HummingBird From Jamaica, joined Mar 2007, 2764 posts, RR: 0 Posted (2 years 4 months 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 8398 times:
Welcome to the 23rd Installment..
Our heartfelt condolences goes out to the nation of Haiti..We can only hope for a quick recovery from this natural disaster..
Our next featured carrier is Virgin Atlantic (VS)..
Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited (operating as Virgin Atlantic) is a British airline owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group (51%) and Singapore Airlines (49%). It is headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex, England, near London Gatwick Airport.
It operates between the United Kingdom and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia from main bases at Gatwick and London Heathrow Airport. The company holds a CAA Type A Operating Licence to carry passengers, cargo, and mail on aircraft with 20 or more seats.[1] In the year to February 2009, Virgin Atlantic carried 5.77 million passengers and made an annual profit of £68.4 million on turnover of £2,580 million.[2]
On July 3,2006 Virgin Atlantic inaugurated services to MBJ using the B747-400...This service was met with the usual fanfare and blitz that accompanies all new services
Virgin currently operates services on Tues and Sat..During winter, an additional flight is rostered using the A340-300...
On Oct 30, 2007, KIN was added to it's network...Both flights to MBJ and KIN are codeshared with JM..KIN is served on Mon and Thur using the B747-400..
As the title of the thread is Martha Brae and the featured airline is Virgin Atlantic..The following pics were taken of Mr Branson during the celebration of the new MBJ flight rafting down the Martha Brae..
Caribbean484 From Trinidad and Tobago, joined Jan 2007, 2423 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (2 years 4 months 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 8440 times:
Quoting JM079 (Reply 222): There is not a single airline in the Caribbean, Central, South or North America is government owned and is profitable. We have Taca, Lan, Tam, Copa, Westjet, Porter Airlnes, Southwest, Jetblue and SpiritAir that are privately own and have all performed remarkable well.
Good point however you forget to neglect that AA, DL, CO, UA, AC, VX, F9, Varig and a host of other private entities in this region have all failed in one way or the other or have financial problems of their own. The mare fact is the airline business is one with significant risk of investing money and seeing little returns or non at all.
No one in this region wants to invest in any airline because the ROI is extremely long or the risk is too great. We have seen where airline have suffered over the last few years more than any industry with SARS, high oil, recessions, high competition and many other factors.
If memory serves me right JM was privatized many years ago in 1994, and has still never made money under Butch Stewart, despite the glamor the airline had. That alone should say something.
If you truly believe that the private sector in Jamaica and the GOJ should have come up with a solution for JM in its current state that you are truly mistaken.
The financial and tourism sectors over the years have showed significant profits. The airline industry has lost significantly more money over the years than profits and will continue to do so. Whether an airline is private or state owned the results are same for both.
The Government of Jamaica choose Indigo group as their choice for divestment of JM, a private firm with UD$3billion and was told by the very IMF that the deal will add more debt to Jamaica. Indigo was proposing the same thing as Caribbean Airlines, closing JM down and starting a new airline so that it does not have to deal with the debt JM has accumulated over the years.
At the end of the day not to be insensitive, but JM should have been closed a long time ago, but instead the GOJ has allowed the airline to limp along year after year to the point that its looses amount to 5% of its GDP all in the name of National pride. National Pride got us nowhere in the last 50 years and will get us nowhere in the next century until we realize the we are competing on a global level. We are always willing to fight and bicker with each other, saying who is better than the next and yet we continually fall further behind the developed countries.
We see it in this very forum, instead of coming up with solutions we see irrelevant posts about who blocking the other from importing patties, and who owns more business in the other country, or one is not selling oil to the other at the best for them and how regionalism is not what the other is looking at because nothing comes out of it and promises are broken.Then we wonder why Countries in this region will never develop, why economies in the Caribbean will never see the end of their borrowing from the IMF, why businesses in the Caribbean can never compete with the global businesses. Simply put it we always look for the foreigners to do what we can't do, how is that good for development? If this is progress then we are in serious trouble, remember Bob Marley in redemption Song.
Thanks again for making this thread possible and each one carries an interesting theme.
I admire RB as he is such an interesting character.
But a show man will always be a show man and in this business of running a company you have to have something that says you are different from the rest.
Following howls of protests about the proposed sale of Air Jamaica, Prime Minister Bruce Golding is to meet with trade union leaders Monday to give them a status report on the impending sale of the national airline to Trinidad and Tobago's Caribbean Airlines.
Prime Minister Golding will be meeting with representatives of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union and the National Workers Union (NWU) which represent the more than 1,800 Air Jamaica workers.
NWU Vice President Granville Valentine says the unions are concerned about, what he characterized as, the secretive manner in which the government has gone about the divestment of the cash strapped national carrier.Following howls of protests about the proposed sale of Air Jamaica, Prime Minister Bruce Golding is to meet with trade union leaders Monday to give them a status report on the impending sale of the national airline to Trinidad and Tobago's Caribbean Airlines.
Prime Minister Golding will be meeting with representatives of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union and the National Workers Union (NWU) which represent the more than 1,800 Air Jamaica workers.
The JLP which is in government has at its core the believe that the state should have a hands off approach when it comes to the economy. Unlike the previous government which believe in the state playing a firm and broad role.
So, this approach of off loading JM to another state agency runs counter to this central platform.
The private sector in the country does have the resources to undertake this investment.
Despite the widespread economic slow in the government last year Jamaica private sector performed remarkable with firms in the financial sector experienced growth. The government pension schemes, unit trust, insurance companies and others all had healthy returns and that is who the government should have gone to seek equity.
HummingBird From Jamaica, joined Mar 2007, 2764 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (2 years 4 months 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 8392 times:
Quoting HummingBird (Reply 1): He added that like the government, the NDM wants to see Air Jamaica taken off the budget however; Mr. Williams contends that it must not be given away free to any foreign entity
Agree..If it is to given "away free", The GOJ should have looked at how the current staff will be affected..If the new owner will go ahead and only retain 350 of the current staff, there will be some serious effects on the economy...
In the long term, I don't see any "major growth" coming from this new entity..
Quoting JM079 (Reply 4): Thanks again for making this thread possible and each one carries an interesting theme.
I admire RB as he is such an interesting character.
But a show man will always be a show man and in this business of running a company you have to have something that says you are different from the rest.
Agree..If the GOJ is willing to offer the carrier for little or nothing, perhaps they should have invited Mr Branson( wishful thinking) to the bargaining table..Virgin Jamaica is a name I am sure Jamaicans will accept..
Quoting JM079 (Reply 4): Prime Minister Golding will be meeting with representatives of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union and the National Workers Union (NWU) which represent the more than 1,800 Air Jamaica workers.
Oh, minus 350-1800...Lets see the outcome of the meeting..I heard Mr Golding will inform the union of what departments will be greatly affected by the layoff..
JM02 From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2009, 126 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (2 years 4 months 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 8379 times:
Quoting JM079 (Reply 4): Despite the widespread economic slow in the government last year Jamaica private sector performed remarkable with firms in the financial sector experienced growth. The government pension schemes, unit trust, insurance companies and others all had healthy returns
They all got healthy off of Government Paper (average 28% returns) and not through sound business sense; you need only look at their balance sheets.
Quoting Caribbean484 (Reply 3): Simply put it we always look for the foreigners to do what we can't do
Well said.
