardian).


Caribbean Airlines’ (CAL) unaudited accounts for 2014 show a loss of US$60 million although the airline plans to achieve breakeven by 2017, Finance Minister Larry Howai said yesterday.  Replying to an Opposition question in the Senate, Howai said  CAL’s accounts for 2014 haven’t been completed. “We estimated though that the company would have lost about US$60 million in 2014. The audited accounts for 2014 are not scheduled for completion until the second half of this year.

“When the new board took office, a number of audits were outstanding. By the end of this year all audits will be up to date. The unaudited accounts for 2014 show a loss of US$60m in 2014,” he said. The minister said the figure was for the entire operation, including Jamaica. Howai said the transformation of a company like CAL will take three to four years of following a consistent company strategy to achieve identified objectives with major milestones targeted in this period.

He said: “In their first year of operation, the current board addressed a number of organisational gaps including the implementation of a new management structure, the filling of vacancies in key posts, improvements internal control systems and accounting processes and annual financial and statutory reporting. A new strategic plan was also developed which aims to achieve breakeven  by 2017.

“There’s new improved leadership and accountability and significant improvements in the business planning cycles, deployment of performance management measures and pursuit of business opportunities are also in progress. CAL is working towards continuous improvement in the shared goals of customer service and people development, competitiveness and financial sustainability and operations performance.”

A five year strategic plan has been completed and currently is being approved for implementation. It outlines the transformation of the business model through reassessment of the product—including fleet and network planning, revenue management, pricing  and customer service.

It also involves sales and distribution efficiencies, marketing and loyalty enhancements, organisational redesign and targeted partnerships, major enhancements in technology and process infrastructure to match competitive market standards of on-line customer products and services. Howai said there was no injection of over $1 billion last year. “The quality of financial data is significantly improved. By year end CAL should be completing audited accounts on a timely basis,” he said.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Sando prince on February 09, 2015, 10:15:14 PM

Body found may be missing CAL director

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-02-09/body-found-may-be-missing-cal-director (http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-02-09/body-found-may-be-missing-cal-director)

The remains of a body were found in Brazil Village on February 9, with hands tied and mouth covered with tape.

The decomposing corpse was discovered at around 10 am, about three kilometres away from the Brazil Arena Road, San Raphael, where CAL director Azad Niamat's Toyota Prado SUV had been found on January 30.

Relatives of Niamat were at the scene but could not positively identify the body because it had reached an advanced state of decomposition.

Forensic tests will determine whether the body is that of Niamat, 69, of Main Road, Chaguanas, who disappeared on January 29.

Police are on the scene, continuing their investigations into the incident.

Family shocked, relieved
However, some relatives of Azad Niamat were shocked and relieved over the discovery of the body which they believe to be his.

Niamat, a director on state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL), was a former pilot and prominent Chaguanas businessman.

On January 29, he left his home, close to the famous Lion House on the Chaguanas Main Road, saying he was going to a hardware to buy wood. He was never seen again.

A close relative, the only one at his home yesterday, spoke to the Guardian asking not to be identified.

She said all other relatives had gone to the house of Niamat’s ex-wife, Greer Cumberbatch’s house next door to console her.


Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bakes on February 09, 2015, 11:31:23 PM
Friggin' ridiculous that hard-working people have to be suffering at the hands of these evil criminal sons of bitches running around TnT.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on February 10, 2015, 02:55:08 AM
CAL DIRECTOR DEAD
By Nalinee Seelal (Newsday)
Tuesday, February 10 2015


A villager who went to search for yams in the fields of Brazil found instead the decomposed body of Chaguanas businessman and Caribbean Airlines director, Azad Niamat.

Shocked at the sight of the body, still fully clothed but decaying, the villager quickly made his way to San Rafael Police Station, in the neighbouring district of San Rafael, in central Trinidad, and alerted officers to his discovery.

Sixty-nine-year-old Niamat, a retired Caribbean Airlines pilot, was clad in a blue pants and blue shirt. His watch was still on his left hand, a pair of glasses was tucked inside in his pants pocket. However, his hands were bound together with tie-straps and placed in front of his body, while his face was plastered with duct tape.

There was no stench from Niamat’s body causing police officers to speculate that a chemical was poured on it to slow its decay. Niamat had been missing for 12 days and his body was discovered on Brazil Arena Road, near the location where his vehicle was found, close by Brazil High School, on January 30.

An autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre, St James today will determine how Niamat died, even though investigators believe he was murdered. His body was too decomposed for the district medical officer to make a preliminary determination about the cause of death. Crime Scene Unit officers yesterday swept the area for evidence.

Senior Superintendent Johnny Abraham, head of the Central Division, met Niamat’s family yesterday and offered them his condolences, as they in turn thanked the senior lawman for his words of comfort and for his officers’ efforts to find Niamat.

Abraham and his team kept the family informed at every stage of their search.

A preliminary positive identification was made since the clothing on the body matched what Niamat was wearing when he left his home on January 29 at 70 Chaguanas Main Road, Chaguanas.

Reports indicate Niamat left home at about 10.45 am that day, with an undisclosed sum of money, and had told relatives he was going to Port-of-Spain to purchase items for his woodworking shop.

At a later time, Niamat made a distress call to his daughter in Miami who raised an alarm with her relatives in Trinidad who then contacted the Chaguanas police.

Abraham and a team of officers, among them Sgt Jitindra Toolaram and Inspector Terrence Williams immediately began a search and had an early breakthrough when his car was found. Searches continued over that weekend with the aid of aerial surveillance from Viper One, a national security helicopter assigned to the National Operations Centre but Niamat was not found.

Police believe Niamat was lured to his death by someone he knew and had a telephone conversation with them before he left home.

Mourning his death, Caribbean Airlines chairman Philip Marshall hailed Niamat as someone who cared strongly for the airline and its employees.

“All of us at Caribbean Airlines are deeply grieved at this tragic news. As with everyone, we had prayed for the safe return of director Niamat,” Marshall said in a statement last evening.

He offered prayers and support to Niamat’s family in the days and weeks ahead.

“On behalf of the board of directors, we are still coming to terms with the tragic loss of a member of the Caribbean Airlines family, who used his experience and wise counsel to serve the airline and its people for whom he so passionately cared. This is a sad day for all of us,” Marshall said.

Richie Psych, president of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), also offered condolences to Niamat’s family.

“Mr Niamat has been a friend of the Chamber for many years, sharing a very close and fruitful relationship. He was a true son of the soil in central Trinidad and will be sorely missed,” Psych said. “His amiable nature and quick wit rendered him an immediate favourite amongst his peers. He was a shrewd and innovative businessman, demonstrated by the successes of his business ventures. He was a family man who also enjoyed a good time with his neighbours in the community. He will be missed.”

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on February 10, 2015, 06:58:33 AM
Friggin' ridiculous that hard-working people have to be suffering at the hands of these evil criminal sons of bitches running around TnT.

At a later time, Niamat made a distress call to his daughter in Miami who raised an alarm with her relatives in Trinidad who then contacted the Chaguanas police.



Imagine this man had to call his daughter in Miami to call the police Chaguanas??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Breds, we real gone thru!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bourbon on February 10, 2015, 09:27:42 AM
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Clues-point-to-CAL-director-291341631.html

Quote
The decomposing body of a man found yesterday morning in Brazil Village is believed to be that of missing Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) director Azad Niamat.

The body, police sources said, was clad in clothing and jewelry which were similar to that known to have belonged to Niamat.

However, because of the advanced state of decomposition, the body could not be positively identified by police, relatives or friends who visited the scene.

According to police, around 10.30 a.m., a resident of the area was walking along Arena Road, Brazil Village, when he smelled something foul coming from the forest near the school.

Curious, the man trekked about 100 metres into the forest, where he came across the human remains.

The police were notified and a party of officers from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, the San Raphael Police Station and the Central Division, including Senior Supt Johnny Abraham, Insp Terrence Williams, Sgt Jitindra Tooleram and Sgt Lawrence, among several others, visited the scene.

The area was immediately cordoned off and crime scene investigators went into the forests to record the conditions and environment in which the body was found.

Police sources said the body was bound and the victim’s hands were tied behind his back. They noted that something resembling duct tape also appeared to have been placed over the victim’s mouth.

The body, sources said, was also clad in blue pants and a blue shirt.

The victim was also said to be wearing a wristwatch.

It was also noted the body was found less than three kilometres from where Niamat’s Toyota Prado had been discovered after he was reported missing.

However, all this was simply circumstantial evidence, police explained, and they refused to identify the victim outright until an examination is performed today at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

Niamat’s nephew, who was at the scene, told the Express yesterday the body was not positively identified as belonging to the CAL director.

A friend of the Niamat family, Imam Morland Lynch, who was at the scene, told the Express the body was clad in the same clothing Niamat was last seen in on January 29.

Lynch said: “My contact number was on flyers that were posted seeking information on him. Someone called that number this morning and said that they found his body. I came up here and the body had his same clothes. I contacted his wife and his brother. The person who informed me of the body contacted the police.”

Last week, Niamat’s family offered a reward to anyone who can bring information that can lead to him being found.

The amount of the reward was not disclosed, but the informant would be paid if the information was accurate, said a family member who did not wish to be identified.


MISSING SINCE JANUARY 29


Niamat, 69, of Main Road, Chaguanas, left home shortly before midday on January 29 and has not been seen or heard of since.

The relative said Niamat left the house in his burgundy coloured Toyota Prado, telling his nephew he was headed to Port of Spain to purchase a part for a wireless router.

“He pressed his GPS (Global Positioning System) in his van at around 12.57. It sent a message to his daughter in Florida. The van was going at 56 kilometres an hour,” the relative said.

The relative said the GPS was switched on in the vicinity of Massy Pres-T-Con Ltd, Tumpuna Road, Arima.

The next morning his vehicle was found at Arena Road in Brazil Village.

The SUV was locked and nothing was missing from it, nor did it appear to be tampered with.

It was seized by the police and taken for forensic testing.

Niamat is a father of two and a grandfather of five.

He was last seen wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt, a dark-blue long pants and brown shoes.

He is approximately 1.67 metres tall and weighs 64 kilogrammes.

He has short black hair and wore spectacles.

The family made an appeal to the public for any information, saying that Niamat suffers from medical issues relating to his thyroid and blood pressure and requires medication daily.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Bakes on February 10, 2015, 10:30:34 AM
So many inconsistencies, was there a stench coming from the body or not? Were his hands bound in front of his body or behind? Was a distress call made or was it the GPS? Did he go to buy lumber or did he go to get a part for a wireless router? Such basic information at odds in these two accounts.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on February 11, 2015, 02:51:16 AM
$150,000 debt owed to him may have cost him his life
By Susan Mohammed (Express).


KILLED FOR CAR $$

A DEBT of $150,000 owed to Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) director Azad Niamat may have cost him his life.

The Express was told that on the day Niamat went missing on January 29 he went to collect money from a man who lives in East Trinidad.

The source told the Express Niamat was owed the money from the sale of two vehicles – a Mercedes Benz and a seven-seater. He sold the vehicle last March.

Niamat told someone close to him he was going to collect the money the day he vanished.

Niamat’s body was found on Monday in Brazil Village, near Arima.

The body was clad in clothing and a wristwatch which Niamat was last seen by his family wearing, and found less than three kilometres from where his Toyota Prado had been discovered the day after he was reported missing.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition of the body, the forensic procedure is that the identity still must be confirmed through deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing.

On Tuesday morning, Niamat’s siblings went to the Forensic Science Centre in St James to hand over samples of their DNA for the tests.

A relative of Niamat’s who requested anonymity said when he was last seen leaving his house in Chaguanas shortly before midday he was seen with a router and he told a nephew he was going to Port of Spain to have it repaired.

“We are just waiting on the results of the DNA tests before we can proceed with funeral arrangements. We haven’t heard how long the identification process will take,” the relative said.

The relative said Niamat’s wife, Greer Cumberbatch, has been distraught since he disappeared.

“She has been very, very distraught. She has not been able to catch herself since he went missing,” the relative said.

The couple would have celebrated 46 years of marriage on July 27.

Niamath was a father of two and a grandfather of five.

Cumberbatch has also said to be in constant contact with their children – their son who is a surgeon in England, and their daughter who recently migrated to Florida.

The family said Caribbean Airlines has offered to cover the expenses of their being flown to Trinidad, possibly by the end of the week.

Imam Morland Lynch, who was at the crime scene, told the Express Niamat had been his friend for some 20 years.

“He was a very loving person, a very generous man. This is a big loss to all who knew him, all in his community. He was a very respectful person. He had a big heart and a big hand,” said Lynch.

He said an example of his generosity was that Niamat had helped to build a mosque at Crown Trace, Enterprise.

Last week, Niamat’s family offered a reward to anyone who can bring information that can lead to him being found.

Chaguanas Chamber expresses condolences

The president of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) Richie Sookhai has extended deepest condolences to the family of Niamat in his passing.

He said: “Mr Niamat has been a friend of the Chamber for many years, sharing a very close and fruitful relationship. He was a true son of the soil in Central Trinidad and will be sorely missed.

“His amiable nature and quick wit rendered him an immediate favourite amongst his peers. He was a shrewd and innovative business, demonstrated by the successes of his business ventures.

He was a family man who also enjoyed a good time with his neighbours in the community. He will be missed.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: asylumseeker on February 11, 2015, 04:33:39 AM
Condolences to Mr. Niamat's family. Yet another prominent reminder of the urgent need to recapture public safety. RIP.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Sando prince on February 20, 2015, 11:12:41 AM

Body identified as CAL Director Azad Niamat

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Body-identified-as-CAL-Director-Azad-Niamat-292952341.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Body-identified-as-CAL-Director-Azad-Niamat-292952341.html)


By Susan Mohammed Multimedia Desk

THE decomposing body of a man found on February 9 in Brazil Village has been confirmed as missing Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) director Azad Niamat.

The remains were identified through forensic examination of dental records at the Forensic Sciences Centre, Federation Park.
An autopsy on Niamat found that he died of blunt cerebral trauma, pathologist Dr Eslyn McDonald-Burris found.

The body was discovered at around 10 a.m. in Arena Road some three kilometres away where Niamat’s vehicle was found abandoned the week before.

