SCL767 From Chile, joined Feb 2006, 7143 posts, RR: 6 Posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 16802 times:
Air Jamaica will be closing down on April 12, 2010 and Caribbean Airlines will take over JM's profitable routes:
Financially-strapped carrier Air Jamaica will shut down and Caribbean Airlines will take over its profitable routes to ensure Jamaica maintains its tourism lifeline with its major markets in North America and Europe. Caribbean Airlines will not take over any of Air Jamaica’s debts and will not acquire or merge with Air Jamaica. A memo written by Bruce Nobles, president and chief executive officer of Air Jamaica, stated that Air Jamaica will be closing down on April 12, all of its employees will be made redundant on that day. Caribbean Airlines has been contracted to take up the slack to service Air Jamaica’s routes. http://www.caribbean360.com/index.ph...or_possible_april_12_takeover.html
LHRBlueSkies From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2007, 493 posts, RR: 3 Reply 1, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 16740 times:
Oh well... what's that Queen song, Another One Bites The Dust?!?!?
flying is the safest form of transport - until humans get involved!
DFWEagle From United States of America, joined Dec 2006, 1050 posts, RR: 10 Reply 2, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 16637 times:
Quoting SCL767 (Thread starter): Financially-strapped carrier Air Jamaica will shut down and Caribbean Airlines will take over its profitable routes to ensure Jamaica maintains its tourism lifeline with its major markets in North America and Europe.
Do we have any idea as to which of JM's routes are profitable?
SCL767 From Chile, joined Feb 2006, 7143 posts, RR: 6 Reply 4, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 16593 times:
Quoting DFWEagle (Reply 2): Do we have any idea as to which of JM's routes are profitable?
Mainly VFR routes, e.g. KIN-FLL, KIN-JFK, and KIN-YYZ. JM discontinued both KIN-GCM and KIN-MIA last year giving AA the monopoly on the MIA-KIN/MBJ routes and Cayman Airways the monopoly on the GCM-KIN-GCM and GCM-KIN-MBJ-GCM routes.
BN747 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 5007 posts, RR: 55 Reply 5, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 16457 times:
Quoting Giancavia (Reply 3): Sad news for the employees and for us enthusiasts one of the more creative colorschemes dissapears. I only ever saw an A310 of theirs.
Boy how true that is..history is just moving too fast on some fronts. Actually, abysmal management is what's propelling many great carriers into the annals of history.
Luckily, we can now keep many of their best and greatest days a lve with visuals such as this.
The industry is quickly becoming more and more of a bore. Who knows, maybe Caribbean will develop some of the flair of it's old predecessor BWIA...and bring some excitement back to a beautiful and stunning part of the world.
OB1504 From United States of America, joined Jul 2004, 2652 posts, RR: 9 Reply 6, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 16382 times:
Rest in peace, Air Jamaica. You'll be sorely missed.
aa1818 From Trinidad and Tobago, joined Feb 2006, 3328 posts, RR: 6 Reply 7, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 16068 times:
Quoting DFWEagle (Reply 2): Do we have any idea as to which of JM's routes are profitable?
Quoting SCL767 (Reply 4): Mainly VFR routes, e.g. KIN-FLL, KIN-JFK, and KIN-YYZ. JM discontinued both KIN-GCM and KIN-MIA last year giving AA the monopoly on the MIA-KIN/MBJ routes and Cayman Airways the monopoly on the GCM-KIN-GCM and GCM-KIN-MBJ-GCM routes.
I believe the KIN-PHL and KIN-BWI routes were also profitable, but I have no evidence to support that claim.
PVD757 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 3339 posts, RR: 20 Reply 8, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 15961 times:
According to the article, JM will basically still be "alive" just operated under contract by Caribbean Airlines.
jfk777 From United States of America, joined Aug 2006, 6318 posts, RR: 1 Reply 9, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 15925 times:
Sad that there won't be any more " CHAMPAGNE FLIGHTS" to Jamaica. Air JAM was a great ambassador for its country.
SCL767 From Chile, joined Feb 2006, 7143 posts, RR: 6 Reply 10, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 15860 times:
[/quote]
Quoting aa1818 (Reply 7): Quoting DFWEagle (Reply 2):
Do we have any idea as to which of JM's routes are profitable?
Quoting SCL767 (Reply 4):
Mainly VFR routes, e.g. KIN-FLL, KIN-JFK, and KIN-YYZ. JM discontinued both KIN-GCM and KIN-MIA last year giving AA the monopoly on the MIA-KIN/MBJ routes and Cayman Airways the monopoly on the GCM-KIN-GCM and GCM-KIN-MBJ-GCM routes.
I believe the KIN-PHL and KIN-BWI routes were also profitable, but I have no evidence to support that claim.
AA1818
JM does not operate KIN-PHL non-stop, rather via MBJ. US operates PHL-MBJ 9x weekly (A319/A320/A321). Also, JM recently lost the monopoly on the BWI-MBJ route since FL started the route. FL will operate the route profitably since it receives revenue guarantees.
By March 9, 2010, Air Jamaica will terminate all services to the Caribbean destinations of Grenada, Curacao, Nassau and Havana.