There is a lot of disinformation and i'm surprised that my otherwise rational friends in Jamaica are either unaware of the subsequent closure of JM or worse imagine that a take over of JM by BW will mean that to get to FLL they will have to fly to POS first or that BW will put Trini passengers first.
I had to point out to them that Carib Cement, Appleton and RBTT (now part of RBC), just to name a few are companies with Trini parent companies and they are all doing very well.
Sad to see JM go, I'll miss seeing her beautiful planes. However US$100 Million a year for 6 planes is not money well spent. I wish the future company good luck and I hope that one day there will be a public listing that allows us all to own a piece of BW.
Butch Stewart and AJAG, invested a whole US$20 Million during there time in charge of JM. They did a great job at marketing the airline and really turned it around in the publics eyes. However, with hindsight we can all agree that modelling JM on Singapore Airlines instead of South West was a mistake. If the GOJ were to give JM to another private entity whose to say that they wont hand it back when the going gets tough as AJAG did. At least with BW the GOTT is taking on the bulk of the risk with GOJ only holding 10% and lest not forget the GOTT have lots of money and the success of the Jamaican economy is to the benefit of Trinidad.
Quoting JM079 (Reply 4): Thanks again for making this thread possible and each one carries an interesting theme.
Awesome shots there of the various VS metals to compliment Lap 23 HummingBird. The Martha Brae photos really give justice to the slogan '' Once You Go, You Will Know ''.
Quoting Ilanbwoy (Reply 219): Finally, at least once every thread we end up with this back and forth about what is being said over there and its not right..etc. Lets all do something and keep it civilized. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and i would never tell anyone not to feel free to express themself. I do think though that the comments relating to what is being discussed next door needs to stay next door. If i want to read about Liat, cal, suriname..whatever, then i should be able to go over there and comment over there and not have to hear bout it over here. The needless back and forth bickering, though hilarious and informative at times, i think is not necessary.
Quoting Caribbean484 (Reply 3): We see it in this very forum, instead of coming up with solutions we see irrelevant posts about who blocking the other from importing patties, and who owns more business in the other country, or one is not selling oil to the other at the best for them and how regionalism is not what the other is looking at because nothing comes out of it and promises are broken.
Don't want to nit pick here 484 but in our previous forum we also saw recurring irrelevant postings re the number of airlines serving MBJ when compared to another '' tourist hotspot'' . Honestly I think that should have also been highlighted as well. Presumabely the fact that more serve that particular destination indicates failure on the JTB's part. But ofcourse everyone is entitled to their opinion. I agree with Ilanbwoy. We will all never agree on everything that is posted in the various forums but we should all endeavour to agree, disagree or agree to disagree in a civilised and mature manner. One thing I am sure we all agree on is our passion for our respective countries, national airline and the aviation industry on a whole. That is one thing we all have in common.
AirJamaica From Jamaica, joined Aug 2006, 2148 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (2 years 4 months 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 8325 times:
Air traffic concern at Norman Manley
'' "It will have to be managed very tightly so as not to cause any interference with our commercial air traffic," Information Minister Daryl Vaz told journalists Saturday night at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. "We have to make sure that we don't end up with a congestion problem here in Jamaica and it would have to be structured," he added. ''
Yellowtail From Belize, joined Jun 2005, 4390 posts, RR: 2 Reply 8, posted (2 years 4 months 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 8285 times:
this might be a wierd question...
Does anyone know how many people there are going back and forth between KIN and Central america every month for digicel? I would assume they will go via AA and CM depending where their final destination is
When in doubt, hold on to your altitude. No-one has ever collided with the sky.
JM079 From Jamaica, joined Jan 2008, 2245 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (2 years 4 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 8281 times:
Quoting JM02 (Reply 6): They all got healthy off of Government Paper (average 28% returns) and not through sound business sense; you need only look at their balance sheets.
That is quite factual that the return on government paper was averaging 28% but as a buiness person with money would you not invest in area that gives you a better return which in this case here is government bonds. They created the situation where it is far more rewarding to invest in papers than actually getting people to invest in the productive sector. So the blame is at the feet of the government and the economic policies which give rise to this situation.
Quoting JM02 (Reply 6): There is a lot of disinformation and i'm surprised that my otherwise rational friends in Jamaica are either unaware of the subsequent closure of JM or worse imagine that a take over of JM by BW will mean that to get to FLL they will have to fly to POS first or that BW will put Trini passengers first.
Am not sure if you are saying that the sale of JM to BW will result in situation which will see Jamaicans going to Florida will now have to connect in Port of Spain.
I think is far more safer to stay away from the operational aspect of the situation as neither you and I are fully aware of the extent of what is being proposed.
I know that a lot of people have posted there views on what they think is going to happen but that in my my mind is premature and often not accurate.
The sort of plans being articulated is purely groundless as neither the GoJ and the GoRTT have come to any agreement as yet. This position was confimed by Bruce Golding in the address to the nation last wednesday night and again repeated by Patrick Manning in a release from the Guardian Newspaper.
Quoting JM02 (Reply 6): If the GOJ were to give JM to another private entity whose to say that they wont hand it back when the going gets tough as AJAG did.
Mr Stewart and his business associates were able to secure the sale of Air Jamaica because of the nature of the agreement that was signed between them and the then GoJ.
There was nothing at the core of that agreement JM02 that says Mr Stewart and associates were legally obligated for the debt that the carrier would incur while under there management.
Secondly, Mr Stewart turned over the national carrier to the then government because of the policy changes that Dr Davis under Mrs Simpson Miller adminstration decided to pursue. Mrs Simpson Miller had withdrew support from Air Jamaica and was insisting that her government priorities lies elsewhere. Thus, the situation which resulted in Air Jamaica being handed back to the government for a $1.
But all of that was for dramatic theatre as the carrier had rocked up a huge amount of debt which Mr Stewart was not responsible for as there was nothing in the earlier sale agreement which would hold them to it.
That explanation is needed JM02.
So, under no circumstances would the current GoJ would want to have a repeat of that situation as the experiences of that last divestment would be the guide under which they would now engage any prospective buyer from the private sector.
You learn from past mistakes and engage these new partners on a wiser note.
If the GoJ is going to manage the JM debt, provide the necessary funding for the laying off of staff, honor the leases for the planes as well as cover other sundry expenses which would mean that Air Jamaica is free of these impediments.
The management team that is in place has demonstrated that they are quiet efficient and prudent because of there actions the company is able to operate on a small profit.
So, it is my view that what is now lacking is the neceesary capital that is needed in order to grow the company.
Since, the deal with Indigo would mean that the government is going to be in debt alot more it is logically that the resources of the private sector should be tapped to provide the neceesary equity for the carrier.
By tapping the local private sector, which I have highlighted, has massive amount of resources the government would in essence be stimulating the productive sectors by disposing of state agency. The country desperately need large companies such as Air Jamaica as they are staffed with people who holds technical and mangerial skills and a closure of JM will result in a brain drain of these people.
Not to mention the impact that a closure will cause on the unemployment line as well as the revenue/tax collecction of the government.
Does anyone know how many people there are going back and forth between KIN and Central america every month for digicel? I would assume they will go via AA and CM depending where their final destination is
No idea Yellowtail. That is the one area where a BW venture may make some sense especially if they acquired 70 - 90 seaters. Jamaica could gain especially if a less rigorous security setup is in place for intra regional versus US bound flights. That could prove to be a significant attractor versus the MIA ordeal.