Niamat, 69, of Main Road, Chaguanas, left home shortly before midday on January 29 and vanished.

He left the house in his burgundy coloured Toyota Prado, telling his nephew that he was headed to Port of Spain to purchase a part for a wireless router.

However, the Express was told by a relative he intended to collect a debt of $150,000 owed to him after the sale of two vehicles last year.
Niamat was owed the money from the sale of two vehicles – a Mercedes Benz and a seven-seater which he sold in March.
The body was found with the hands bounds and mouth taped in a patch of bushes, with clothing and a wristwatch which Niamat was last seen by his family wearing.

It was less than three kilometres from where his Toyota Prado had been discovered the day after he was reported missing.
Niamat’s siblings had submitted tissue samples for DNA testing in the identification process but the identification process would have taken weeks to complete.

The family was able to retrieve dental records, which were handed over to the police in the investigations.

The CAL director was a father of two and a grandfather of five.
Niamat was expected to be buried Friday in the Chaguanas Public Cemetery according to Muslim rites.

A senior homicide investigator told the Express on Friday that police are confident in the leads in the case.

Cpl Samuel of the Arouca Homicide Division is continuing investigations.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on February 25, 2015, 06:03:38 AM
$315M CAL debt to be paid
ANDRE BAGOO (NEWSDAY).


IT WAS a case of “from Venezuela with love”, as that country’s President Nicolas Maduro yesterday called on citizens of both nations to fall in love and migrate as a means of fostering international cooperation, as he also pledged Venezuela will repay a massive $315 million debt owed to Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL); cooperate in the fight against the drug and human trafficking trades; and deepen ties in the energy sector.

The love was all the more generous given Venezuela’s well-documented economic woes.

Maduro, accompanied by his wife Cilia Flores, brushed cheeks with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as he arrived at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s at about 1.30 pm, to the sounds of the steelpan. Bi-lateral talks opened followed by formal talks surrounding the signing of new energy agreements which were concluded by 3.30 pm.

Maduro broke the air of formality when, at a media briefing held at the end of the proceedings, he called for a new method of deepening ties between nations. He noted many Venezuelans come to Trinidad and Tobago to learn English. But they get more than they bargain for.

“Many come here to study English but others come here and fall in love and they stay here,” the Venezuelan President said. “And that is a way to increase international cooperations.”

On live television, Maduro — who has been criticised for his harsh approach to civil liberties in Venezuela — greeted the people of this nation, blowing kisses.

“To the people of Trinidad and Tobago who have welcomed us with so much affection we would like to take this opportunity to convey our love, our affection and our solidarity,” the Venezuelan President said through an interpreter. “We need to go from the bonds of good neighbours to the bonds of sisters and brothers.”

The Venezuelan President announced a consolidative commission to foster cooperation between both countries and said a meeting of regional governors in Venezuelan districts would be convened. He called for new ways to conduct trade, greater air-transport frequency and more sea links. He said Venezuela would settle its debt to CAL, estimated by Government officials to be US$50 million (TT$315 million). Maduro said both nations are victims of the illicit narcotic trade and will cooperate in intelligence and security matters.

“Our countries have to wage a very serious and expensive fight against drug trafficking even though we are not producers of these products,” the Venezuelan President said. He said there was need for coordination in this regard.

“There is a world that can be built between our two countries,” Maduro said. “Together we are much more and we can do much more and better. We are ready to move forward and continue building prosperity between our two countries.” Without naming specific states, he said the approach between both nations contrasted with the conflicts enveloping areas of the world where development has pitted nations against each other.

At the same briefing, Persad-Bissessar noted two energy agreements were signed and several areas were the focus of talks. She said one such area involved air services and tourism and reported that Maduro was firm on the settlement of the debt owed to CAL. She also said in the area of security, there will be cooperation in the area of intelligence gathering, particularly as it relates to fighting the illegal narcotic and human trafficking trades. The Prime Minister also outlined preliminary talks on a novel form of trade which could take place with Venezuela, involving products from this country being bartered.

“Trinidad and Tobago exports a number of goods to Venezuela, including gasoline, machine parts, air-conditioners, parts for refrigerators, toilet/facial tissue, and cement,” Persad-Bissessar said. “Our main imports include crude petroleum, gas oil, jet fuel, electric conductors, iron ore and bars and rods from Venezuela. Following our discussions today, we are of the view that a mechanism for commodity sharing holds significant promise for both our countries.” The Prime Minister continued, “The concept of commodity sharing is simple — the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will purchase goods identified by the Government of Venezuela from TT’s manufacturers, such as tissue paper, gasoline, and parts for machinery, which are needed there. These would then be traded for commodities that are needed for our industries — in particular bitumen and crude oil — which can be supplied by Venezuela.” The Prime Minister said a special committee would be set up to implement this idea.

“This proposal is at planning stages, and we recognise that a monitoring mechanism would be key to its success,” she said. “In this regard a joint inter-ministerial committee will be set up to ensure proper accountability and to monitor and evaluate this proposed system.” She said the measures have the potential to significantly benefit both nations.

“For Trinidad and Tobago, this initiative will see the Government investing in the country’s local manufacturing sector, thereby further stimulating the industry,” Persad-Bissessar said. “With the expected increase in production, it is envisaged that manufacturers in turn will look to expand their businesses, creating much needed jobs for our young people, and stimulating economic growth. It is expected that Venezuela’s economy will also be boosted as a result of this proposed initiative, through the trade of their commodities in exchange for finished products that the people of Venezuela need.”

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on April 02, 2015, 12:59:25 PM
Fears of sickout after CAL talks collapse
By Anna Ramdass (Express).


Talks between Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) have broken down and it’s pos­sible there may be sick-out action by pilots over the long Eas­ter weekend.

TTALPA industrial relations consultant Gerard Pinard told the Express in a telephone interview that pilots are considered essential and are precluded from taking any industrial action.

“There certainly would not be any TTALPA-sanctioned action, but that does not mean that indi­vidual pilots are not getting irri­ta­ted and aggravated with this situ­ation with CAL,” said Pinard.

Sources told the Express some pilots were totally fed up with the situation and calling in sick may not be ruled out.

There was a meeting between TTALPA and CAL on Tuesday which was disastrous as there was no outcome reached and TTALPA issued a statement to its members, informing them the talks have broken down.

In the memo, dated March 31, 2015, TTALPA noted the breakdown of negotiations between CAL and TTALPA, for the period 2010 to 2013, has been referred to the Industrial Court by the Ministry of Labour as an unresolved trade dispute.

It explained in an effort to reduce the areas of disagreement between CAL and TTALPA, both parties agreed to informal conciliation proceedings under the auspices of the Labour Ministry.

“Our efforts at negotiating our collective agreement during these infor­mal conciliation meetings at the Ministry of Labour have regrettably broken down,” stated TTALPA.

It informed it requested that CAL provide clarification on information a foreign-contracted B737 aircraft,
and crew, with a work permit issued on March 6, was allowed to fly on a CAL route on February 22, in possible contravention of local laws.

TTALPA also requested the names and copies of the contracts of new hires on the ATR fleet, which services the airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago.

“We also made it clear to CAL that it was wholly unacceptable for the company to be engaging pilots on terms and conditions that were not negotiated on their behalf by TTALPA, as the recognised majority union for pilots,” stated the association.

“By going behind our backs and employing ‘scab labour’, we submitted that they were engaging
in ‘union-busting’ tactics,” it added.

Pinard confirmed the contents of the memo and said CAL’s position at the meeting was not serious and certainly not in good faith.

He said the matter is before the Industrial Court and parties have a deadline of April 17 by which to make any submissions.

He said CAL has been enga­ging contract pilots and first officers, in an attempt to deal with heavy flight schedules.

Pinard said TTALPA strongly objects to this as CAL is not supposed to be going out there and independently negotiating with pilots.

He said TTALPA is negotiating for the period 2010 to 2013, and some 163 CAL pilots have been operating on 2010 fixed salaries.

He said last week, there was a meeting with Minister of Trade Vasant Bharath, who was manda­ted by the Prime Minister to deal specifically with outstanding variable incentive pay (VIP), which amounts to some $35 million and remains outstanding and unpaid to the pilots over the past few years.

The minister, he said, requested a few days, after which he will get back to them. Pinard said Bharath also indica­ted he cannot get involved in their salary issues.

Efforts to contact CAL chairman Philip Marshall yesterday proved futile.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on July 31, 2015, 02:05:35 AM
CAL,Emirates sign key deal
T&T Newsday


STATE-owned Caribbean Airlines announced that it has signed a key new interline deal with United Arab Emirates-based airline, Emirates. According to a statement issued by CAL, the arrangement gives customers a greater choice of destinations; easy transfers in key airports such as London’s Gatwick and New York’s JFK International Airports and an opportunity to take advantage of through fares from the extensive Emirates network via London and New York to Port-of-Spain, Georgetown, Kingston and Montego Bay.

CAL said, the benefits to consumers will be tangible. These benefits include a hassle free journey with a single ticket and the lowest available fares in both economy and business class. Under this arrangement, a passenger travelling from Mumbai, India, can fly on one of Emirates six daily non-stop flights to their hub in Dubai, then connect to one of their three daily non-stop services to London Gatwick (including the 380’s) and then connect to one of CAL’s four weekly non-stop flights to Port-of-Spain.

“Caribbean Airlines is thrilled to expand our relationship with Emirates: which is a significant powerhouse in the airline industry. Emirates is well respected globally with an outstanding reputation” stated CAL vice-president (Commercial and Customer Service) George Reeleder.

He added, “Many people are unaware that Emirates carries more passengers to and from the Indian sub-continent than any other airline in the world, or that they fly to 19 cities on the African content – all key markets for the Caribbean.” Reeleder also said, “ Simpler transits and connections with more destination options will make it easier for our customers to travel the world.”

As the co-operative agreement unfolds, CAL said it is looking forward to the opportunities that will become available through Emirates’ extensive network beyond Dubai to over 142 cities globally.

CAL also envisaged that other markets will open up allowing passengers seamless transitions through some of the world’s major cities. The complete co-cooperative agreement is expected to be fully rolled out in the coming weeks.

A subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is wholly owned by the government of Dubai's Investment Corporation of Dubai, Emirates is the largest airline in the Middle East, operating over 3,300 flights per week from its hub at Dubai International Airport, to more than 144 cities in 78 countries across six continents.

Emirates is the world’s biggest international carrier, the seventh largest airline in the world in terms of revenue, and the largest airline in the Middle East in terms of revenue, fleet size, and passengers carried. The airline is also the fourth-largest airline in the world in terms of international passengers carried and the third largest in terms of scheduled passenger-kilometres flown.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Sando prince on August 11, 2015, 09:56:11 AM

CARIBBEAN AIRLINES TO DROP LONDON ROUTE

There is confirmation that Caribbean Airlines will axe its London route again.

https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153546820892996/ (https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153546820892996/)
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: pull stones on August 12, 2015, 05:28:39 AM
this is exactly what rowley said in one of his monday nights sit down conversations. he said that they restored CAL as a profitable venture and part of this success was the selling of the london gates only to have the present administration put them back in london and on the losing end of income. i guess someone is secretly listens to rowley on their laptops when no one is around. i wonder if she will claim responsibility if this move works out in the airline's favor?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Socapro on August 15, 2015, 09:34:19 AM
this is exactly what rowley said in one of his monday nights sit down conversations. he said that they restored CAL as a profitable venture and part of this success was the selling of the london gates only to have the present administration put them back in london and on the losing end of income. i guess someone is secretly listens to rowley on their laptops when no one is around. i wonder if she will claim responsibility if this move works out in the airline's favor?

This move might be too late. CAL might now be on the brink of bankruptcy and the money to bail them out may not be available with oil prices down by more than half they were back in 2010 when the PP gang of treasury looting criminals came into power.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: R45 on August 17, 2015, 01:53:24 PM
this is exactly what rowley said in one of his monday nights sit down conversations. he said that they restored CAL as a profitable venture and part of this success was the selling of the london gates only to have the present administration put them back in london and on the losing end of income.

CAL was never a profitable venture. Since it started in 2007 it has actually never made a profit. In 2007 it last over $100 million. In 2008, they claimed to have made a profit of $34 million, but then it was disclosed that the fuel subsidy (which created rifts with Jamaica and the smaller islands) was being paid to CAL in the vicinity of over $200 million. After that, the then administration took it even more in the red when Manning decided to buy Air Jamaica.

Frankly CAL was a mess and continues to be a mess. It was mismanaged by the PNM, and now is being mismanaged by the PP. Both parties have struggled to get the board to be accountable.

Even on the topic of selling BWIA's london routes back in 2006/2007, that was meddled in controversy. The CAL board at the time could not tell the government who exactly made the decision to sell the routes and how it was valued. They couldn't answer how the London routes were supposedly sold by BWIA, but CAL actually flew the London routes for a few months after it was formed.

If you want to be more cynical about the situation, have a read of http://www.ttparliament.org/reports/p10-s3-J-20130426-PAEC-r2.pdf
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: pull stones on August 18, 2015, 01:09:36 AM
this is exactly what rowley said in one of his monday nights sit down conversations. he said that they restored CAL as a profitable venture and part of this success was the selling of the london gates only to have the present administration put them back in london and on the losing end of income.

CAL was never a profitable venture. Since it started in 2007 it has actually never made a profit. In 2007 it last over $100 million. In 2008, they claimed to have made a profit of $34 million, but then it was disclosed that the fuel subsidy (which created rifts with Jamaica and the smaller islands) was being paid to CAL in the vicinity of over $200 million. After that, the then administration took it even more in the red when Manning decided to buy Air Jamaica.

Frankly CAL was a mess and continues to be a mess. It was mismanaged by the PNM, and now is being mismanaged by the PP. Both parties have struggled to get the board to be accountable.

Even on the topic of selling BWIA's london routes back in 2006/2007, that was meddled in controversy. The CAL board at the time could not tell the government who exactly made the decision to sell the routes and how it was valued. They couldn't answer how the London routes were supposedly sold by BWIA, but CAL actually flew the London routes for a few months after it was formed.

