March 19, 2024, 02:33:00 AM

Author Topic: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.  (Read 138767 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #570 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #571 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Deeks

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18629
    • View Profile
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #572 on: January 25, 2020, 05:09:56 AM »
Who is CAL competing against in this contest ? LIAT ?

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #573 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #574 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #575 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.”

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #576 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #577 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Deeks

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18629
    • View Profile
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #578 on: September 14, 2020, 01:19:57 PM »
In this doubtful time it makes sense.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #579 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #580 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #581 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #582 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #583 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

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #584 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.”

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean Airlines Thread.
« Reply #585 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #586 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.”

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #587 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #588 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Deeks

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18629
    • View Profile
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #589 on: April 03, 2021, 02:57:03 AM »
 :D

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #590 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #591 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."

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Deeks

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18629
    • View Profile
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #592 on: June 25, 2021, 04:02:27 PM »
None of the other island has Venezuela just 7 miles from it borders.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #593 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #594 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #595 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Brownsugar

  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 10179
  • Soca in mih veins, Soca in mih blood!!
    • View Profile
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #596 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.....
"...If yuh clothes tear up
Or yuh shoes burst off,
You could still jump up when music play.
Old lady, young baby, everybody could dingolay...
Dingolay, ay, ay, ay ay,
Dingolay ay, ay, ay..."

RIP Shadow....The legend will live on in music...

Offline asylumseeker

  • Moderator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18073
    • View Profile
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #597 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*
« Last Edit: December 14, 2021, 10:17:39 AM by asylumseeker »

Offline Flex

  • Administrator
  • Hero Warrior
  • *****
  • Posts: 18056
  • A Trini 4 Real.
    • View Profile
    • Soca Warriors Online
Re: Caribbean/BWIA Airlines Thread.
« Reply #598 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.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

 

1]; } ?>