....."The controversy surrounding Royal Caribbean International's decision to dock its ships in a Haitian port is not new for the travel industry.
The cruise line has come under scrutiny for allowing its ship, Independence of the Seas, to dock at Labadee port on the north of the island, where holidaymakers can disembark for swimming, watersports and sunbathing on the beach.
--------------
I am shocked that Royal Caribbean could be that insensitive. A country that is devastated and with people experiencing severe misery at least they could show a little bit more respect.
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 8): Can just imagine the increased work load in both Area Control and Aerodrome. This was expected with the recent disaster in Haiti.
If that is the case then am we to assume that there will be 24 hours operation at NMIA ?
Speedbird2263 From Jamaica, joined Jul 2006, 428 posts, RR: 1 Reply 13, posted (2 years 4 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 8170 times:
Just wanna say great thread guys and to concur that those are some lovely shots of SRB's birds. Lets it keep it going.
P.S. I have seen quite a few female pilots for VS so far and I can tell you that they would be equally 'qualified' to be superb F/A's i.e. If you know that I mean
Beeweel15 From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 1638 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (2 years 4 months 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 8148 times:
Quoting JM02 (Reply 6): Quoting Caribbean484 (Reply 3):
Simply put it we always look for the foreigners to do what we can't do
Well said.
Very well said. If you go through the history of these Caribbean Posts here at Airliner.net I was creamed for saying that same thing. I hope as we move forward West Indian nationals who have the skills in aviation can be allowed to move our West Indian airlines forward in this challenging aviation industry.
Quoting JM02 (Reply 6): There is a lot of disinformation and i'm surprised that my otherwise rational friends in Jamaica are either unaware of the subsequent closure of JM or worse imagine that a take over of JM by BW will mean that to get to FLL they will have to fly to POS first or that BW will put Trini passengers first.
I doubt that. Firstly BW in the past had the rights to fly from MIA/FLL to KIN and certainly now if anything happens I am certain they will not do something like that and fly MIA/FLL - KIN/MBJ direct. Now if you need to travel and no seats available from anyone and that is the only routing then so be it.
Quoting JM079 (Reply 13):
I am shocked that Royal Caribbean could be that insensitive. A country that is devastated and with people experiencing severe misery at least they could show a little bit more respect.
I think it was too soon and it does not really give that much to the tourism revenue to Haiti. That area is like a private island. with very restricted access. Like some of the other Cruise lines with private islands in the Bahamas.
AirJamaica From Jamaica, joined Aug 2006, 2148 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (2 years 4 months 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 8120 times:
Quoting JM079 (Reply 13): I am shocked that Royal Caribbean could be that insensitive. A country that is devastated and with people experiencing severe misery at least they could show a little bit more respect.
Quoting Beeweel15 (Reply 15): I think it was too soon and it does not really give that much to the tourism revenue to Haiti.
I can easily see why this would be controversial in the eyes of many.
Quoting Speedbird2263 (Reply 14): P.S. I have seen quite a few female pilots for VS so far and I can tell you that they would be equally 'qualified' to be superb F/A's i.e. If you know that I mean
Lol..I definately know what you mean. I could say same re some of the female JM pilots that I have seen/flown with as well. 90% of the times when I fly with JM the captain or First Officer ( mostly First Officers ) is a female who could also easily qualify to be a superb F/A
Quoting JM079 (Reply 13): If that is the case then am we to assume that there will be 24 hours operation at NMIA ?
KIN, MBJ and Area Control operates 24 hours a day.
HummingBird From Jamaica, joined Mar 2007, 2764 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (2 years 4 months 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 8081 times:
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 7): Awesome shots there of the various VS metals to compliment Lap 23 HummingBird. The Martha Brae photos really give justice to the slogan '' Once You Go, You Will Know ''.
Agree....SRB deserves credit for his unique marketing skills...
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 8): "We have to make sure that we don't end up with a congestion problem here in Jamaica and it would have to be structured," he added. ''
Once they have cleared the debris and completed the recovery process..KIN may become a logistic port for the rebuilding process..Due to the lack of hotel facilities, we may eventually see most staff being based in KIN and daily shuttle flights being offered to PAP..
Quoting JM079 (Reply 10): By tapping the local private sector, which I have highlighted, has massive amount of resources the government would in essence be stimulating the productive sectors by disposing of state agency. The country desperately need large companies such as Air Jamaica as they are staffed with people who holds technical and mangerial skills and a closure of JM will result in a brain drain of these people.
Not to mention the impact that a closure will cause on the unemployment line as well as the revenue/tax collecction of the government.
I agree..There are many local based companies that have the potential of turning JM into a profitable entity.."If" The GOJ is willing to make this deal where they absorb the debt and other divestment related expense, they should have offered it to the private sector...By doing this, the revenues would remain in the country, the company will have more support from the local community and more jobs would be created providing the company expands to new cities..
Quoting JM079 (Reply 10): If the GoJ is going to manage the JM debt, provide the necessary funding for the laying off of staff, honor the leases for the planes as well as cover other sundry expenses which would mean that Air Jamaica is free of these impediments.
The management team that is in place has demonstrated that they are quiet efficient and prudent because of there actions the company is able to operate on a small profit.
So, it is my view that what is now lacking is the neceesary capital that is needed in order to grow the company.
Correct..The only thing that is making JM loose money is the expensive leases on the aircraft..If they can negotiate new cheaper leases, expand the VFR network and reduce overheads, the company will be on the route to years of profit.....
Quoting Speedbird2263 (Reply 14): Just wanna say great thread guys and to concur that those are some lovely shots of SRB's birds. Lets it keep it going.
Thanks...Well, we are yet to drop the baton, so we have to support each other in this race, lol...
Quoting Beeweel15 (Reply 15): Firstly BW in the past had the rights to fly from MIA/FLL to KIN
You are correct when you say they "had rights" to MIA..BW does not hold rights to FLL..Jamaica does not have an open skies agrrement with T&T, only Turks and Caicos and Grand Cayman..
BW has to re new their licence on a yearly basis..
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 16): % of the times when I fly with JM the captain or First Officer ( mostly First Officers ) is a female who could also easily qualify to be a superb F/A
A few of the female pilots were former FAs, including MH..
Drbird From Jamaica, joined Jan 2008, 28 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (2 years 4 months 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 8060 times:
Hello everyone,
Its been a longtime since my last post even though I have been tracking the trends. I have a slight concern with this JM/ BW merger. I am book to travel on JM to Orlando this coming Feb. and have just heard that BW may drop the route upon there take over of JM. Anyone here as the slightest idea when or usually how soon an airline takes to rap up a route especially after a merger. I know they are certain procedures or formalities that has to take place first overtime before a route is cancel.
Drbird From Jamaica, joined Jan 2008, 28 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (2 years 4 months 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 8050 times:
My heartiest condolences to the people of Haiti who as suffered such a catastrophic event of biblical proportion. This is too much for anyone to endure and I wish this nation a speedy recovery and hope that the all nations around the world will rally to help this impoverish nation recover. May God be with the people of Haiti.
Heard a while ago about another quake occurring in Cayman. Any Caymanian here can elaborate on this?
The newspapers have been reporting quite regularily on the matter but I have taken the decision not to pay attention to the content of there report as they tent not to be reliable.