If you want to be more cynical about the situation, have a read of http://www.ttparliament.org/reports/p10-s3-J-20130426-PAEC-r2.pdf
tell that to someone who dont read. according to dr rowley he chaired a commission in 2008 that worked tirelessly to make CAL more independent and free of government subsidy. so they sold the gates in london and made the necessary cuts, and according to him in 2010 they left CAL with a billion dollars surplus. now who should i believe, you or someone on the inside? and you can't get a bigger insider than the head of a commission responsible for reforming the airline.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: lefty on August 18, 2015, 06:57:00 AM
CAL present predicament is a result of puttin ah self important palour man to run ah airline, Moonan take real liberties and ran up quite a bill along with makin some very questionable operational decisions where CAL was concerned, so while CAL wasn't no shining star of profitability it WAS headed towards some semblance of financial independence at least.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: R45 on August 18, 2015, 09:05:40 AM
tell that to someone who dont read. according to dr rowley he chaired a commission in 2008 that worked tirelessly to make CAL more independent and free of government subsidy. so they sold the gates in london and made the necessary cuts, and according to him in 2010 they left CAL with a billion dollars surplus. now who should i believe, you or someone on the inside? and you can't get a bigger insider than the head of a commission responsible for reforming the airline.

If you read my link, you would see that those are the minutes from the aforementioned commission on Public Accounts which was a Joint Select committee in Parliament. Rowley was on that commission. My comments about the London sale came straight from that report, which again Rowley was on.

And honestly if Rowley said they left CAL with a billion dollar surplus, he is lying. The fact that CAL has always been losing money is public knowledge. You can easily look at news archives between 2007-2010 to find that out. During 2007-2010, Oil prices were extremely high and CAL got hundreds of millions of dollars in fuel subsidies. That was an election issue in the 2010 general election. The fuel subsidy was especially controversial because at the time, Barbados/St. Vincent/Antigua/Jamaica were pissed off we were subsidizing fuel for CAL yet Air Jamaica and LIAT had to operate and compete against CAL for market prices.

Thereafter, Manning announced that CAL was going to buy Air Jamaica (which was an airline losing money) for over $50 million USD. The merger was finalized soon after the PP got into power. That deal further drained the treasury and pumped more tax dollars into CAL. Rowley himself said the CAL/Air Jamaica merger was a bad deal.

Quote
Air Jamaica merger a mistake Make CAL a regional carrier
By Vernon Khelawan Thursday, August 7 2014

OPPOSITION Leader Dr Keith Rowley has admitted that the Trinidad and Tobago government’s purchase of the Jamaican national airline was “a bad deal”. He is also calling on Caribbean leaders to make the Trinidad and Tobago-owned airline Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) the regional carrier.

The Manning administration, of which Dr Rowley was a part, undertook to buy Air Jamaica five years ago, spending some (US)$52 million as part of the acquisition. He said, “We made a bad purchase when we acquired Air Jamaica. I never supported it and I believe it was a bad deal.”

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Rowley-Air-Jamaica-bleeding-TT-like-a-chop-neck-207306571.html

Again, CAL never had a billion dollar surplus when the PNM left power. That is a bullshit statement.

Quote
Its financial performance is an altogether different story. The airline started operations on January 1, 2007. Its audited financial statements show a loss for 2007 and a profit for 2008. Its management has stated that the airline was also profitable in 2009 and should be profitable in 2010. The audited financial statements for 2007 show a loss of US$18.67 million despite a fuel subsidy of US$13.65 million. In 2008 there was a profit of US$5.46 million buttressed by a fuel subsidy of US$38.80 million.

It is anticipated that in 2009 CAL will declare a Profit of c.a. US$6.0 million supported by a fuel subsidy of c.a. US$6.2 million. The 2009 result shows in effect a break-even position without the fuel subsidy, lending credence to the conclusion in the original business plan that CAL needs a fuel price equivalent to less than US$50/bbl to be in a position to achieve profitability.

In the best case scenario, CAL's financial performance removing the fuel subsidy:

2007: $200M TT loss
2008: $250M TT loss
2009: Break even (Oil prices dip)
2010: Who knows because the financial statements weren't published, but Oil prices went up and they had the Air Jamaica acquisition

This is no insider information, everything I'm posting is publicly available. And I'm not suggesting that the PP is better at managing CAL than the PNM. My overall point is that they both have been misleading us about CAL's performance, and I urge you to think critically and look at evidence before lapping up what people say on political platforms.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Imbert was Minister of Transport during the BWIA dissolution/CAL commencement/Air Jamaica acquisition, so both the PNM and UNC have a hand in CAL's financial woes and mismanagement.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: pull stones on August 18, 2015, 05:48:27 PM
R45 maybe i misunderstood dr rowley so i will carry this no further, but check out the conversation with keith rowley in westmooring where he mentioned that they left the airline with money and a surplus, he also went on to say that the PP brought the airline back into a deficit. i was also very much aware of rowley's chop neck comment and i made no mention that rowley was in favor of the air jamaica merger.

i will not pretend to know what is going on in trinidad and tobago but on the contrary i go strictly on second hand information. but ask yourself this question, with the desperation showed by the people's partnership to exacerbate petty issues and nitpick at every end and hang on to every word like the cat and dog foolery, don't you think that if these statements were inaccurate, the PP government would not be all over it make the most of it to score political points?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jumbie on August 18, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
R45 your manner in responding and addressing dialog reminds me of a former poster here.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on August 18, 2015, 06:49:40 PM
I've heard/read that $1 billion figure before.  I think it was in relation to funds in the bank as opposed to profit.  Was trying to find something in relation to the $1 billion figure but can't do so readily.

I remember that right around the time the government changed in 2010, CAL was in a good financial position then the Nicholas fellow was appointed and all fell down.....it was around that time I remember the $1 billion figure being bandied about.....
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Sando prince on August 18, 2015, 06:56:10 PM

This Government has mismanaged CAL in the last five years and now we are seeing the benefits of mismanagement. Dr Rowley had advised them not to open the London route a few years ago but they insisted. The route did not reap the profits expected but instead reaped losses.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: R45 on August 18, 2015, 10:26:55 PM
i will not pretend to know what is going on in trinidad and tobago but on the contrary i go strictly on second hand information. but ask yourself this question, with the desperation showed by the people's partnership to exacerbate petty issues and nitpick at every end and hang on to every word like the cat and dog foolery, don't you think that if these statements were inaccurate, the PP government would not be all over it make the most of it to score political points?
Because the PP are full of shit too. Both the PP and the PNM are playing hot potato with CAL, but neither are acknowledging that it has been mismanaged and continues to drain our treasury. Running an airline is a difficult enough business without all the political interference.

R45 your manner in responding and addressing dialog reminds me of a former poster here.

I have no idea what you're insinuating or suggesting - I've been on this forum on one username inconsistently for 10 years.

I've heard/read that $1 billion figure before.  I think it was in relation to funds in the bank as opposed to profit.  Was trying to find something in relation to the $1 billion figure but can't do so readily.

I remember that right around the time the government changed in 2010, CAL was in a good financial position then the Nicholas fellow was appointed and all fell down.....it was around that time I remember the $1 billion figure being bandied about.....

The $1 Billion figure makes no sense. Considering that CAL had lost over $500M TT in its first two years of operation, and at best was breaking even in 2009. Let's not forget the whole debacle of Manning wanting to buy his own jet then talking about a contract signed for CAL to buy the jet instead for US $62 million. In 2010 then the Air Jamaica merger was announced and that has been a huge drain on CAL's finances from day one. If CAL has $1 Billion in the bank, then that $1Billion is just taxpayer dollars and not attributable to the operation of the airline.


This Government has mismanaged CAL in the last five years and now we are seeing the benefits of mismanagement. Dr Rowley had advised them not to open the London route a few years ago but they insisted. The route did not reap the profits expected but instead reaped losses.
I agree, and it's not just the London route. The decision by CAL to buy the ATR planes then cancelling the contract (all done under the PP) was another bad decision that ruined CAL's finances.

That said, it is important for everyone to recognize the CAL has been mismanaged from inception (2007) and what has happened in the last 5 years is no different than what happened in the years before the PP came into power.

If anyone thinks voting out the PP for the PNM is going to be some magical fix to CAL, I'll seriously question your sanity. The PNM has been just as guilty, and some of the key members of the then administration (especially Imbert, who was the minister in charge during BWIA's demise and was an advocate for the Air Jamaica merger) will form part of the next government if the PNM wins.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 07, 2015, 01:57:25 AM
CAL not looking for bail out yet
By Nadaleen Singh (Guardian).


Caribbean Airlines (CAL) does not need a bail out just yet.

That’s the declaration of its chief executive, Michael DiLollo. He said the airline had benefitted from extremely patient shareholders for years and believed the airline was strategically positioned to break even in three years.

In early February, then finance minister Larry Howai told Parliament that unaudited accounts for 2014 showed the airline made a loss of US$60 million, inclusive of its Air Jamaica operations, and the airline planned to break even by 2017.

Howai had also told the Parliament that a five-year strategic plan had been completed and currently was being approved for implementation.

It outlined the transformation of the business model through reassessment of the product, including fleet and network planning, revenue management, pricing and customer service.

Speaking yesterday to members of the media at CAL’s Piarco headquarters, DiLollo said:

“When I look at the investment that has been afforded to the airline and compare that with my experience in the private sector, it is absolutely astounding.

‘“All of the shareholders, whatever the political affiliation, have been extremely patient and extremely committed to this airline over the years.

“I am humbled and grateful that they (the shareholders) did it. However, in the current context we need to do better. We need to do better for the shareholders. We need to do better for the people of T&T.”

Asked whether the airline planned to seek a bail out, he said: “We are trying desperately to minimise that to zero as quickly as we possibly can but obviously returning value for shareholders in socio-economically balanced manner.”

DiLollo, a pilot, said he was ready to land the airline in a break-even financial position and that the airline was “well on our way, very well on our way to achieving that target.”

Asked what he meant by “well on our way” he said: “We are about 35 to 40 per cent of the way there. There is much work to do. In the next month as all of the initiatives come into play (it would) add considerably to that progress.

He added: “It’s a dynamic environment. We have deployed 32 transformational projects in the company that are starting to yield very positive results. We are very happy with those results today.”

While not specifically stating the need for the ticket price to increase for inter- island travel, he said the price of the ticket was not at a suitable rate to attract profitability.

He said: “The airbridge at current ticket prices which date back to 1992 is not something we can look at in today’s inflationary realities and say that the T&T (inter-island) route is a positive contribution to CAL.

“It is an essential service that we must take very seriously and obviously would require some funding under the current pricing. We just can’t make that work under the current pricing scheme that exists. The T&T airbridge obviously requires some level of assistance.”

Routes

• The London route would be dropped effectively on January 10, 2016.

• The decision to drop the route comes after the findings of two consultants.

• The diaspora will be well taken care of.

• Not ruling out a code-sharing agreement with any carrier.

• Assessing the risk/rewards options concerning picking up the Georgetown/Jamaica route. No decision made.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: R45 on October 07, 2015, 01:32:08 PM
My thoughts may not be popular, but I'd prefer to see the following happen:


There's a lot of flexibility using government incentives to promote and attract airlines to come here, and I'm not convinced from a cost/benefit basis, actually operating our own airline is the best solution. I know this is difficult as many see national pride in our own airline (and that was the reason Eric Williams bought BWIA in the first place), but there are more cost effective methods of achieving the same result (i.e. having strong international transport options for trade, tourism, pleasure, and diaspora) without having to maintain our own airline.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Sando prince on October 11, 2015, 07:18:53 PM
Caribbean Airlines is advising customers that several of its flights have been disrupted due to the disruption to Jamaica's air space.

Since Tuesday, air traffic controllers have restricted their operations, due to an ongoing dispute over equipment.

VIDEO Report;
https://www.facebook.com/cnewslive/videos/10153631634625610/ (https://www.facebook.com/cnewslive/videos/10153631634625610/)
.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 29, 2015, 01:57:24 AM
CAL CEO quits.
T&T Guardian Reports.


Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Michael DiLollo has quit after just 17 months on the job. The 48-year-old Canadian national, citing personal reasons, resigned with immediate effect. His resignation has been accepted by the state-owned airline's board of directors.

CAL staff were informed of the resignation via a memo from the airline's chairman Phillip Marshall who also announced that chief financial officer Tyrone Tang will act as CEO until a permanent replacement is found. DiLollo was appointed CAL CEO in May 2014 following the sudden resignation of Robert Corbie in September 2013.

In an interview with T&T Guardian earlier this month, DiLollo said CAL did not need a bailout just yet. He said the airline had benefited from extremely patient shareholders for years and he believed the airline was strategically positioned to break even in three years. In early February, then finance minister Larry Howai told Parliament that unaudited accounts for 2014 showed the airline made a loss of US$60 million, inclusive of its Air Jamaica operations, and the airline planned to break even by 2017.

Howai had also told the Parliament that a five-year strategic plan had been completed and was in the process of being approved for implementation. It outlined the transformation of the business model through reassessment of the product, including fleet and network planning, revenue management, pricing and customer service.

Speaking to members of the media, in early October, DiLollo was confident, giving no hint of any issues affecting his term of employment, saying:

“When I look at the investment that has been afforded to the airline and compare that with my experience in the private sector, it is absolutely astounding.

‘“All of the shareholders, whatever the political affiliation, have been extremely patient and extremely committed to this airline over the years.”

DiLollo, a pilot, said then he was ready to land the airline in a break-even financial position and that the airline was “well on our way, very well on our way to achieving that target.”

In November 2014, Parliament was informed that DiLollo was being paid a US$33,000 (TT$211,000) monthly compensation package. Then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the sum saying this was in keeping with salaries paid to former CEOs and was necessary to acquire that level of expertise.

Persad-Bissessar said then that DiLollo received a salary of US$28,000 and a housing allowance of US$5,000. He also received a travelling allowance of US$1,600. Former government ministers Vasant Bharath and Howai had also defended DiLollo’s salary, saying it was comparable to salaries paid to former CAL CEOs.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 25, 2016, 02:22:15 AM
CAL $315M debt still flying high
By Andre Bagoo
Wednesday, May 25 2016


ONE YEAR – and now two visits by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro later – the question of the $315 million matter involving Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) and Venezuela still remains unresolved.