Base logic says that agreements of such a nature tend to take a longer time to arrive at plus it has to be discussed by the parliament.
The expectation is that by the end of March some thing concrete will be revealed.
So you going to Florida in February on Air Jamaica I think is a guarantee.
I am following the matter with much interest as I have so many friends in Montreal whose families are affected by this disaster. It is remarkable also that they continued to find people trapped in the rubbles a week after the earthquake. I continue to believe that more people will be rescued.
BTW: Since the earthquake in Haiti there has been others in Venezuela, Guatamala and now Cayman (have u seen the film 2012)
Quoting Beeweel15 (Reply 15): I think it was too soon and it does not really give that much to the tourism revenue to Haiti. That area is like a private island. with very restricted access. Like some of the other Cruise lines with private islands in the Bahamas.
I know that the facilities on this Island are still intact but out of rest for the thousands of people that perished and those that are suffering then at least canx all port calls until such time.
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 16): KIN, MBJ and Area Control operates 24 hours a day.
Thanks for the info.
Here is a question: US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton who went to Haiti on saturday had to fly to KIN and then transported to Haiti on a US military plane. Wouldn't it have been much easier to fly her instead to SDQ in the DR as the distance to PAP is much shorter and have a the US military flew her to PAP?
Quoting HummingBird (Reply 17): I agree..There are many local based companies that have the potential of turning JM into a profitable entity.."If" The GOJ is willing to make this deal where they absorb the debt and other divestment related expense, they should have offered it to the private sector...By doing this, the revenues would remain in the country, the company will have more support from the local community and more jobs would be created providing the company expands to new cities..
That is my position as it would meet two requires that the GoJ has been promoting. Job retention and an increase in tax and revenue collection.
The extention of this approach would be a private sector that is quite diversified.
BUT the substantial issues that I had outlined in the last thread and which you have reposted in this thread deals with the matter of the GoJ selling Air Jamaica to another state company which is prone to political interference.
Secondly, the value of Air Jamaica will not be fully realised as it is moving into another state own entity that is handstring by the fact that financing and policy directions are again going to be influenced by local factors.
Thirdly, all the carriers that are performing remarkable well are not in state hands and if they were they were privitized.
But those concerns are quite valid in this discussion.
AirJamaica From Jamaica, joined Aug 2006, 2148 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (2 years 4 months 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 7978 times:
Quoting HummingBird (Reply 17): Agree....SRB deserves credit for his unique marketing skills...
In the very competitive airline industry one has to differentiate themselves from the competition and try to be unique at all times to stay ahead.
Quoting HummingBird (Reply 17): Once they have cleared the debris and completed the recovery process..KIN may become a logistic port for the rebuilding process..Due to the lack of hotel facilities, we may eventually see most staff being based in KIN and daily shuttle flights being offered to PAP..
Our airports and also our Flight Information Region will surely be seeing increased traffic between here and PAP and generally increased air traffic for quite some time.
Quoting JM079 (Reply 10): The management team that is in place has demonstrated that they are quiet efficient and prudent because of there actions the company is able to operate on a small profit.
So, it is my view that what is now lacking is the neceesary capital that is needed in order to grow the company.
Quoting HummingBird (Reply 17): The only thing that is making JM loose money is the expensive leases on the aircraft..If they can negotiate new cheaper leases, expand the VFR network and reduce overheads, the company will be on the route to years of profit.....
These are very keen observations IMO and I don't view them as being unattainable. What Mr. Nobles has done with fleet utilization, route planning, etc have impacted JM positively for the short period of time he has been with the company. Imagine the possibilities if the required capital was there and the excessive debts absorbed by the GOJ and the local private sector given the opportunity.
Quoting JM079 (Reply 20): Here is a question: US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton who went to Haiti on saturday had to fly to KIN and then transported to Haiti on a US military plane. Wouldn't it have been much easier to fly her instead to SDQ in the DR as the distance to PAP is much shorter and have a the US military flew her to PAP?
Not certain of the exact distance between SDQ and PAP but it is quite close indeed so many would think a routing as such would have been taken instead. KIN to PAP is approximately 250-275 miles if I am not mistaken.
Quoting Drbird (Reply 19): Heard a while ago about another quake occurring in Cayman. Any Caymanian here can elaborate on this?
Quoting JM079 (Reply 20): Since the earthquake in Haiti there has been others in Venezuela, Guatamala and now Cayman (have u seen the film 2012)
The Cayman one measure 5.8. It too was felt in parts of Jamaica e.g Harbour View etc. That one that shock Jamaica in January 1993 measured 5.3 Also a 6.3 one shook off the Argentina coast yesterday I think. Mother nature.
HummingBird From Jamaica, joined Mar 2007, 2764 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (2 years 4 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 7905 times:
Quoting JM079 (Reply 20): Wouldn't it have been much easier to fly her instead to SDQ in the DR as the distance to PAP is much shorter and have a the US military flew her to PAP?
I believe in the matter of her security, KIN was preferred over SDQ..SDQ has far too much activity when compared to KIN and would require additional security staff..
Quoting JM079 (Reply 20): BUT the substantial issues that I had outlined in the last thread and which you have reposted in this thread deals with the matter of the GoJ selling Air Jamaica to another state company which is prone to political interference.
Secondly, the value of Air Jamaica will not be fully realised as it is moving into another state own entity that is handstring by the fact that financing and policy directions are again going to be influenced by local factors.
Thirdly, all the carriers that are performing remarkable well are not in state hands and if they were they were privitized.
But those concerns are quite valid in this discussion.
I agree..You have listed some strong points..When I analyze what Mr Golding said during his last presentation to the nation and compare it to the plans for JM, it does not make much sense as there are some strong contradictions...I beleive we have to wait as not all that is reported in the media tends to be accurate...
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 21): In the very competitive airline industry one has to differentiate themselves from the competition and try to be unique at all times to stay ahead.
I agree...Quite eccentric..
I have a strong feeling, VS will deploy the A330 to KIN and increase frequencies to 3 per week...
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 21): Our airports and also our Flight Information Region will surely be seeing increased traffic between here and PAP and generally increased air traffic for quite some time.
I expect either of the domestic carriers to start flights to PAP from KIN..
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 21): Imagine the possibilities if the required capital was there and the excessive debts absorbed by the GOJ and the local private sector given the opportunity.
The possibilities would exist for at least 2 widebody aircraft to use on flights to Europe, Brazil, JFK and YYZ..
Quoting AirJamaica (Reply 21): The Cayman one measure 5.8. It too was felt in parts of Jamaica e.g Harbour View etc. That one that shock Jamaica in January 1993 measured 5.3 Also a 6.3 one shook off the Argentina coast yesterday I think. Mother nature.
Poltergeist....
Quoting Drbird (Reply 22): Maybe my last trip on JM metal.
BabyBlue will be at your rescue...
B6 flight had a tech delay and is still in MBJ..They have sent an aircraft from PBI..
I strong believe B6 should look at having interline agreement with the local carriers to boost traffic from MBJ-KIN..
This is how I would like to see B6 expand in Jamaica..
1..Daily flight from FLL-MBJ, could possibly increase during the summer and winter..
2..2-3 daily from FLL-KIN only focusing on the O&D market...
3..The daily service from MCO-MBJ would offer connections to KIN via the domestic carriers..