When Maduro visited in February 2015, he said Venezuela would settle its debt to CAL, estimated by Government officials to be US$50 million (TT$315 million). Then Minister of Finance Larry Howai then told reporters, “The amount represents proceeds of ticket sales for which CAL is trying to obtain US dollars to repatriate the funds to Trinidad and Tobago.” This week, a Venezuelan national said, “What does Maduro have to offer TT? Last year when he came, he promised to pay a TT$315 million debt Venezuela owes CAL (Caribbean Airlines Limited). Has he made any such payment since then? Maduro is coming to TT with nothing.” Newsday asked Finance Minister Colm Imbert the following question earlier this week: “Did Venezuela ever pay the CAL $315 million debt?” He replied, “No, not yet”.

“This ‘debt’ was incurred under the last administration,” Imbert said. “My understanding is that talks have been ongoing between CAL and the Venezuelans since 2013, in an effort to settle this matter. I am still hopeful at this time of an amicable resolution.” Former Minister of Finance Larry Howai also said the debt was not paid.

“Not up to September 7 last year,” Howai said.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: kounty on May 25, 2016, 02:43:49 PM
I wonder how we would like it if the shoe were on the other foot...our economy reeling and we visit our nearest neighbor and the media pushin this head. I hope the leaders lead upright because that vibez not soundin trini to me.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on March 14, 2017, 07:05:40 AM
Credit card fraud: Caribbean Airlines losing $3.2m a year
By Ria Taitt (Express).


Trinidadians are among credit card tricksters involved in the unauthorised use of people's credit card information to purchase airline tickets which is causing state-owned Caribbean Airlines to lose about TT$3.25 million annually.

This was revealed by CAL officials as they appeared before a Joint Select Committee of Parliament yesterday. CAL Vice-Chairman Michael Quamina also told the JSC that the airline was in line to return to profitability “within 12 to 24 months”.

Responding to a question from Committee member Fazal Karim, CAL's Senior Manager, Financial and Revenue Accounting, Adrian Agarrat, revealed that “criminal activity against the airline in which persons were using other people's credit card information” to book and pay for flights through the airline's website was costing CAL US$40,000 (TT$270,000) a month.

He said the highest incidence of this fraud was at four points of entry — Trinidad (to New York); Kingston (to New York); Guyana (to North America) and “out of Caracas”, the latter of which was being addressed through the immigration department.

Agarrat said the airline was looking at a system to “prevent the frequency” of this problem and that there was a team at the airline “working every day to mitigate the impact” of this practice.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Michael-j on July 13, 2017, 05:26:08 AM
TOURIST KILLED ON MAHO BEACH AT ST. MAARTEN BY JET BLAST
by  Mike Killian

avgeekery.com
http://www.avgeekery.com/tourist-killed-on-maho-beach-at-st-maarten-by-jet-blast/ (http://www.avgeekery.com/tourist-killed-on-maho-beach-at-st-maarten-by-jet-blast/)

A 57-year old woman from New Zealand was killed on Maho Beach late Wednesday afternoon (July 12), after being blown off her feet by a jet blast from an aircraft taking off.
 
The beach is world famous to aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters, because of its extremely close proximity to St Maarten Princess Juliana Airport and the many large aircraft that service the field.

As an aircraft positions for takeoff, people will hold a fence while watching from behind the plane as it roars down the runway. It is an experience known as ‘fence surfing’.
 
According to the report, the woman was doing just that when she was blown over and hit her head on a concrete block; likely the sidewalk curb or small retaining wall.
The aircraft involved in today’s incident was a Boeing 737 owned by Caribbean Airlines, headed for Trinidad.

There have been previous incidents at Saint Maarten airport where people injured themselves at the beach while ‘fence surfing’.  In 2012, a viral video showed a young woman losing her grip on a fence and smashing her head into the concrete retainer wall.

It’s not uncommon for people on the beach to be tossed around by the jet blasts. It is part of the typical ‘avgeek’ experience that has made the tourist destination so popular. This is the first known incident though in which someone has been killed at the field by jet blast.

Jet Blast from a departing aircraft can be particularly dangerous. Depending on the distance from the aircraft, the blast can be strong enough to flip cars, vehicles and people. The danger area for a 737-sized aircraft can extend up to 1200 feet behind the aircraft.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on July 13, 2017, 06:43:46 AM
Oh boy! Condolences. Wow!
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Jumbie on July 14, 2017, 09:52:40 AM
Condolences and all eh...

but when you ignore the big-ass sign Warning you of the dangers...

(http://www.worldfortravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Warning-Signs-Maho-Beach.jpg)

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: soccerman on July 14, 2017, 01:59:51 PM
A lot of tourists in St. Maarten usually hangout near the edge of the runway behind the fence at their own risk as the beach is across the street. They enjoy the thrill of the jet blast from the planes landing and taking off. Sometimes the winds are so strong they're blown and tossed around and most times they have to hold on to the fence tightly, just craziness if you ask me.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on July 14, 2017, 05:12:07 PM
What a way for CAL to get famous. And for the deceased, again condolences. But boy, talk about "the ultimate rush".
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on July 15, 2017, 04:20:11 AM
PILOTS BLANK CAL
Concerns raised over ATR aircraft on airbridge, Caribbean routes...
By Anna Ramdass (Express).


CARIBBEAN Airlines pilots said yesterday passengers should expect “chaos” on the air-bridge between Trinidad and Tobago as many of them have decided to not operate the company's ATR aircraft which they say have been experiencing constant technical problems.

Pilots said passengers travelling on CAL flights to Caribbean routes and Tobago should expect delays and disruptions as the pilots said they were concerned about the ATR aircraft.
CAL uses five ATRs.

Some of the destinations they service are Tobago, St Lucia, St Vincent, Grenada and Barbados.

The Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) yesterday held a meeting where between 30 to 40 pilots voiced concerns about technical problems with the ATR aircraft.

Aviation sources told the Express TTALPA was consulting its legal team on the way forward.

“There is mass chaos on the airbridge right now because we have taken a decision to not fly,” a pilot who requested anonymity told the Express yesterday.

The pilot said when a warning light comes on in an aircraft the crew goes into emergency mode and it is traumatic to keep putting passengers through this ordeal.


(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20170715/LOCAL/170719728/AR/0/AR-170719728.jpg)
PROUD DISPLAY: Caribbean Airlines CEO Ag Captain Jagmohan Singh, from left; Marslyn Melville, Secretary of the Communications Development Enterprise and Labour of the Tobago House of Assembly; Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry; Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism; and Shameer Ronnie, Caribbean Airlines chairman, pose in front the Boeing 737 at the formal commissioning of the aircraft in honour of Calypso Rose (McCartha Sandy Lewis), Calypso Queen of the World. The ceremony took place at Hangar 10, Caribbean Airlines, Iere House, Golden Grove Road, Piarco, yesterday. —Photo: CURTIS CHASE

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on July 17, 2017, 05:31:27 PM
This airbridge/sea bridge situation real pissing me off!!  Ah gone to call The Keith and give him an earful!!! :cursing: :cursing: :cursing: :pissedoff: :pissedoff: :banginghead: :banginghead: :frustrated: :frustrated:
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on July 18, 2017, 05:09:28 AM
If Sugar complaining, you know things that bad.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on November 11, 2017, 05:24:08 AM
Top CAL workers unqualified for jobs.
T&T Guardian Reports.


The Joint Select Committee (JSC) on State Enterprises says although there are several factors contributing to the financial losses of state-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), it can become a valuable contributor to T&T and its citizens.

Among the challenges for the airline are the frequent changes to its governance leadership since it began operations in 2007. There have been three boards, four chairmen, four CEOs, three acting CEOs, four CFOs and two acting CFOs. In addition, CAL is faced with cash flow inefficiencies due to the financing of a fleet of five ATR aircraft using the company’s cash reserves and from short term cash investment and is operating in an increasingly competitive environment with the entrance of low price competition from Jet Blue and West Jet in key markets.

But according to the JSC, CAL’s human resource focus is skewed towards pilots and management and several positions in its organisational structure are filled by individuals who do not have the required qualifications. There is also the inability to repatriate revenue earned by the airline in Caracas, Venezuela

Adding to CAL's financial burden is the Tobago air bridge fare, which is below commercial market value. The approximately $41 million budgeted for CAL as the subsidy on the air bridge this year does not cover the entire shortfall between the fare charged for flights on the air bridge and the cost of running it, making the route unprofitable.

Among the recommendations from the JSC is that the airline pursue measures to recover money owed by Venezuela and be persistent in following up with the Ministry of Finance for approval of its strategy for resolving issues with fare structuring for the air bridge service.

"CAL should immediately put in place a freeze on any increases in wages and salaries until such time that the operations of the airline is sustainably profitable," the JSC said.

The airline has also been told to fill its CFO and CEO positions and "follow through with plans to conduct a manpower audit to review and readjust the management structures."

Another key recommendation is for the airline to immediately cease international recruitment of foreign pilots.

"Given the many local pilots seeking jobs, a report on how this came to be should be provided to this committee as well as its line ministry," the JSC said.

CAL has also been advised to "urgently conduct a route analysis with a view to a reduction and or elimination of services to some North American destinations where over the past five years there has been an unabated trend of declining passenger numbers and massive financial losses." The JSC said this should be completed within the next three months.

The JSC also wants CAL to commit to refurbishment and modernization of its fleet; find the root cause of the issues with the ATR aircraft; and adopt key recommendations in the Lufthansa reports, which it said will assist the airlines towards achieving profitability by 2018.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on November 16, 2018, 05:33:34 AM
CAL lost $260m on UK route—PM
By Khamal Georges (Guardian).


Caribbean Air­lines lost more than a quar­ter of a bil­lion dol­lars fly­ing the Lon­don route be­tween June 2012 and Jan­u­ary 2016, ac­cord­ing to Prime Min­is­ter Dr Kei­th Row­ley.

Row­ley was speak­ing in the Par­lia­ment on Wednes­day on a mo­tion to vest the as­sets of Petrotrin in­to three com­pa­nies which will com­prise the re­struc­tured en­ti­ty.

In re­spond­ing to the Op­po­si­tion’s po­si­tion that it would not have shut down the State-owned re­fin­ery, Row­ley made ref­er­ence to Caribbean Air­lines’ Lon­don route.

“Be­cause we closed the Lon­don route and they knew all about how bad it was, and an in­quiry had to go on, they went back to fly to Lon­don to prove that they were dif­fer­ent,” Row­ley stat­ed.

Ac­cord­ing to the PM, “it didn’t cost them one cent be­cause they all left as mil­lion­aires, but it cost the tax­pay­ers of Trinidad and To­ba­go TT$260 mil­lion.”

Row­ley said in June 2012, two air­craft were ac­quired at a cost of US$4.6m but could not be used be­cause the planes could not be cer­ti­fied.

He says the Boe­ing 767 air­craft that were even­tu­al­ly used on the transat­lantic route cost US$12.1m.

Row­ley chal­lenged Op­po­si­tion Leader Kam­la Per­sad-Bisses­sar to make avail­able the find­ings of the in­ves­ti­ga­tion in­to the sale of this coun­try’s Heathrow slots in 2006.

In March 2011, Per­sad-Bisses­sar an­nounced that her ad­min­is­tra­tion will con­duct a probe in­to the sale of the BWIA ter­mi­nal slots for TT$60m.

“To this day, I have nev­er heard about the out­come of that in­ves­ti­ga­tion,” Row­ley said.

Last month, Caribbean Air­lines re­port­ed its unau­dit­ed fi­nan­cial re­sults for the nine months end­ed Sep­tem­ber 30, 2018, which shows the air­line has moved in­to an op­er­at­ing prof­it and is net in­come pos­i­tive for the year-to-date.

Year-to-date to­tal rev­enues showed a 15 per cent year-on-year im­prove­ment of TT$291m.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on March 15, 2019, 04:10:00 AM
CAL ready to scrap Max-8 deal if planes faulty
Imbert orders contingency plan
By Peter Christopher (Guardian).


Caribbean Air­lines will seek le­gal ad­vice con­cern­ing the lease agree­ment it has in place for a batch of Boe­ing 737 Max-8 planes to boost its fleet in De­cem­ber.

Act­ing Prime Min­is­ter Colm Im­bert yes­ter­day said the air­line had been in­struct­ed to re­view its op­tions con­cern­ing the agree­ment giv­en the safe­ty con­cerns raised in the wake of the lat­est air tragedy in­volv­ing one of the planes in Ethiopia re­cent­ly.

"Caribbean Air­lines has been au­tho­rised and in­struct­ed by me to get the best ad­vice in the world with re­spect to these leas­es and al­so to put con­tin­gency arrange­ments in place with the air­craft leas­ing com­pa­nies with re­spect to al­ter­na­tive air­craft in the event that as we get clos­er to De­cem­ber, the FAA de­cides that there is a per­ma­nent prob­lem with the Max-8," Im­bert said dur­ing the post-Cab­i­net me­dia brief­ing.

In a re­lease yes­ter­day, CAL once again clar­i­fied it did not cur­rent­ly have any Boe­ing 737 Max-8s and would not in­tro­duce the plane to its fleet if it did not meet in­ter­na­tion­al stan­dards. CAL had planned to add the Max-8s to its fleet through a lease in De­cem­ber.

The Trinidad and To­ba­go Civ­il Avi­a­tion Au­thor­i­ty is­sued a pro­hi­bi­tion or­der to all op­er­a­tors of Boe­ing 737 Max 8 & 9 air­craft on Wednes­day, hours af­ter the Unit­ed States of­fi­cial­ly ground­ed those air­craft af­ter sev­er­al oth­er coun­tries took sim­i­lar ac­tion.

The ground­ing of the planes glob­al­ly led to scores of pas­sen­gers be­ing strand­ed at the Pi­ar­co In­ter­na­tion­al Air­port on Wednes­day, as Amer­i­can Air­line flights to Mi­a­mi were can­celled. AA used the Max-8 plane to ser­vice that route. Two of the air­line's three dai­ly flights were again can­celled yes­ter­day as a re­sult of the Max-8 ground­ing.

Among the per­sons af­fect­ed by the can­cel­la­tion of the flights was Trinidad and To­ba­go sprint­er Khal­i­fa St Fort, who was due to re­turn to Flori­da yes­ter­day morn­ing.