4.. A 3-4 weekly service from PBI-MBJ that would boost tourist arrivals while focusing on the VFR market..Connections would be offered to KIN via the domestic carriers..
5.. A daily service from IAD that would also boost tourist arrival and focus on the VFR traffic..
6..Possibly service MBJ from LAX...
A340Jamaica From Jamaica, joined Nov 2008, 429 posts, RR: 1 Reply 23, posted (2 years 4 months 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 7885 times:
Quoting HummingBird (Reply 23):
B6 flight had a tech delay and is still in MBJ..They have sent an aircraft from PBI..
I strong believe B6 should look at having interline agreement with the local carriers to boost traffic from MBJ-KIN..
This is how I would like to see B6 expand in Jamaica..
1..Daily flight from FLL-MBJ, could possibly increase during the summer and winter..
2..2-3 daily from FLL-KIN only focusing on the O&D market...
3..The daily service from MCO-MBJ would offer connections to KIN via the domestic carriers..
4.. A 3-4 weekly service from PBI-MBJ that would boost tourist arrivals while focusing on the VFR market..Connections would be offered to KIN via the domestic carriers..
5.. A daily service from IAD that would also boost tourist arrival and focus on the VFR traffic..
6..Possibly service MBJ from LAX...
Assuming the BW/JM plans go ahead as we are hearing, that sounds like a reasonable possibility. With an E190, PBI really becomes feasible. TPA may also be a possibility. The local carriers would have to get bigger equipment however like ATR42's as the current Beechs would not be up to the task. Usually, when I take JM 80 home, about half of the passengers are KIN bound, even in the shoulder season. That represents at least a consistent 60 - 70 passengers. MCO is a 50:50 route really.
It is the Jamaicans who make their way there from Tampa Bay, Ocala, Melbourne/ Palm Bay, Daytona Beach, Gainesville (U of F), Titusviille etc. and the Jamaican Orlandoans that make the route feasible for JM. The KIN based Jamaicans headed to Disney and the other theme parks also play a big role.
AirJamaica From Jamaica, joined Aug 2006, 2148 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (2 years 4 months 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 7852 times:
Quoting HummingBird (Reply 23): I have a strong feeling, VS will deploy the A330 to KIN and increase frequencies to 3 per week...
Wouldn't be surprised if they eventually did that, and I am also still looking out for a 1x weekly MAN-MBJ when they get their full compliment of A330's and also when the economy get better.
And with FF also planning to service this route as well, prices will be in check.
Quoting HummingBird (Reply 23): I strong believe B6 should look at having interline agreement with the local carriers to boost traffic from MBJ-KIN..
This is how I would like to see B6 expand in Jamaica..
1..Daily flight from FLL-MBJ, could possibly increase during the summer and winter..
2..2-3 daily from FLL-KIN only focusing on the O&D market...
3..The daily service from MCO-MBJ would offer connections to KIN via the domestic carriers..
4.. A 3-4 weekly service from PBI-MBJ that would boost tourist arrivals while focusing on the VFR market..Connections would be offered to KIN via the domestic carriers..
5.. A daily service from IAD that would also boost tourist arrival and focus on the VFR traffic..
6..Possibly service MBJ from LAX...
I remember at one point JM was planning IAD-MBJ with KIN connections. Not certain what frequency they had in mind back then. Those B6 services that you outlined isn't far fetched I think. TPA could also work I think as well as A340Jamaica suggested. Probably starting out with the E-190 and eventually the A320 during summer/winter or when traffic dictates. NW seem to have enjoyed success on it when they operated it for a number of years. But eventually they shifted their focus to their MEM, MSP and DTW hubs.
Quoting A340Jamaica (Reply 24): Usually, when I take JM 80 home, about half of the passengers are KIN bound, even in the shoulder season. That represents at least a consistent 60 - 70 passengers. MCO is a 50:50 route really.
It is the Jamaicans who make their way there from Tampa Bay, Ocala, Melbourne/ Palm Bay, Daytona Beach, Gainesville (U of F), Titusviille etc. and the Jamaican Orlandoans that make the route feasible for JM. The KIN based Jamaicans headed to Disney and the other theme parks also play a big role.
Very true indeed. The first time I flew JM 081/080 I was surprised at how many passengers actually originated/terminated in KIN. At times JM 081 even operated MBJ-KIN-MCO-KIN-MBJ in the past. It is always jam packed every time I fly it.
the name is blue.....jetBlue.
25 AirJamaica: Not aviation related but if all that is not bad enough, Haiti just got another 6.1 today. This is getting serious.
26 HummingBird: Agree... PBI and TPA will do well with the E190....Mr Bartlett could easily tap into their travel market..The VFR traffic would average 30-50 pax per
27 HummingBird: It was reported on the news "If T&Tdoes not accepted the deal and JM will close May 2010 as per The IMF Agreement"..[Edited 2010-01-20 09:13:35]
28 JM079: The government has committed to wrapping up the operations of Air Jamaica by June, if a deal with Trinidad and Tobago to take the loss making lovebir
29 HummingBird: I assume it has to with the routes and staff cuts.... I hope we will hear of another option such as negotiating with the Private Sector/JALPA....
30 AirJamaica: When I was in ATC their schedule was daily B727 ( which eventually switched to the A320 ) between TPA-MBJ. Not certain of the schedule prior to my wo
31 JM079: I am taking the hands off approach to speculate as we have seen in th Caribbean Thread a plethora of postings which were purported to be accurate and
32 HummingBird: LI operated it's DH8-300 into KIN..The aircraft is now enroute to ANU... http://flightaware.com/live/flight/LIA495
33 JM079: LI at KIN is apart of the CARICOM relief effort from the Eastern Caribbean States since Jamaica is the logistic station. Canada is using KIN as there
34 HummingBird: Perhaps we will be seeing more LI flights into KIN.. This is not a surprise...I expect other countries to follow suit... I was mentioned on the 7am n
35 Caymanair: I don't particularly see what options Bruce has but to sort something out during this qtr. Either JM is closed down and BW get some rights and access
36 HummingBird: Jamaica has been named by several websites as one of the top destinations providing good value for money. Post Office Travel Money has released a new
37 JM079: The government does have options available to it but they have demonstrated a level of total ineptitude that is beyond comprehension and here again t
38 JM079: The Jamaican Airline Pilot Association has resubmitted there business plan to the GoJ after making some major revisions in order to meet some of the r
39 HummingBird: A glad to see these new developments....With these new revisions, I expect a new round of positive negotiations and JM will be handed over to The JAL
40 JM017: Great news!!! What are their plans for the airline? I mean their business plans.
42 JM079: There has been a number of developments over the last three days since the pilots met with the government. 1) Ronald Thwaites, who is a member of par
43 HummingBird: Based on this statement, there is no reason why The GOJ should not look at their proposal... The have my full support.....These are people who are mo
44 AA1818: JM isnt worth it! Union head-aches, high lease payments saddled with mounting debt, and massive losses. However, get rid of the unions, lower the lea
45 JM079: I have never disputed that position as we all have given BW credit for attaining that position. But as you have said here: ...."Jamaica is and always
46 AirJamaica: Well these are very interesting developments and I am eagerly waiting to hear more details of their proposed plans for the national carrier. Likewise
47 AA1818: BW are in discussions with the GoJ, because Golding hopped on a plain and came to Trinidad to beg BW! SIMPLE! haha AA1818
48 Yellowtail: and that is the biggest problem. GoJ want their problem to go away for good...not one that will raise its ugly head again in 4-5 years... T&T don't w
49 JM079: There seems to be a time factor here as the discussion this morning with JALPA and the other parties was whether or not it is too late for the pilots
50 JM079: You and AA1818 have not answered my questions. Why not simple circumvent the current messy situation and commence service on all the routes that JM c
51 Beeweel15: Well there are certain protocols the have to be followed first before they can takeover any routes they just cant just walk in there and take over.
52 Speedbird2263: This is why I always get box office. As I've said before, very interesting times ahead.
53 A340jamaica: What I have been tirelessly trying to point out is that with a BW takeover and rebranding, the profitable routes will disappear. They will not get th
54 A340Jamaica: Actually, now that I think about it, BW may be thinking, get access to the open skies and 5th freedom rights between Jamaica, the US and points beyond
55 HummingBird: Agree... The GOJ will have their hands tied to their back in this situation... In the news clip he mentioned their plans to issue a local IPO in 18 m
56 JM079: B6 commenced service to KIN and MBJ last year from JFK and that did not entailed getting into a discussion with the GoJ about certain protocol as all
57 JM079: [quote=HummingBird,reply=56] The GOJ will have their hands tied to their back in this situation... In the news clip he mentioned their plans to issue
58 Beeweel15: The airlines you mention here are not taking over or merging with JM so entering the Jamaica market for them is different to what BW is doing.
59 JM079: You are correct in that statement and I am aware of that. But you are ignoring the statement from AA1818 and others who continues to insist that Trin
60 Yankeejuliet: Jamaicans will not support a BW-JM merged carrier, they want a carrier who will sopport the countries intrest. I hope the govt. will make good sense p
61 Beeweel15: BW is not interested in JM as it is. As a matter of fact no one is. They will acquire the airline but with out the debt. And I am certain not all JM'
62 Yellowtail: Amen. Think of this as the TA of the Caribbean.....when TA "took over" TAN, SAHSA, LACSA, AVIATECA....it was not popular.....but years later it seems
63 HummingBird: Nice expression.. Thanks for the update.. I assume they will stick with the A319s and A320s.. This is a very good offer from EADS..This will also inc
64 JM079: That is double talk there. Trinidad wants Air Jamaica but not the debt and the other related expenses. We already know that and all have agreed that
65 SCL767: It's a done deal! I have supporting documents to prove your misconceptions about the deal. Also if you do some research you might be surprised to fin
66 Caribbean484: If you honesty believe that the JALPA can save JM, IMO you are surely mistaken. The mare fact that the union wants to keep current job levels just sh
67 A340jamaica: Should be interesting how things unfold. What I do know is that BW is probably wasting their time. As I have said, I know my fellow countrymen. The i
68 BW424: Exactly. TACA I'm sure, was in the same position as BW is right now. All this fighting and political bickering over consolidating services into one e
69 A340jamaica: The Central American region geographically is smaller than the Caribbean basin and can operate as one market. It clearly is the case that the market
70 AirJamaica: Air Jamaica deal one week away '' "The new owners, if they are successful, have already sent the signal that if they take it over, they want 350 Jamai
71 BW424: Sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. So because Jamaica is further North of the "Eastern Caribbean", this becomes a factor
72 Yellowtail: With all do respect to my Jamaican friends...all this talk of I fly JM because of "loyalty".. that is admirable and worthy of kudos...but right now a
73 JM079: So the finance minister is not even aware if Trinidad has accepted his letter of Intent but according to this statement: " ........It's a done deal!
74 Caribbean484: I can believe the nonsense I read on this post from time to time so what the heck is this below: http://iriefm.net/news/news.php?&catego ... nt_id=35
75 AirJamaica: Where is the fact here?[/quote] Lol.... At no point was it ever disclosed that the unions wanted to purchase the national carrier or operate it. With
76 JMBWEEBOY: I could not disagree with this more. As long as CAL continues its full service product with meals and two free bags, the great inflight product they
77 JM079: It is quite difficult Yellowtail, and understandable so, that most people find it impossible to accept the fact that Air Jamaica does have unquestion
78 SCL767: Well stated 484!!! Nobody wanted JM! Nobody! And the GOJ clearly has a different view than yours! Also, in what way has JM aided the development of J
79 JM079: The new domestic terminal at Sangster International Airport is now open and the GoJ has given committment to see the Vernamfield come on stream this y
80 HummingBird: Am I the only one to see these new waves of personal attacks..JM079 I admire your gumption..It is pointless trying to explain or debate certain facts.
81 SCL767: Please remember that this is an open forum and when posters state actual facts pertaining to Air Jamaica and the air-lift into Jamaica, it's simply d
82 Ilanbwoy: Know what...i have a proposition. Lets all meet at a neutral ground....discuss this...then drink a liquor afterwards. To all the non jamaican posters,
83 Caribbean484: People confuse facts with opinions and clearly all there is are opinions without any background of facts to back it up. There is a lot of baiting by p
84 SCL767: Well stated! Geographical position is a moot point. Since you are well-versed in current aviation news, you know that there will soon be another "meg
85 JM079: The PNP has just revealed that the issue of the divestment of Air Jamaica is going to be debated on tuesday when the Parliament resumes. The party is
86 SCL767: Congratulations! Your dream may come true and Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport might become the major hub that you wanted it to be! Ver
87 HummingBird: There is an interesting article in The Jamaica Observer that clearly conveys the plans of the JALPA if they were to acquire... http://www.jamaicaobser
88 Caribbean484: I mean seriously, unions running an airline and people expect it to be viable, oh well, as the Union boss put it Caribbean Airlines knows nothing abo
89 AA1818: Why would People stop sending money back home if JM no longer exists? Doesn't make sense. Money is usually sent electronically, not loaded into safes
90 HummingBird: Contractual Obligations...JM is the official carrier for the majority of Farm Workers in Canada...The GOJ will guarantee their seats, but it is deduc
91 Beeweel15: Let me ask you two . If Sir Richard Branson came in took over JM shut the airline down and started a new well organized airline with 50% of the JM st
92 BW424: Ok, yes, we know its not your own words. However, what is your opinion on this statement made by the Union? Do you think it is plausible??? Nothing i
93 Yellowtail: How do you know that? here is a clue to my nationalities (note: plural)......my wife is Jamaican, so is my uncle (dentist on dome st in MBJ), my moth
95 JM079: The revised buisness plan from the pilots will be submitted to the government tomorrow. Prime Minister Bruce Golding at the meeting last tuesday morni
96 SCL767: A bit to late wouldn't you say? In this economy do you really believe that JM's pilots will be able to raise that much money as compared to the GRTT?
97 Yellowtail: United nations is what they call me
98 AA1818: It is possible that the GoJ will be more than happy to have the Unions etc take JM off their hands and save them Billions in sunked costs! BW will li
99 AirJamaica: Sandals Resorts and American Airlines helping Haiti '' Under the partnership, the Sandals Foundation will underwrite the cost of chartering 10 flights
100 A340jamaica: Let's just see what transpires when JM is closed and BW takes over. I know how I as a consumer am going to behave and I know how many friends and rela
101 JM079: Sandals is know for there charity work and I am pleased that Mr Stewart has stepped up is contributing to this effort. UPDATE: Am not sure if I am to
102 HummingBird: No...Virgin group is a respected international brand and would more than likely expand and stimulate both the VFR and Tourist markets... Ok... You gu
103 SCL767: That's great, then I gather that your opinion is that the IMF shouldn't loan Jamaica one cent and that country should go into default.