"I planned to be back in time for school and train­ing to­day (yes­ter­day) but my flight was can­celled and re­booked for Fri­day (to­day) morn­ing. I missed school and I will miss train­ing to­day (yes­ter­day) but it’s okay, they are just fo­cus­ing on safe­ty," St Fort told Guardian Me­dia.

While many pas­sen­gers who were turned back at the de­par­ture gate on Wednes­day ex­pressed frus­tra­tion at the lack of in­for­ma­tion ini­tial­ly avail­able from AA, St Fort said the air­line up­dat­ed her about the sit­u­a­tion prompt­ly.

"They were very in­for­ma­tive. They let me know that my flight (was) can­celled via email at 5.30 pm (Wednes­day), which gave me ad­e­quate time to make arrange­ments. They al­so sent the next avail­able flight as soon as it was avail­able," she said.

The air­line's 3.25 pm flight to Mi­a­mi was able to go ahead as sched­uled, as the Air­line used a 737-800 to con­duct the trip.

"Clear­ly, they val­ue the Trinidad busi­ness and the Trinidad leg of their flight op­er­a­tions, they very quick­ly sub­sti­tut­ed an air­craft. They're now us­ing the same air­craft that Caribbean Air­lines us­es," Im­bert at yes­ter­day's post-Cab­i­net brief­ing.

Min­is­ter of Works and Trans­port al­so said the air­line gave the as­sur­ance that they would be back to reg­u­lar ser­vice by the week­end.

"Amer­i­can Air­lines have con­firmed to us this morn­ing that they are go­ing to op­er­ate two flights to­day (yes­ter­day) and to­mor­row (to­day) and their ser­vice should come back to nor­mal by Sun­day," said Sinanan, who said per­sons af­fect­ed by the ground­ed flights on Wednes­day were al­so ac­com­mo­dat­ed by Caribbean Air­lines and Jet­blue.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on April 03, 2019, 12:35:23 AM
CAL to start direct flights between Jamaica and Barbados
T&T Guardian Reports.


Caribbean Air­lines has an­nounced the pro­posed start of non-stop ser­vice be­tween Kingston, Ja­maica and Bar­ba­dos from April 15, 2019 sub­ject to gov­ern­ment ap­proval.

In a state­ment is­sued on Tues­day, the air­line said that busi­ness, leisure and oth­er trav­ellers can fly non-stop every Mon­day and Fri­day be­tween the two des­ti­na­tions.

“The launch of this twice-week­ly non-stop ser­vice be­tween Kingston and Bar­ba­dos, sub­ject to Gov­ern­ment ap­proval, is in di­rect re­sponse to feed­back from our val­ued cus­tomers," Caribbean Air­lines Chief Ex­ec­u­tive Of­fi­cer, Garvin Med­era said.

He added: "The air­line busi­ness is about pro­vid­ing a ser­vice that our cus­tomers want and this flight, is a wel­come ad­di­tion to our net­work, to serve their needs. Caribbean Air­lines is im­prov­ing the reach and ef­fi­cien­cy of our net­work, en­sur­ing we have strong con­nec­tiv­i­ty with­in the Caribbean and we al­so con­tin­ue to de­vel­op more al­liances with in­dus­try part­ners for trav­el out­side the re­gion.”

He said the air­line is look­ing for­ward to the ad­di­tion­al 300 seats that this new Caribbean Air­lines ser­vice from Ja­maica will bring.

"In 2018, we had over 9,000 ar­rivals from Ja­maica – up 2.2% over 2017. This demon­strates this mar­ket's po­ten­tial for growth, and with a strong mar­ket­ing pro­gramme and Bar­ba­dos’ well-packed an­nu­al cal­en­dar of events, we have high hopes for sig­nif­i­cant busi­ness from the is­land,” CEO of Bar­ba­dos Tourism Mar­ket­ing, William “Bil­ly” Grif­fith said.

The ser­vice be­gins on April 15, 2019, sub­ject to gov­ern­ment ap­proval and will op­er­ate every Mon­day and Fri­day de­part­ing Kingston at 2.50 p, ar­riv­ing in Bar­ba­dos at 6.25 pm.

The flight will then de­part non-stop to Kingston at 7.25 pm where it will ar­rive at 9.15 pm.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on January 24, 2020, 08:00:44 AM
CAL awarded Caribbean’s Leading Airline Brand again.
T&T Guardian Reports.


Caribbean Air­lines has been recog­nised at the World Trav­el Awards 2020, Caribbean Gala Cer­e­mo­ny, with the pres­ti­gious award—Caribbean’s Lead­ing Air­line Brand. This is the fourth con­sec­u­tive year the air­line has earned the ti­tle.

Caribbean Air­lines was al­so nom­i­nat­ed in the Caribbean’s Lead­ing Air­line cat­e­go­ry, an award the air­line won con­sec­u­tive­ly from 2010 to 2019.

Caribbean Air­line’s chief ex­ec­u­tive of­fi­cer, Garvin Med­era stat­ed, “It is an ho­n­our to be recog­nised by the World Trav­el Awards. This is tes­ti­mo­ny to our on­go­ing com­mit­ment to op­er­a­tional and brand ex­cel­lence; and our ef­forts to con­tin­u­al­ly en­hance the cus­tomer ex­pe­ri­ence both on board and on the ground. We ex­tend our grat­i­tude to our em­ploy­ees and all stake­hold­ers for their con­tin­ued sup­port.”

Last year, the air­line launched sev­er­al ser­vice en­hance­ments in­clud­ing a mo­bile app; a new rev­enue man­age­ment sys­tem; a va­ca­tions & tours unit; as well as new routes to Cu­ra­cao and Grand Cay­man. Caribbean Air­lines is al­so ranked 96 of 332 glob­al air­lines for On-Time Per­for­mance in 2019.

In the com­ing weeks the air­line said it will un­veil its 2020 mar­ket­ing cam­paign which promis­es to be riv­et­ing.

The Caribbean Gala Cer­e­mo­ny was held on Jan­u­ary 20, at the San­dals Roy­al Ba­hami­an in Nas­sau and was at­tend­ed by in­dus­try lead­ing fig­ures and pro­fes­sion­als from across the Caribbean. Caribbean Air­lines’ ex­ec­u­tive man­ag­er Mar­ket­ing & Loy­al­ty, Ali­cia Cabr­era and GM Ja­maica (Ag), Trudy Chin, re­ceived the award on be­half of the air­line.

In ex­tend­ing his con­grat­u­la­tions to Caribbean Air­lines, Gra­ham E Cooke, Founder, World Trav­el Awards, says, “Caribbean Air­lines con­tin­ues to set the bench­mark for avi­a­tion in the Caribbean. The air­line’s com­mit­ment to im­prov­ing cus­tomer ser­vice re­mains un­ri­valled and I am de­light­ed that both the trav­el trade and the pub­lic have ac­knowl­edged this ex­cel­lence by vot­ing it ‘Caribbean’s Lead­ing Air­line Brand.’”

The World Trav­el Awards was es­tab­lished in 1993 to ac­knowl­edge, re­ward and cel­e­brate ex­cel­lence across all key sec­tors of the trav­el tourism & hos­pi­tal­i­ty in­dus­try.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on January 25, 2020, 05:09:56 AM
Who is CAL competing against in this contest ? LIAT ?
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on March 18, 2020, 05:44:53 AM
CAL closes off flights.
T&T Newsday Reports.


NON-T&T nationals, people who are not permanent residents of Trinidad and Tobago and non-nationals transitioning through T&T will not be processed for travel on any Caribbean Airlines service, CAL said in a media release on Tuesday.

The release said : “Only holders of valid T&T passports will be allowed to land in T&T.”

This comes a day after the Prime Minister announced that T&T will close its borders to the international community for the next 14 days.

The release said holders of work permits would have to apply for an exemption to travel, and non-nationals currently booked on any Caribbean Airlines flights would have their tickets put on hold.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 18, 2020, 05:26:49 AM
Caribbean Airlines prepares for border reopening
RHIANNA MC KENZIE (NEWSDAY).


Caribbean Airlines has begun to put measures in place for the reopening of TT's borders, which have been closed since March 22 as a preventative measure implemented by the government to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The airline revealed that it already has social distancing protocols in place for domestic flights that will continue when borders reopen to international flights. In a statement on Tuesday, the airline said social distancing on flights "will be practised at check-in, on board and other areas once international service resumes."

The statement said CAL's cabins are currently being cleaned with chemicals that "meet the requirements of the World Health Organization, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Centre for Disease Control," as being effective against the covid19 virus.

CEO of the airline Garvin Medera sai,d "We assure you that Caribbean Airlines' aircraft are sanitised above international standards." Medera said the crew monitors the air quality in the cabins. He also said the Boeing 737 jet fleet is "equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that capture 99.97 percent of particles."

He said high-contact surfaces such as tray tables, seatbelts and armrests are cleaned before every flight and at every station. Passenger loads will also be limited and crews will "operate in full compliance with the instructions of the Public Health and other authorities in the jurisdictions in which the airline operates."

Another statement issued by the airline said its Barbados ticket office will reopen on May 6. The statement said owing to covid19 restrictions, opening hours will be limited until further notice. Operating hours at the Norman Centre Building in Bridgetown will be from Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm.

The statement said city and airport ticket offices at all other Caribbean Airlines destinations in the US, Canada, the Caribbean and South America will remain closed until further notice.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on June 23, 2020, 12:04:26 PM
CAL loses $96.1m in 6 weeks
by Gail Alexander (Guardian)


Caribbean Airline's estimated losses from March 23 to April 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic was US14.2 million or TT$96.1 million, according to Minister in the Ministry of Finance Allyson West.

She gave the information in the Senate yesterday in response to United National Congress senator Wade Mark’s query.

West said the impact took effect from the start of March due to a drop in demand for air travel and was exacerbated by the closure of Trinidad and Tobago’s borders in March also because operating had become too risky.


Despite air travel being restricted, she said CAL has still been required to maintain all its operating systems.

“Notwithstanding the fact that air travel is severely restricted at present, the airline is also being required to keep it airline leases up to date and ensure that its aircraft are airworthy and all of its systems are functioning in readiness for the resumption of flights,” West said.

During his contribution at the COVID-19 update over the weekend, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley also noted that it was very costly to keep the airline going even while the fleet was grounded.

“Caribbean Airlines, looking at the outside world, would be operational at the first opportunity it gets because it’s costing us money now to keep Caribbean Airlines where it is, maintained and not working. The reason why it’s not going outside is because of the level of risk involved,” the PM said.

Rowley said one of the first actions to cushion the continuing losses may be chartered services to get people to destinations or back home.

Also in the Senate, Energy Minister Franklin Khan said it was very lucky that the recent sabotage and cutting of pipelines at Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd hadn’t occurred with a gas line. He was replying to an Opposition query on the June 19 report of sabotage and theft.

Khan said the situation involved more than sabotage since people were cutting three-inch pipes with a welding torch to steal “fence posts.”

“I wouldn’t say it was a common practice but in the south-west peninsula where there’s been hundreds of miles of pipeline, it has been a perennial problem over the years,” Khan added.

“But what happened with the sabotage/theft was a dangerous exercise—while it was lucky it was a dormant line which was cut into and it had no fuel, oil or gas passing through, what would have happened if it was a gas line —it would have been a major disaster…for two fence posts, it isn’t worth the risk.”

He said after the incident occurred, Heritage immediately reported it to Barrackpore police and will also increase mobile patrols with police assistance.

Khan added that the company is also seeking community help to monitor Heritage assets and is implementing CCTV systems with a hotline for such incidents to be reported.

“So hopefully, this will alleviate and bring such incidents in future to a zero position,” he said.

Khan said the community had over decades been the “watchman” of Petrotrin before.

On another Opposition question, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said for the first time there’s been redefined funding for the Director of Public Prosecutions’ division and among innovations, the new Port-of-Spain office for the DPP – on Park Street – will be open in weeks.

Al-Rawi and UNC’s Wade Mark traded veiled barbs, congratulating each other respectively for “new-found interest” in the DPP’s office and for “new-found interest” in accommodation.

West’s replies on the banking institutions with which Government has debt obligations also prompted Mark to try to get her to say if NCB Global Finance was among these.

But while she cited FCB, Republic, Scotiabank ANSA Merchant Bank and other institutions, West told Mark, “Sorry to disappoint you, Senator Mark, NCB Global is not what I said.”

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on July 16, 2020, 04:31:10 PM
CAL to fly between Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados
PAULA LINDO (NEWSDAY).


Caribbean Airlines will restart flights between Antigua, Barbados and Kingston, Jamaica beginning on July 25. The airline said the service connecting these destinations will fly twice weekly.

It said the re-introduction of the flights is part of the airlines phased restart of its commercial operations out of Jamaica.

There will be four flights on Saturdays: Kingston to Antigua, leaving at 9 am; Antigua to Barbados, leaving at 1.35 pm; Barbados to Antigua, leaving at 4.30 pm; and, Antigua to Kingston, leaving at 6.50 pm.

On Sundays, there will be four flight on a similar schedule: Kingston to Antigua, leaving at 9 am; Antigua to Barbados, leaving at 1.35 pm; Barbados to Antigua, leaving at 4.05 pm; and Antigua to Kingston, leaving at 6.25 pm.

For more information on the flights, visit caribbean-airlines.com.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on September 14, 2020, 12:45:29 AM
CAL, Virgin Atlantic partner for London connection.
T&T Guardian Reports.


State-owned Caribbean Airlines will soon be making a reconnection to London through an expanded partnership with Virgin Atlantic, Guardian Media has learnt.

This move comes four years after CAL ended its three weekly flights to London because the route was deemed not profitable.

The London service was launched in 2012 but performed below expectations.

And, as a result of the cancellation of the route, CAL also retired the Boeing 767s from its fleet and returned them to the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

This time around CAL seems to be taking a safer approach to the route by partnering with Virgin Atlantic instead of trying to service it alone.

CAL’s existing fleet currently comprises 12 BOEING 737-800 aircraft and five ATR 72-600.

These aircraft are short and medium-haul, while the route to London is long-haul.

In the proposed plan Barbados will be the transit point for the flight to London from the Caribbean.

From next Saturday subject to regulatory approval by the T&T Civil Aviation Authority, CAL announced that it will launch a service between Barbados and Dominica.

The addition of Dominica to the network is part of the airline’s current strategic plan into the Eastern Caribbean.

The flight schedule is timed to facilitate easy connections to and from regional and international destinations including London.

CAL chief executive officer Garvin Medera stated: “Our Eastern Caribbean expansion continues with the addition of Dominica to our network. We have set up a temporary base in Barbados, providing much needed airlift to Dominica, St Vincent, Grenada and St Lucia, with more destinations to be added in the coming weeks. The flight schedule is also designed to offer seamless connections to international destinations including London, via our expanded interline agreement with Virgin Atlantic.”

Flights will also be facilitated from Jamaica, Antigua, Guyana and Grenada.

T&T is out of the equation so far as the country’s borders remain closed.

This move is expected to lead to Virgin getting more filled seats out of Barbados which they are already service.

“Whether travelling for business or pleasure, the launch of this initiative will open access for flying into Heathrow Airport and beyond, as you can now seamlessly connect via Barbados,” the expanded interline agreement between CAL and Virgin states.

CAL first signed an interline agreement with Virgin in 2007 .

Interline e-ticketing agreements enable Caribbean Airlines’ customers to use a single e-ticket for itineraries that include travel on two or more carriers and allow the airlines to electronically sell tickets on each other.

Travel agents are able to issue interline e-tickets on Caribbean Airlines with Virgin Atlantic flights as part of passengers’ itineraries and vice versa.

“Interline e-ticketing expands Caribbean Airlines’ existing e-ticketing capabilities and distribution,” then CAL CEO Peter Davies stated.

“After being the first Caribbean airline to offer e-tickets and Web check-in, we take pride in being the trendsetter in offering this convenience to our customers. Our passengers benefit from expedited check-in and boarding processes and simplified ticket purchase,” he stated.

In October, Virgin Atlantic will be resuming flights to Montego Bay, Antigua, Grenada and Tobago (via Antigua).

That’s along with a resumption of flight service from Manchester to Barbados in October.

“As countries around the world begin to relax travel restrictions, we look forward to welcoming our customers back onboard and flying them safely to many destinations across our network,” said Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic.

The carrier says it is implementing new measures both at the airport and onboard “to ensure the health and safety of our customers and our people.”

Virgin Atlantic faced financial ruin but won backing from its creditors for a £1.2 billion rescue plan that would secure its future for at least 18 months and saved 6,500 jobs.

The airline had already cut more than 3,500 jobs out of the 10,000 employees it had at the beginning of the year.

The airline said shareholders, banks, aircraft owners and suppliers owed money had approved the plan.

Virgin Atlantic said the agreement puts it in a position to “rebuild its balance sheet” and “welcome passengers back”.

It had warned it would run out of cash by September without the deal.

The £1.2bn rescue deal involves £400m in new cash, half of which will come from its main shareholder, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group.

Just as it was expected to celebrate blue skies ahead, CAL is now scheduled to take a financial nosedive.

When COVID-19 first hit T&T shores six months ago, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced that the country’s borders would be closed to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Those travel restrictions could not come at a worse time for CAL.

“This decision will have far-reaching consequences for our national airline which incidentally has been doing quite well. For 2018 CAL turned around its business and was reporting tens of millions of dollars of profit for 2018,” Rowley said.

CAL reported a profit of $42 million for 2018.

In April 2018, CAL’s Medera stated the plan was to return the national airline to profitability in two years.

Medera said by the end of financial year 2019 he hoped to get CAL to at least break even.

The company surpassed even Medera’s expectations.

“On Saturday I was scheduled to speak at a function where CAL was going to report its performance for 2019, which was quite significant, I think the figure they were about to report was $124 million in profit,” Rowley said.

“But now in the matter of weeks the business of CAL and the future of CAL is now a matter for the corporate sole and we will do what we have to do at the company and at the level of the government to ensure that when this is over that we still have an airline and we still have our staff who could continue to supply us with connections to the outside world,” he said.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on September 14, 2020, 01:19:57 PM
In this doubtful time it makes sense.
Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on September 26, 2020, 12:28:40 AM
CAL flying through turbulent times
By Khamal Georges (Guardian).


Caribbean Airlines appears to be flying into some strong headwinds as the airline warns of turbulence and proposes temporary salary reductions for all staff beginning next month to try and stay in the air.

Globally it has been a challenging period for airlines with many unable to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Caribbean Airlines’ has also been forced to ground its operations because of border closures, it enjoyed the luxury of a government guarantee. Roughly US $65 million.

But that financial backing is expiring soon and the airline is now being forced to make decisions about its expenses. Guardian Media understands that CAL is looking at trimming salaries across its operations almost immediately.

According to minutes of a recently held meeting between the airline pilots association and Caribbean airlines, the government loan guarantee that it received in May expires at the end of September, especially as it relates to provisions for salary support.

The airline and the government are now working together on determining the next steps.

Among the proposals being presented by CAL to workers representatives is a salary reduction of between 5 and 20 percent for all operating staff for a six to eight month period. It is expected the cuts will take place effective next month.

The company is also looking to determine the minimum staffing requirement to perform essential operations.

Therefore, the remaining members of staff will be asked to take a leave of absence without pay for a period of roughly three months in the first instance.

A similar approach will be taken for pilots. Once the required number is determined, the remaining pilots will also be given a leave of absence without pay. It is expected that 146 pilots will be placed on no pay leave in October. Guardian Media has been told VSEP is not being considered.

Sources however tell Guardian Media there is a concern that the process to be adopted could see the airline’s most experienced pilots being sent home.

According to the Airlines Vice President of Human Resources, the aim is to save roughly one million US dollars a month.

Guardian Media understands that Caribbean Airlines met with the Finance Ministry this week but are awaiting feedback from the Minister of Finance.

While the Airline Pilots Association says it is open to some of the recommendations put forward, it says it is concerned that the airline advertised the position of an ATR pilot even as these proposals were being discussed.

Head of Corporate Communications at Caribbean Airlines Dionne Ligoure told Guardian Media the airline is in discussions with many stakeholders and is working on all options to safeguard the interest of the business. She said those discussions are ongoing.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 02, 2020, 03:01:15 AM
Need to save ailing airlines industry
CLINT CHAN TACK (NEWSDAY).

GOVERNMENTS and the aviation industry need to work together to address the challenges posed by the covid19 pandemic.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) regional vice president (Americas) Peter Cerda made this point during a virtual news conference on Wednesday.

“What is needed is to have a balance between public health and economic recovery.” Saying that governments cannot chose one or the other, Cerda said, “We certainly need to learn to co-exist with the pandemic until a vaccine is made available.

He explained this is why “IATA has put a call to governments to facilitate pre-departure screening for all international passengers.” He added, “We have also made a call for the opening of borders within our region as well.”

Cerda said Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador have reopened their borders to infernational flights. But Cerda said Nicaragua is facing some operational challenges in this regard. In Colombia, Cerda continued, limited international air flights have resumed. While Peru is supposed to resume international flights on October 5. During the news conference, it was mentioned that in TT and Guyana, domestic air operations continue and there are repatriation flights as well.

IATA external affairs director James Wiltshire said airlines have put in place multi layers of bio-safety measures to ensure the travel experience is bio safe and aviation is not the vector for the spread of covid19. Wiltshire said IATA has advocated that systematic covid19 testing is an alternative to quarantine to control the spread of the virus.

On the issue of affordability, Wiltshire said, “We not want the cost of testing to be a barrier for travel.” Information provided by IATA said the association was projecting air traffic for 2020 to be down 66 per cent compared to a 63 per cent decline in 2019.

IATA said based on flight data, “the recovery in air passenger services was brought to a halt in mid-August “by a return of government restrictions in the face of new covid19 outbreaks in a number of key markets. North American carriers’ traffic fell 92. 4 per cent in August compared to a 94.4 percent drop in July. Latin American airlines experienced a 93.4 per cent demand drop in August, compared to a 94.9 per cent decline.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 03, 2020, 03:40:25 PM
CAL to fly to Houston/Puerto Rico
By Curtis Williams (Guardian).


State-owned Caribbean Airlines has received approval from the United States Department of Transportation to fly the Port of Spain/Houston route.

This has been confirmed by the Airline's Chief Executive Officer Garvin Medera who also said the airline has also gotten approval to fly to San Juan Puerto Rico.

It is expected that the flight to Puerto Rico will form part of CAL's expansion into the Eastern Caribbean.

Caribbean Airlines has not made a determination on the projected start up date for the flights since the Trinidad and Tobago borders remain closed.

The move means that CAL will provide direct competition to United Airlines on the Houston route.

Caribbean Airline has been working to build its brand as the Caribbean's premier airline with a focus on serving the region both intra regionally and access to North America.

The Airline has been hard hit by the advents associated with the corona virus as it has had to fly with reduced capacity out of Jamaica and Barbados with T&T's borders still closed.

Globally it has been a challenging period for airlines with many unable to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Caribbean Airlines’ has also been forced to ground its operations because of border closures, it enjoyed the luxury of a government guarantee. Roughly US $65 million.

But that financial backing is expiring soon and the airline is now being forced to make decisions about its expenses.

The airline and the government are now working on determining the next steps and one awaits to see what support it is likely to get from Finance Minister Colm Imbert when he presents his budget on Monday.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 18, 2020, 12:45:32 AM
CAL pilots take 57% pay cut to save jobs
By Gail Alexander (Guardian).


T&T Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) and Caribbean Airlines have agreed that all pilots' salaries will be cut by 57 per cent—just over half—for the next three months, to support CAL's cost cutting measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

TTALPA represents CAL's estimated 149 pilots. The development halts CAL’s plan to start sending home some pilots on three months' No-Pay Leave from Monday.

The pay cut will halve the salaries of all CAL’s pilots until January 2021.

It will also affect other aspects of their pay up to June 2021, but they will keep their jobs.

TTTALPA had been negotiating with CAL in recent weeks on the issue.

CAL received revised documents from TALPA last Friday. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by CAL Human Resources head Roger Berkley and TTALPA head, captain Larry Imamshah later that day.

“It’s a bittersweet situation," said TTALPA's industrial relations consultant Gerard Pinard. "It meant between a rock and hard place, but we're making the sacrifices and reached an agreement."

CAL communications manager Dionne Ligoure said discussions which had been ongoing were expected to be concluded shortly.

Pilots were among the employees which CAL planned to send home temporarily due to effects from the pandemic which closed T&T's borders. Up to June, the grounded airline lost $96 million.

Last month CAL announced it would send home about one-third of staff—600—for three months and institute pay cuts for others earning $7,500 over eight months starting last Thursday. CAL was to expected to start issuing letters on Monday to pilots.

Pinard said after CAL rejected an initial TTALPA proposal, TTALPA suggested a salary cut and CAL called the 57 per cent figure and other conditions. He detailed the situation.

Apart from wanting to ensure CAL and T&T keep steady, pilots then voted among themselves to accept the three months 57 per cent pay cut for some of their fellow pilots—who would have been sent home temporarily without pay—to continue working.

Pinard said pilots accepted the pay cut despite operating with salary rates negotiated in 2014. Negotiations are outstanding for collective agreements for 2015-2018 and 2018-2021.

Under the agreement for fleet managers captains, pilots:

* If the situation improves, both sides will review the agreement.

* Starting Monday, subject to earlier termination and based on what was agreed by both parties the agreement will end by June 18, 2020.

* All pilots will forgo 57 per cent of salary for three months starting Monday until January 18, 2021. Pension plan contributions will be temporarily halted for the period.

* From January 2021 pilots will also forgo a portion of their salary for five months. Those earning $21,000 to $40,000 will take a ten per cent cut. Those earning over $40,000 will take a 15 per cent cut.

* At the end of eight months on June 18, 2021, CAL agrees to restore pilots to full substantive salaries.

* In event of retrenchment exercises being contemplated any time during the agreement, pilots' base salary will be used as a basis for severance benefits.

With the agreement, the recall of pilots to flying will be according firstly to operational requirements and secondly, the seniority list.

CAL's financial situation will be reviewed monthly. In event of improved circumstances during the time, parties will review terms of the agreement.

Pinard said CAL had in good faith been paying pilots since the lockdown, "So pilots felt they also had to act in good faith. Though I don’t know who would have accepted this sort of salary cut, especially in this sector.

"But everybody's prepared to make sacrifices for pay cuts hoping things improve for CAL and T&T. CAL said they have no more Government financing and had to find ways to keep going to achieve target savings."

TALPA head Imamshah last Friday confirmed, "Pilots are very willing to undertake salary sacrifices to prevent going home without pay."

Pinard added, "TTALPA should be commended for its responsible sacrifice to ensure CAL remains a viable concern and trusts that these sacrifices will not go unnoticed when bargaining recommences for the outstanding collective agreements."

TTALPA's pay cut acceptance is the latest action among sectors trying to deal with increased costs due to the COVID pandemic. Many areas have attempted to retool since the pandemic hit. Last week Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced a proposal to cap the tax exemptions on government vehicles.

Some pilots said it was fair if they were co-operating to give CAL savings and accepting pay cuts, no pilots should be sent home. "Pilots have vested interests in CAL."

While CAL has been grounded, small chartered aircraft have been busy transporting those who have obtained exemptions.

HOW IT WAS ACHIEVED:

* CAL’s initial plan was to retain the minimum number of staff required to maintain their reduced level of operation, and send home the rest of employees on No-Pay Leave for 90 days, in the first instance, while reducing the salaries of those kept in service by five per cent to 20 per cent for eight months.

* CAL estimated saving US$1.8 million across the entire staff complement. Based on that proposed plan, savings of US$1 million was projected from pilots’ salaries alone.

* TTALPA initially proposed CAL could achieve their desired cost savings by applying a 30 per cent salary reduction across the entire company. Based on their total personnel costs of US$6 million, that would result in the desired US$1.8 million in savings.

* CAL rejected TTALPA’s suggestion and went ahead with their original plan for the rest of staff, sending people home on No Pay Leave for 90 days.

* TTALPA refused to accept this proposal and insisted on negotiating a better arrangement for pilots that wouldn't result in any pilots being sent off on No Pay Leave—even if it meant taking a salary sacrifice instead.