104 A340jamaica: Look SCL. I have accepted the fact that JM will close. I realized that from last year when MIA was closed. It is just that CAL will never be to me an
105 SCL767: Listen, this decision was up to the GOJ. Trinidad doesn't want to see Jamaica enter into default because the entire Caricom Community will suffer. Al
106 JM079: Jamaicans are using the social tool - facebook to garner support for the effort of the JM staff. This PR exercise takes on a differnt tone when the m
107 Beeweel15: So you have no problem with a foreigner coming in and taking over and possibly giving the absolute top positions to foreigners. You have no problem w
108 AA1818: o long as you are not saying that you will purposely not fly BW. After all if it provides a cheaper fare and better service than foreign carriers, wh
109 HummingBird: These are exciting times for the industry....A story was posted in the media in reference to their efforts.. http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.
110 Captaink: Ok, I am very pro Air Jamaica, for many reason, some very personal as alot of folks I know, friends and family are JM employees. I used to checkin JM
111 Caribbean484: I can respect that, how long they have support is another story. Richard Branson is a well known business man and has a good marketing scheme, but in
112 Speedbird2263: I for one am still on the wall Still listening out keenly for a good bit of 'blatant fact' that I can hold on to. Afterall my career depends on it!
113 Yellowtail: I can assure you that the Costa Rican Market and people are very different than those in Panama...than those in Nicaragua than those in belize....as
114 Yellowtail: I love all this passion! Now if we could just channel it into putting Caribbean folk first...be it with JM or BW, Grace or Guardian Life.....then we w
115 A340jamaica: Differences in culture etc. for sure. Operationally, not that much different in terms of consolidating airline operations. The Caribbean area is one
116 Ilanbwoy: Sounds like a good isea yellowtail, but even that would be a fight cause we would have to decide whose rum to drink and you can just imagine how that
117 Yellowtail: we do a mix of each...that way no one will complain....
118 JM079: Well, we are quite a passionate people but some times that passion can be misplaced. SOME UPDATES: Bruce Nobles experienced significantly hostility t
119 Yellowtail: Oh you Jamaicans are such a rowdy bunch!
120 HummingBird: Apparently, more and more Jamaicans are viewing their disapproval with a JM/BW merger.....Am happy these views are shared in the media, as it is a con
121 JM079: The Jamaica Tourist Board is about to launch its long awaited new promotion with the awesome ......USAIN BOLT. The commercial to be featured across No
122 AirJamaica: Well this observation is quite true with regards to the featured carriers in those '' One Love '' advertisements. However lets not forget that JM alo
123 JM079: I thought I was the only one who saw that huge gap in logic. Jamaica recognize the limitation of Air Jamaica route network and has thus sought to eng
124 Beeweel15: So what will happen should the financial fortunes dont turn around. I introduce to you the following: KIWI International PAN AM II Braniff II & III A
125 AirJamaica: Should be an impressive production which I am certain will catch the eyes of many. A letter from a local regarding the pending JM divestment Give us
126 HummingBird: Quite impressive....The JTB has done a good job in using Usain to market "Brand Jamaica". Agree.They have and are still working with JM...JM is not t
127 JM079: UPDATE: It is now official - Trindad alone is no longer the sole bidder for Air Jamaica as the GoJ will now engage the Jamaica Pilots Association to d
128 Captaink: I'll tell you what, Jamaicans are very very serious about Air Jamaica, they ain't letting it go without a fight. I mean we must admit that this is so
129 HummingBird: Serious Indeed..As you have seen fom the comments posted on various websites, Jamaicans and JM employees have a strong passion for the company...Base
130 Beeweel15: Well there were many myself included. But as for letting go I did about 90% because the way I look at Caribbean Airlines is basically BWIA operating
131 JM079: Air Jamaica totally is interwoven in all aspect of the Jamaica society - please believe me when I say that. The carrier supports community ventures,
132 Yellowtail: Suicidal Shot Long term is the real issue with the pilots proposal
133 AirJamaica: As disclosed earlier in a previous posting, it is that same passion and loyalty why even after implementing certain operational changes...i.e...bagga
134 JM079: I had actually forgotten that Jamaica and Cuba did signed an MOU back in 2008 to explore a joint marketing approach. So, it is to there credit at the
135 JM079: Most definately. But I will give the GoJ credit for taking on the pilots at this late stage. If it is proven that there bid fall short and can not pr
136 JMBWEEBOY: This is fair, mature, and responsible thinking. JMBWEEBOY
137 Beeweel15: So too will Caribbean Airlines. Ok we did not lose our national carrier but Jamaica will own part of them in the end. As for the employees the majori
138 A340Jamaica: Beewee, with all due respect, the issue is that Caribbean Airlines is not Jamaican. It will not have the word "Jamaica" in it. It will not be headed
139 Caribbean484: I can respect that, Jamaicans will not be running the airline in management nor most likely HQ will not be in KIN. Jamaica may not be in the Pan Cari
140 JM079: If you are going to engage me in a conversation, which I don't mind, then I might I suggest you read the content of my post, digest it and then reply
141 Beeweel15: Now you should have this much passion to every foreign entity comes to run JM. In an earlier post I mentioned Richard Branson, as an example, I am ce
142 HummingBird: Quite a few interesting developments with JM divestment... Secure Air Jamaica sale or delay deal, says IMF.. THE BRUCE Golding administration has less
143 Yellowtail: I can't believe what I am reading.
144 Captaink: Well, I hope that a decision is made that would benefit the Jamaican population and other Air Jamaica customers as well as lessen the burden on the Ja
145 AirJamaica: Agree. This proactive move by JTB/JamVac to forge joint marketing with Cuba is quite commendable. I will be happy when this is all over and done with
147 Captaink: I seem to have a beer problem HAHA.. Yeh the new flags look better.
148 JM079: I am totally on board with you on this one. Just look at the conflicting information that is out there in the press: Dennis Lalor, JM chairman and di
149 A340Jamaica: This is a very interesting revelation. It effectively means Caribbean Airlines is wasting their time pursuing JM unless they intend to pursue regiona
150 Beeweel15: The way around it is : 1 - The govt of Jamaica buys into Caribbean Airlines with a 10% to 20% share and designates it as the national carrier. 2 - Ca
151 JM079: The GoJ has indicated that they are not interested in any financial committement to Air Jamaica that is why they are selling it Article 3 of the agre
152 Beeweel15: Well it might benefit JM better because the it will level the playing field. With open skies sometimes things tilt the other way. If you really look
153 JM079: Mr Butch Stewart has given open support to the efforts of the pilot to acquire Air Jamaica. The Jamaica Observer, a company owned by Mr Stewart has pu
154 HummingBird: I agree..I found this article online that as published in 2004..It gives a clear understanding of Open Skies Agreement signed by Jamaica...With the e
155 A340Jamaica: Based on this new development, the only way I see Trinidad being able to participate is to have a 49% stake in a separate Jamaican controlled entity
156 HummingBird: The only thing I see coming from this venture is complications...BW cannot operate flights to the US from Jamaica under the current OpenSkies agreeme
157 AirJamaica: Lol....Indeed ! I too was surprised by these two conflicting stories. But then again should I really be surprised ? This disclosure regarding the Ope
158 JM079: But who would control the remaining 51% stake - as the GoJ has inidcated that they are not interested in any more financial spread on JM either direc
159 Beeweel15: Interesting article and from that agreement the country of Jamaica benefited by the increased airlift but not Air Jamaica. This suggestion was made e
160 JM079: The launch of this domestic service benefiting greatly from the closure of Air Jamaica. Mr Read certainly has luck on his side but the one factor tha
161 JM017: This assessment doesn't surprise me. Open skies meant a lot of competition from much larger carriers with much larger networks and hub operations. I
162 JM079: Observation: I notice that AA has retired the flight # 331 from there late PM departure out of MIA to KIN . The flight is now AA1049. I suppose that i
163 AirJamaica: I have never seen this flight number before on MIA-KIN. IIRC they have used a similar flight number to this on MIA-GCM or GCM-MIA in the past. Over t
164 JM017: I agree. Although I felt Open skies put JM at a disadvantage, it wasn't all attributable to open skies. The airline was very badly managed. With prop
165 HummingBird: I agree..I heard it will also be showcased on the PM's visit to Asia..Another avenue being used to stimulate Brand Jamaica.. NAS only peaks during ho
166 JM079: The issue of the sale of the national is really generating alot of discussion and so should it be and it confirms how important this venture is to th
167 JM079: UPDATE: The pilot association has increased the level of pressure on the government about divesting JM. They have written to the Office of the Contrac
168 HummingBird: An interesting video of a trip from NRT to MBJ via DFW...I had no idea DFW was used for Asian connections.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sz8bMVkn
169 JM079: I guess it is fair to say we now have a clear idea of what sort of model that Trinidad has in mind if it attempt at buying Air Jamaica is accomplished
170 JM079: With DL officially completing its merge of NW yesterday, I think we can now declare that it is now the largest US based carrier to Jamaica operating o
171 AirJamaica: In MBJ the last AA flight from MIA has also been changed to 503 from 838, though I have seen them alternate between these two flight numbers in past.
172 HummingBird: An interesting analysis on this milk route...I wonder what are loads from other stations?...Should I assume, if it were not for the milk run, this fl
173 JM079: Air Canada will operate 3x weekly during the summer to KIN. BTW: AA will operate 2x weekly during the summer from ORD to MBJ. It was expected to be a
174 JM079: The public forum that the University of the West Indies at St Augustine held provided an excellent platform for a very balance and quite informative
175 A340Jamaica: I say more blessing than curse. This type of setup is not uncommon in the civil aviation industry. It is drafted explicitly to protect the aviation i
176 AirJamaica: Very true. FLL is a prime example and the nice thing about that market is that it is a large one. So even with more than one carriers on it , JM stil
177 Captaink: Hey GND gets that A321 quite regularly, I haven't heard any mention of that route. I hear we contribute to JMs earnings eh..
178 AirJamaica: My bad...lol...How could I forget. A321 is a regular on GND and that also speaks volume for the route.
179 HummingBird: I agree with this statement..During the initial phase, Mr Wehby in particular was glowing in confidence the brand must be maintained and they are con
180 Yellowtail: Right route. wrong aircraft. wrong time. If they relaunched it with E190 right now it would do much better...would do even better from KIN
181 Captaink: I will have to take that back, I just an email stating that GND and a bunch of other routes would be cut on March 9th. I don't know whats going on, b
182 A340Jamaica: As much as I hate to see it Captaink, I kind of sensed its inevitability. It is kind of like an orphan route and must be difficult to coordinate. If
183 JM079: Actually, you are correct in asserting that it is more of a positive thing than a curse because when you look at the broader implication it gives Jam
184 Captaink: Indeed. I am also being told that ORD, HAV, NAS, CUR, and MCO are also being put on the chopping block come Mar. 9th. This is still internal info, bu
185 Speedbird2263: ORD !? I would've thought ORD of all places would at least be breaking even. HAV, NAS, MCO I can see until they get 'right-sized' equipment. Interest
186 A340Jamaica: MIA has more than enough capacity to accomodate JM flying right sized equipment for the business market. AA can have the connections but there is way
187 JM079: Okay, I accept that fact that the market does have the capacity for additional airlift and that can be confirmed by the fact that AA will be adding a
188 Beeweel15: Think of it like the recent DL/NW merger. DL bought NW got their hubs and Asian route system. Plus it was cheaper to do it that way than go on an all
189 A340Jamaica: I can see your argument. Though POS is handling just about all it realistically can barring South American adventures given location. Antigua would b
190 Captaink: I agree A340Jamaica, I also disagree with GND also it is twice weekly at 80% LF and during the night hence it doest affect the schedule much. Upon get
191 AirJamaica: Why would they want to axe CUR considering the revenue that cargo bring on that route ? Is that route in a similar situation as GND where it is somew
192 JM079: But what exactly is the plan! Does this mean that there will be an investment in re-fleeting or does this entails a significant strengthening of intr
193 HummingBird: The IMF should approve the loan to Jamaica tommorrow..Word is The GOJ will announce their plans for JM.. In the event The JALPA bid is approved, The J
194 HummingBird: These are the rumoured operational cuts between Mar 12 and April 12.. NAS,CUR,ORD and HAV.. JFK-GND 3 planes are to be returned to lessor.. BWI will n
195 AA1818: I guess DL entering the market really didnt make it worth their while. Allows JM to really focus on core routes. NAS doesn't suprise me. JM doesn't h
196 JM079: http://www.islandroutes.com/ Islandroutes has updated there site to include this video of what there attractions are. New Airlift: Spanish cruiseline
197 AirJamaica: Wasn't expecting to see CUR getting the axe. NAS/HAV need the '' right metal '' to optimize operations on those routes. JFK-GND.....with the fares on
198 JM079: Aren't these seasonal adjustments as HB has pointed out that these changes will be for March 12 - April 12. We posted a report in the last thread whe
199 HummingBird: I forgot to add MCO... The fleet will 1 A139, 1 A321 and 4 A320s.. 1 A320 was scheduled for return..2 A320s owned by JM will be sold.. In March JFK-G
200 HummingBird: In a quote to the staff in the internal memo, Mr Nobles was advised by the GOJ to ensure JM remains self sufficient until a deal is reached with the
201 JM079: Bruce Nobles has issued a release confirming the schedule reduction of flights on the JM network. Air Jamaica will now have a total of 6 planes in it
202 A340Jamaica: I am now officially screwed. Wow, Hobson's choice!! I would never make the drive from Tally to face such a choice. Rather head over to JAX and catch
203 HummingBird: Funny you made mention of savouring the brand....My grandmother and her sister were well known for savouring the airline's silverware...Up to this da
204 JM079: http://www.eturbonews.com/14190/jamaicas-tourist-arrivals-36 ......''MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Jamaica experienced a 3.6 percent increase from January-
205 Captaink: So the cuts did turn out to be facts. Sucks for GND. There would be a few months of no service to JFK, I guess AA will make a little extra on the MIA
206 Srbmod: Due to the extreme number of rule violations in this thread in regards to copyrighted articles, along with the number of housekeeping deletions that w
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