* CAL advised TTALPA it would require a salary sacrifice of 57 per cent from all pilots for 90 days and suspension of pension plan contributions over the same period, in order to achieve the desired savings. Also, salary sacrifices of between 15 per cent and 20 per cent of pilots’ salaries for five months after the end of the initial 90-day period.

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 20, 2020, 12:01:26 PM
CAL announces flights between T&T, Guyana, New York
ZAINAB KAMARA (NEWSDAY).


Caribbean Airlines (CAL) will operate a small number of flights on October 22 and 23 from Trinidad to New York, with passengers having to transit via Guyana.

In a statement, the airline reminded passengers that they must adhere to the necessary covid 19 travel protocols for entry into both countries.

In the release, the airline listed its schedule of flights for both dates.

On October 22, BW 526 departs Trinidad to Guyana at 7.20 am and arrives at 8.30 am at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO); BW 526 departs Guyana to New York at 10 am and arrives at 4 pm at the JFK International Airport. On October 23, BW 527 departs New York at 7am for Guyana and arrives at 12.40 pm.

The flights are open for bookings

The airline will roll out its entire flight schedule for commercial services into/out of Guyana later in the week, a release said.

CAL advised customers to check the required travel protocols for entry into Guyana and New York via the following links:

Guyana Entry Requirements: https://guyanatravel.gy/

New York Entry Requirements: https://forms.ny.gov/s3/Welcome-to-New-York-State-Traveler-Health-Form

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on November 03, 2020, 04:06:56 PM
You can now gift CAL loyalty miles to loved ones
KEN CHEE HING (NEWSDAY).


CARIBBEAN Airlines (CAL) has added new features to its loyalty program, Caribbean Miles, giving members the ability to purchase miles to boost their own balance, transfer miles, and for the first time, gift miles to family and friends.

These improvements are possible through the airline’s strategic partnership with Points, a global leader in powering loyalty commerce, and Amadeus. The arrangement, a CAL release on Tuesday said, builds on Amadeus’ already existing relationship with Caribbean Miles as the provider of its Passenger Service System and will make it possible for the airline’s loyalty program to better stimulate future demand.

Later this year, Amadeus and Points plan to roll out even more engagement ancillary solutions for Caribbean Miles members. By partnering with Points, the Caribbean Miles team can look forward to significantly more guaranteed ancillary revenue and engagement for the loyalty program, especially important during this period of reduced travel demand.

The Points’ team of loyalty experts will ensure that Caribbean Miles members benefit from sophisticated marketing campaigns and take advantage of tailored buy miles’ promotions.

CAL CEO Garvin Medera stated: "Our goal is to constantly improve the customer experience for our Caribbean Miles members by introducing innovative ways for our customers to maximise their points. As we re-establish our network, our members can look forward to more value and reward capabilities and as we align our brand with the world’s most recognized partners.”

“This launch speaks to how valuable our joint proposition with Amadeus really is for the industry,” said Rob MacLean, CEO of Points. “Together with Amadeus, we are thrilled to build out Caribbean Airlines’ already robust loyalty programme, to help maximise its loyalty potential and ensure Caribbean Miles is a driving force in the region.”

“We’re pleased to deepen our partnership with Caribbean Miles and Points. Amadeus’ loyalty technology brings our airline customers increased control over their programs, real-time interactions with members, and a wide range of personalised benefits,” stated Nicola Arnese, Director of Customer Loyalty Solutions for Airlines at Amadeus.

“Points is a key partner in our platform ecosystem. We have a strong loyalty offering for joint customers, including intelligent marketing powered by data insights, and improved accessibility and time-to-market thanks to the native integration with our Airline Platform.”

Title: Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on December 08, 2020, 08:38:14 AM
Caribbean Airlines expands its cargo services in the US
T&T Guardian Reports.


Just in time for Christmas, Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has expanded its cargo services in the United States.

In an official statement issued today, CAL explains that effective Monday 7 December 2020, its cargo division—Caribbean Airlines Cargo—is partnered with the General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA), Network Cargo Management Corp to expand its coverage in the United States (US).

Scope of the partnership

According to CAL, this means that as Caribbean Airlines Cargo’s General Sales Agent in the US, Network Cargo Management connects freight forwarders operating within the United States to several destinations in the Caribbean.

However, there is one caveat.

“The agreement with Network Cargo Management excludes the territories of Miami and New York, which are Caribbean Airlines’ main gateways to the Caribbean.  Sales and operations in these territories will continue to be managed by Caribbean Airlines Cargo,” CAL clarifies in the release.

CAL says through this alliance, customers interested in shipping to the Caribbean may:

●  Access shipping services for cargo originating from within the US via thousands of cargo agents in the United States.

●  Customers who prefer to select Caribbean Airline Cargo’s freight collect option, may make payments utilizing their local currency. They may also benefit from the airline’s loyalty program where they can earn miles for travel rewards.

More flights for the holidays

The airline recently increased its freighter schedule from six (6) to twelve (12) weekly flights for the holiday peak season.

Caribbean Airlines operates weekly B 767 - 300 freighter flights, offering 120,000 pounds of capacity between Miami and several Caribbean destinations—including Trinidad, Georgetown, Kingston, Montego Bay and Barbados.

The carrier also transports cargo on its B 737 - 800 and ATR passenger flights to Caribbean destinations including (but not limited) to Antigua, Nassau, St. Vincent, St. Martin, Grenada, St. Lucia, Georgetown, Barbados, Kingston and Tobago.

As borders reopen, CAL says it expects to re-introduce passenger and cargo flights to other Caribbean countries.  It also says shipments may be moved throughout the region via Caribbean Airline’s cargo charter service.

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on December 16, 2020, 07:12:05 AM
Caribbean Airlines extends temporary layoffs
RHIANNA MC KENZIE (T&T Newsday).


Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has extended the temporary layoffs of some of its employees for an additional three months from January 15-April 15, 2021.

An internal memo sent to staff by CAL CEO Garvin Medera, obtained by Newsday on Tuesday, said the company must continue to “keep costs (at) an absolute minimum” while it awaits the reopening of the country's borders.

Head of corporate communications Dionne Ligoure confirmed the extension to Newsday on Tuesday via e-mail.

“It is unclear when the borders for TT will reopen,” said the memo, “and it seems likely it will be later than the previously expected date in January.”

The company announced furloughs and salary cuts from October 15 as short-term measures to save the company, which has been struggling since the government closed TT's borders in March in an attempt to curb the spread of the covid19 virus.

The memo said funding for the foreseeable future was uncertain.

It said while the company was reluctant to extend the layoffs, it was necessary to prevent the need for more severe measures.

The memo also said the company informed staff of salary reductions in October for an eight-month period ending in June 2021, which will be carried out as planned for members of staff making more than $7,500 a month.

It said the company would continue to cut costs wherever possible, including contractors, temporary workers, and irrelevant allowances.

“As a management team, we continue to monitor the situation for alternative options, or an improvement in the marketplace that would allow the company to operate normally again.”

The memo said a decision on additional funding is expected in January.

“In the meantime, we are committed to supporting all employees in the company as best we can.”

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on February 17, 2021, 02:46:18 PM
CAL finances take a nose-dive
T&T Guardian Reports.


Caribbean Airlines has announced that it lost $738 million for the financial year 2020.

In its unaudited financial results to the end of December 2020, CAL said the impact of the global pandemic resulted in an operating loss (earnings before interest and taxes EBIT) of TT$738 million (US$109.2 million) on revenue of TT$802 million (US$118.6 million).

The airline noted this is in stark comparison to 2019, which saw a positive EBIT of TT$76 million (US$11.2 million) on revenue of TT$3 billion (US$440 million) for the 12-month period.

Operating expenses for 2020 were TT$1.54 billion (US$228 million), 47 per cent lower than 2019 due to fewer flights and strict cost controls.

Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, said, “The first two months of 2020 continued our upward trajectory of the previous three years and the next phase of our strategic plan was commencing strongly. However, COVID-19 has taken a sledgehammer to international travel and tourism for the past ten months and our financial results for last year fully reflect this new reality.”

Medera added that nonetheless, in spite of the pandemic, and reduced flying, the airline managed to add new destinations to its network and expanded its cargo offerings to include charter services.

“We also provided support through repatriation flights for a number of Caribbean nations and resumed operations in some destinations outside of Trinidad and Tobago where borders are open,” he said.

CAL also noted that at times during 2020 passenger flights were 90 per cent lower than the same period for the previous year as a result of international border closures from March 2020 onwards.

Passenger numbers for 2020 fell substantially by 71 per cent to a mere 741,676 (371,549 of which travelled on the domestic air bridge between T&T), in comparison to 2019 when the airline carried 2,595,526 people.

Ronnie Mohammed, Caribbean Airlines chairman, noted that 2020 was the worst year on record for the global travel industry and specifically for aviation.

“Regrettably, Caribbean Airlines was hit hard. From a promising period of progress and profitability, we were severely negatively impacted. However, the board of directors and management remain committed to the sustainability of Caribbean Airlines in 2020 and beyond,” Mohammed said.

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on April 02, 2021, 06:34:56 PM
Caribbean Airlines gives passengers option to travel 'neighbour-free'
NARISSA FRASER (T&T NEWSDAY).


CARIBBEAN Airlines has launched an initiative called Your Space which allows economy passengers to pay for the seat next to them or even the entire row so they don't have unwanted company.

In a press release on Thursday, the airline said it is now offering “the opportunity for double comfort,” with the prices of these extra seats starting as low as US$20.

It is available to economy cabin passengers and can be bought between 72 hours before their flight or up to three hours before.

However, this is not available for flights between Trinidad and Tobago.

On its website, CAL describes the initiative as “Flying neighbour free.

“Your Space is a new, innovative Caribbean Airlines product that allows our customers an enhanced economy class travel experience by allowing them to block an empty adjoining seat(s) at an amazing price. It allows additional elbow and legroom which equals extra personal space and comfort.”

The airline's chief commercial officer Yannis Gounaris said it had created a “better offering” for economy passengers.

“Now, at affordable rates, they can opt to enjoy greater peace of mind, more privacy or extra space to work or relax.

"Families also have the opportunity to secure an entire row should they need to. At Caribbean Airlines, we are happy to offer our customers this choice when they fly with us.”

In addition, passengers who wish to change flights will not be refunded for any extra seats they paid for on their original flight.

The plan also does not allow additional checked-in baggage or carry-ons.

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on April 03, 2021, 02:57:03 AM
 :D
Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on June 25, 2021, 06:56:57 AM
Govt can’t escape blame in CAL’s failure
By Curtis Williams (T&T Guardian).


The announcement by Caribbean Airlines that it has to lay off a quarter of its workforce and restructure itself to survive should not surprise anyone.

Globally, the airline business is one of the most difficult to succeed in because it is based on margins that are hard to achieve. Costs are not often in the control of the airlines. For example, the price of fuel, unless you do a hedge, requires the capacity of scale to reduce the unit cost but not the organisational inefficiency that large companies are often saddled with. It also needs a fierce commitment to cost control, efficiency, innovation, entrepreneurship and a clear strategy.

Following years of losses between 2011 and 2017, in 2018 and 2019, CAL appeared to be making the right moves.

The airline brought in new management, cut routes like the cash-guzzler London route and reduced some of its extras. No longer were you allowed two bags in economy; it even scaled back some of its offerings in Business Class. CAL improved its on-time performance while continuing to maintain its Caribbean feel.

There was some rebranding and its partnership with Machel Montano ensured that it remained in the hearts of the people of the Caribbean.

But then came COVID-19 and, like all other airlines, it faced the challenge of how to navigate a global health pandemic.

This week, we learnt it made a loss of $172.5 million for the first quarter 2021 on top of a $738 million loss reported for 2020.

So CAL was in trouble and there is no doubt that there would be casualties.

What did not help its cause was the Government’s decision to close T&T’s borders for the past 15 months.

Let me be clear, I am not making the argument that the border closure alone is what has led to this situation that CAL finds itself in. Had the borders been opened in a managed way, however––as every single Caribbean island, with the sole exception being T&T, was able to do––the extent of the dislocation and pain that CAL faced would have been reduced.

The border closure and the Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley-led Cabinet’s insistence that there was only one way to protect the population from death and destruction, revealed that the Government is not prepared to do anything that seems to be innovative because that would require thought, planning and execution of something that we have not already seen play out.

Some months later, the prospect of a $110 million severance payout and the anguish of people losing their jobs is yet another example of both the unexpected consequences of the pandemic and the failure of the Government to come up with the innovative solutions this current situation is forcing not only CAL but other businesses and entire countries to find.

Less there are those who are still of the view that the Government had no choice and that we could have lost thousands more citizens, perhaps we could look at our Caribbean neighbours and we would see that T&T did not perform better than any of those countries. Not even Haiti.

Barbados has had up to Tuesday, 4,045 cases with 47 deaths. If you consider that Barbados has one-fifth of the T&T population and you multiply the cases and deaths to match with T&T’s population, you would see we have done worse than our Caribbean neighbour, which chose to keep its borders opened most of the time during the pandemic.

Let’s look at the numbers for Jamaica. Twice the size of T&T and about twice the size of population and another Caribbean country to keep its borders opened, Jamaica has had 49,735 cases and 1,037 deaths.

T&T, with borders shut, citizens stateless and often begging to come back home, had 30,982 with 761 deaths. Closing the borders did not make us safer. All it did is to show the rest of the region that the administration did not have the confidence that we could operate a managed border with the requisite protocols. We had neither the innovation nor self-belief.

This situation must worry us deeply because we know, instinctively even, that to emerge from this pandemic, to build this economy to last and to find new sustainable revenue streams, we need three things.

1. We need a country united around the cause to transform the economy.

2. We need a government that is committed to reducing its stranglehold on the economy, supportive of the private sector, prepared to live within its means, willing to do the hard work of pension and social security reform and leave no stone unturned to increase efficiency and competitiveness.

3. We also need a private sector that is committed to innovation, that does not see its role as buying and selling for profit and which can carry our economy in a new approach to development.

The inability over a 15-month period to find a solution to the border issue, even when citizens, people with T&T passports, were being told to stay in place, is unconscionable on the one hand and does not bode well for our ability to innovate.

We have heard the Finance Minister make the argument that it’s better to borrow at double the interest rates from the Chinese government than from the IMF because it may demand the country do what it has to do the ensure money is well spent. We have heard the Minister of Finance continue to insist that it is fine to use the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund to pay salaries and yet he cannot see how it’s a contradiction that while CAL has to send home workers because it does not have the money to keep them employed, it’s okay for the Government to borrow money to pay salaries?

We have to take action to save our micro, small and medium enterprises, as they are the businesses that employ most of the people in the country.

We must pivot from what we have done in the last 10 years if we are to survive.

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on June 25, 2021, 06:58:38 AM
Point MP sad as CAL pilot job hangs in balance
YVONNE WEBB (T&T NEWSDAY).


POINT FORTIN MP Kennedy Richards Jr may be among the 175 pilots to be axed from Caribbean Airlines (CAL) as the company tries to recoup its first-quarter loss of $172 million for 2021.

Reacting to CAL’s notice of retrenchment, as outlined in a letter sent to the Trinidad and Tobago Pilots’ Association (TTALPA), Richards expressed uncertainty about his nine-year tenure at the airline.

“I am not sure if I am among those to be retrenched," he said. "I am uncertain at the moment. I will have to rely on my union –TTALPA – for that information."

He said negotiations and consultations between the company and the union over the next few days will be critical in determining who stays and who goes.

“But it is never easy to lose your job,” he said in a phone interview.

On Monday CEO Garvin Medera announced CAL's decision to retrench some 450 members of staff, including some in Jamaica and Guyana, owing to the substantial losses.

CAL’s vice president of human resources Roger Berkeley then wrote to TTALPA’s chairman Capt Larry Imamshah outlining the intention to separate 95-115 of the 252 pilots the airline employs.

In the Senate on Tuesday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert assured the state will finance the retrenchment at a cost of approximately $110 million.

Richards, a former councillor and mayor of Point Fortin, said like him, a lot of his colleagues “are quite solemn at the moment. People are feeling sad.”

But he said the decision was not unexpected, considering the worldwide trend of some stronger airlines shedding staff.

”It is not something indigenous to T&T,” he said pointing to an upside where, as some airlines begin to turn around, staff are being recalled.

“So there is a bright side.

“We are now in the process of shedding and I look forward to the opportunity when they start recalling.”

He said for the past year a lot of pilots have been on pandemic rosters.

“I mean, we have not been flying for the longest while.”

The Prime Minister recently announced that a July reopening of the borders, which has been closed for over a year, is on track.

Richards commented, “Putting the airline back in the air again gives us hope that we will soon be operating a profitable entity.

“If we continue to record losses, than we will go so far down the hole we may not be able to recover. It is possible that now is the time to begin to recover.”

Optimistic about the future, he said he believes: “As soon as travel picks back up, a lot of us who may be at home will be recalled.”

Should he be separated, Richards said there are a few prospects on the horizon, having worked in the construction and petrochemical industry before his sojourn in politics and the airline business.

“I will not only get a severance package, which may not be exorbitant, but I am young and enterprising and I would use the opportunity to explore other options.”

He said a lot of the other pilots are young and brilliant and is certain opportunities will present themselves for them locally and abroad.

“But the entire thing is very sad."

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Deeks on June 25, 2021, 04:02:27 PM
None of the other island has Venezuela just 7 miles from it borders.
Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on August 06, 2021, 11:20:50 AM
CAL takes $1 billion nosedive
By Joel Julien (Guardian).


Caribbean Airlines has recorded a loss of over a billion dollars in the past year and a half.

According to CAL’s unaudited financial results for the first six months of this year the State-owned airline has recorded an operating loss of $326.6million (US$48m).

This loss comes on the heels of the operating loss of $738 million (US$109.2m) that CAL recorded last year.

In all CAL’s operating loss for the 18 month period was $1.06 billion.

CAL reported operating profits for 2018 and 2019.

“In a year when the airline and travel industry were pulverised by the COVID-19 pandemic, Caribbean Airlines’ unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 2021 reflected the depressed market conditions with an operating loss of $326.6 million (US$48m). The airline’s performance was consistent with the same period for 2020, when it reported an operating loss of $331m (US$48.7m),” a release from CAL stated yesterday.

CAL said total revenue generated for the six months ended June 2021 was $264.9m (US$39m).

This 54 per cent decline in revenue compared to 2020 was due to a 44.8 per cent drop in passenger numbers as a result of the pandemic, CAL stated.

In March last year, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced the closure of the T&T border to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of operations in T&T, CAL said it had seen its passenger numbers plummet, and flight numbers reduced to less than 10 per cent of normal operations.

“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago provided financial support to assist the airline with expenditure commitments,” CAL stated.

Among the financial assistance, the Government has recently provided to CAL was a $700 million subsidy last year and the taking over of loans that the airline was unable to service.

“To cushion the impact of the dramatic decrease in passenger traffic and consequent revenue collapse, Caribbean Airlines offered cargo charters using its passenger planes and operated repatriation and other special services on request from regional Governments. The airline also took the proactive decision to adjust its planned strategy in response to managing the impact of the pandemic,” CAL stated.

“Globally, 2020 was confirmed as the worst year in the history of aviation, recording the largest ever decline in air passenger numbers, with a stagnated outlook projected for 2021. At the depth of the crisis, 66 per cent of the world’s commercial air transport fleet was grounded and the industry losses worldwide have been tabulated at over US$370 billion,” it stated.

In June, CAL stated that in order to create a sustainable business model for 2021 major cost reductions in “all areas of the airline’s operations, specifically its human resource complement, its fleet and other assets, and its route network” were necessary.

“In terms of employees, the airline has determined that 25 per cent of its workforce or about 450 positions throughout its network is surplus to its current needs. The company will embark on consultation with the employees and other stakeholders, with respect to treating with this surplus labour situation,” it stated.

The T&T border was reopened on July 17.

On Friday, CAL announced that it had made significant progress on the consultation process for its proposed restructuring.

“The airline has adjusted its planned strategy, fleet size and route network to reflect the decreased size of its future market, specifically, reduced passenger numbers, which is estimated to remain below 2019 levels for the next two to three years,” it stated.

“During the past five weeks extensive discussions were held with employees and employee representatives in the various locations that Caribbean Airlines operates. The process was constructive and as a result the number of employees to be separated is now 280, significantly fewer than previously estimated.

In addition, 99 employees will remain on temporary layoff for an extended period,” it stated.

CAL said impacted employees were being informed directly, with a 45 day notice period thereafter.

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on September 26, 2021, 12:47:40 PM
Airlines returning to T&T.
T&T Guardian Reports.


Since T&T’s borders reopened on July 17, Caribbean Airlines has been the only major airline flying into this country. That is, until Copa Airlines began service via its Panama hub. If you’ve been wondering when the rest of the airlines are coming back, keep reading.

American Airlines

Come November 2, American Airlines (AA) will operate one daily flight out of its Miami (MIA) hub through to December 15. AA 2703 will depart MIA at 10.31 am nonstop to POS, arriving at 2.19 pm. The return leg leaves POS at 3.19 pm and arrives in MIA at 7.25 pm. From December 16 through January 4, American will ramp up operations with three daily nonstop flights. From January 5, travellers can expect two daily flights. American will operate all flights with either Boeing 737-800 or Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Eighty-two years after becoming the first airline to establish commercial passenger service to Trinidad, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines begins flights on October 16. As part of KLM’s winter schedule, flights will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays until March 26, 2022. KL0781 departs Amsterdam (AMS) at 12.25 pm and arrives in POS at 6 pm after a short layover in Barbados (BGI). KLM is operating what is known as a triangle route, so the return flight is direct to Amsterdam, instead of requiring passengers to stop again in BGI. KL0782 departs POS at 7.35 pm and arrives in The Netherlands at 10.30 am the next day. KLM will operate the route using Airbus 330-300 aircraft.

United Airlines

Interested in flying directly to Houston, Texas? Then United Airlines is your only option (for now) to the Lone Star State. United Airlines will begin scheduled daily flights on December 16 out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). UA 2353 departs Houston at 5.05 pm, arriving just after midnight at 12.27 am. UA 1459 departs POS at 1.05 am and arrives in Houston at 5.08 am. Flights are operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

JetBlue

Initially set to resume service September 9, JetBlue pushed back the start date to September 26. The airline blamed “recent government requirements related to the coronavirus” in an email response to inquiries. Now JetBlue will operate four weekly flights on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from New York’s John F Kennedy International (JFK) to POS using Airbus A320 aircraft. B6 1817 departs JFK at 11.30 am and arrives in POS at 4.25 pm. The inbound flight leaves POS at 5.30 pm and arrives in JFK at 10.41 pm. No word yet on flights out of Fort Lauderdale (FLL), although tickets are bookable on their website for December 21 onwards.

Air Canada

On December 3, according to their website, Air Canada will resume service to POS out of the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on a twice weekly schedule Tuesdays and Fridays. AC 984 leaves YYZ at 9.30 am for the just over five-hour journey to POS, arriving at 4.05 pm. One hour later, at 5.05 pm, the return flight departs for Toronto, arriving at 9.55 pm. Air Canada will operate the route using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Virgin Atlantic

According to their website, Virgin Atlantic International resumes flights to Tobago on January 1, 2022. VS 177 leaves from London Heathrow (LHR) at 9.10 am and arrives in Tobago (TAB) at 5 pm. This isn’t a nonstop flight, however, as there is a short layover in Barbados (BGI). VS 178 is an overnight flight, leaving Tobago at 6 pm. It stops to pick up passengers in Barbados, then continues on to Heathrow with a scheduled arrival time of 10 am the next day. Virgin Atlantic will use its Airbus A330-300 aircraft to service the route twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

British Airways

British Airways (BA) is expected to resume service to T&T in December, with flights bookable on their website from December 10. BA 2159 will depart London Gatwick (LGW) at 10 am and arrive in POS at 5 pm with a one-hour stopover in St. Lucia (UVF). BA 2158 leaves POS at 6.45 pm, stops in St Lucia for one hour, then continues across the Atlantic, arriving in Gatwick at 9.05 am.

Tobago flights start with BA 2157 departing at 9.25 am and arriving at the ANR Robinson Airport (TAB) at 4.45 pm, after a one-hour stopover in Antigua (ANU). BA 2156 departs Tobago at 6.30 pm and arrives at Gatwick at 8.55 am, with a quick stopover in Antigua.

BA will operate the routes four times weekly using Boeing 777-200 aircraft. Trinidad flights will operate on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Tobago flights will operate on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Still to be confirmed

Several airlines have either not added T&T back to their schedules, or have not yet finalised their schedules. These include Suriname Airways, WestJet, Sunwing, and Condor Airlines.

Keep in mind that things can change suddenly, forcing airlines to make adjustments to their schedules based on operational needs and government regulations.

Remain flexible, keep checking your destination’s entry requirements and have a backup plan.

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on October 16, 2021, 12:34:36 AM
TTL and KLM to spend $720,000 to market Dutch/T&T flight
By Curtis Williams (T&T Guardian).


As T&T today welcomes back KLM Royal Dutch Airline to the country, taxpayers will spend just under $360,000 to market the flight and destination according to an agreement between the airline and Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL).

Guardian Media has a copy of the agreement between TTL and KLM in which both parties agree to split the marketing of the flight in two and will each spend US$53,000 to market the flight. That works up to a total of US $106,000 or the equivalent of TT$720,000, half of which TTL will pay for.

After an absence of two decades, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will resume flights between Amsterdam and this country today.

Netherlands Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Raphael Varga on social media said,” #KLM will start 16/10 operating three weekly flights from AMS to Bridgetown (Barbados) and Port-of-Spain (Trinidad & Tobago), two beautiful destinations in the Caribbean. The first time in 20 years that KLM will fly to Barbados and T&T.”

The Dutch Ambassador confirmed there would be flights on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

The announcement came after a recent meeting between Ambassador Varga and Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell earlier this week concerning the flight.

When contacted about the development, Mitchell said he was absolutely thrilled by KLM’s return as it opened up numerous opportunities for the country.

“This route opens up a number of opportunities for us to attract visitors from across Europe as well as other markets to experience our vibrant culture, festivals, and the sun, sea and sand that both Trinidad and Tobago offers,” he said,” We are all extremely excited.”

Mitchell also pointed to the Rotterdam Carnival, which he felt could open the door for local creative sector through the participation and greater exposure of elements of our unique Trinidad and Tobago Carnival experience to the Netherlands.

He said the return of KLM confirmed T&T was still an attractive destination for visitors from both traditional markets as well as new and emerging markets.

Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Brownsugar on December 12, 2021, 10:27:24 AM
Was checking on flights to Holland next year.  Even with the reintroduction of KLM to the market, it would still be cheaper to go through London with British Airways and then take a cheap flight to the European continent.....
Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: asylumseeker on December 12, 2021, 05:36:22 PM
Was checking on flights to Holland next year.  Even with the reintroduction of KLM to the market, it would still be cheaper to go through London with British Airways and then take a cheap flight to the European continent.....

There was a brief period in which travel in the first week of March was cheaper directly to Amsterdam. Maybe about 8 to 9 weeks ago if I recall correctly or just before the inaugural flight kicked off. After that, as you've noted, I noticed no advantage of flying directly to Amsterdam based on price point. Logistically it may serve one or two persons to fly directly but it really isn't a huge net attraction per se.

EDIT for clarity:; March 2022*
Title: Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
Post by: Flex on May 09, 2022, 11:44:50 PM
CAL introduces Jamaica to Orlando Service
T&T Guardian Reports.


Caribbean Airlines has continued its expansion of service through the introduction of flights from Kingston, Jamaica to Orlando, Florida.

From July 1, 2022, the airline will offer non-stop, return flights between Norman Manley International (KIN) and Orlando International (MCO) airports.

The service will operate twice weekly on Monday and Thursday.

In a release, Caribbean Airlines said, “These flights are complemented by three (3) weekly services between KIN and Hollywood International Airport (FLL) each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.”

It is the latest expansion of service by the Airline, which has re-opened routes on a phased basis over the past year following the lifting of travel restrictions at numerous countries around the globe.

In the past two months, Caribbean Airlines has restarted services from Trinidad to Curacao, Trinidad to Suriname, Trinidad to Fort Lauderdale, and Tobago to New York while introducing a non-stop service between Tobago and Barbados.

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