PHLBOS From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 6974 posts, RR: 31 Reply 11, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 15836 times:
Quoting PVD757 (Reply 8): According to the article, JM will basically still be "alive" just operated under contract by Caribbean Airlines.
That's almost similar to what happened w/Midway II (JI) a few years back; before it shut down for good, it became a US Airways Express carrier for a few (not sure how many) months.
Quoting SCL767 (Reply 10): JM does not operate KIN-PHL non-stop
At present, NOBODY flies KIN-PHL non-stop.
[Edited 2010-03-05 06:25:00]
"TransEastern! You'll feel like you've never left the ground because we treat you like dirt!" SNL Parady ad circa 1981
MetJetCEO From United States of America, joined Jun 2007, 337 posts, RR: 1 Reply 12, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 15714 times:
I would think KIN-ORD could be on that list. It seems like everyone I know from NE Wisconsin that has honeymooned in Jamaica over the last 5 years uses them our to O'Hare.
SCL767 From Chile, joined Feb 2006, 7143 posts, RR: 6 Reply 13, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 15622 times:
Quoting PVD757 (Reply 8): According to the article, JM will basically still be "alive" just operated under contract by Caribbean Airlines.
It will only be "alive" until the open skies treaty between the U.S. and Jamaica is finalized by the end of this year. Then JM's code will be retired forever.
During the first week of April, Air Jamaica will terminate services to MCO and ORD.
Captaink From Grenada, joined exactly 11 years ago today! , 5029 posts, RR: 15 Reply 14, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15464 times:
Quoting BN747 (Reply 5): Boy how true that is..history is just moving too fast on some fronts. Actually, abysmal management is what's propelling many great carriers into the annals of history.
Luckily, we can now keep many of their best and greatest days a lve with visuals such as this.
The days..
Quoting jfk777 (Reply 9): Sad that there won't be any more " CHAMPAGNE FLIGHTS" to Jamaica. Air JAM was a great ambassador for its country.
I do agree, and may I say the Caribbean in general. It operated flights to various eastern Caribbean islands, apparently not successfully, but it my opinion it was done with style.
Quoting BN747 (Reply 5): The industry is quickly becoming more and more of a bore. Who knows, maybe Caribbean will develop some of the flair of it's old predecessor BWIA...and bring some excitement back to a beautiful and stunning part of the world.
One would hope. The departure of JM leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth so to speak. I 'silently' hope that the open skies agreement change doesn't get approved, allowing a great brand to continue under better management.
But that's the way the industry works. Alot of the classics are now parts of history.
JM IATA - AJM ICAO - Jamaica Callsign- Air Jamaica.= Classic.
aaway From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 1376 posts, RR: 14 Reply 15, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15445 times:
Unfortunate that JM is meeting its demise. Then again, its only taken....what....45 years to accomplish what Jamaica and Trinidad had planned to do - create a single large jet operator for the english speaking Caribbean.
I'm sure our Carib a.net contributors will provide further commentary.
With a choice between changing one's mind & proving there's no need to do so, most everyone gets busy on the proof.
MaverickM11 From United States of America, joined Apr 2000, 14260 posts, RR: 51 Reply 16, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15418 times:
It's funny how people remember the 2% that was good but not the 98% that was a total disaster. Same goes for Pan Am or the previous BW.
DeltaDawg From United States of America, joined May 2006, 618 posts, RR: 1 Reply 18, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15370 times:
Could someone such as FL or NK move in and run Kingston as a mini-hub or at the very least service the US routes profitably? Anyone?
Revelation From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 8071 posts, RR: 13 Reply 19, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15310 times:
Quoting SCL767 (Thread starter):
Financially-strapped carrier Air Jamaica will shut down and Caribbean Airlines will take over its profitable routes to ensure Jamaica maintains its tourism lifeline with its major markets in North America and Europe.
Quoting SCL767 (Reply 4): JM discontinued both KIN-GCM and KIN-MIA last year giving AA the monopoly on the MIA-KIN/MBJ routes and Cayman Airways the monopoly on the GCM-KIN-GCM and GCM-KIN-MBJ-GCM routes.
Quoting SCL767 (Reply 10): US operates PHL-MBJ 9x weekly (A319/A320/A321).
While I am quite sympathetic with regard to having a local carrier, it seems there is a pretty diverse lifeline in place, no?
I understand the thread to the tourism business if air service is lost, but if it's an interesting destination, someone will serve it.
Captaink From Grenada, joined exactly 11 years ago today! , 5029 posts, RR: 15 Reply 20, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15273 times:
Quoting MaverickM11 (Reply 16): It's funny how people remember the 2% that was good but not the 98% that was a total disaster. Same goes for Pan Am or the previous BW.
Well maybe you had 98% bad experiences on the aforementioned, whereas many had the 2% good. I don't know about PanAm, but BW and JM had terrible management in a difficult industry leading to their demise.
BWIA used to be my favourite airline, I was a FF on them, and during their latter years things did get better, customer service wise, excellent flights, ontime, great inflight product, until it finally started downhill again, leading to their demise. The same for JM. Absolutely all my flights on the airline were great flights, great inflight experience etc.save for a few delays here and there, so as a passenger I can say it was a great airline. Or am I missing something? Now I used to be an AA FF and in my opinion the airline sucks, but they are somewhat being managed well, as they continue to exist without even going into Chap 11 etc. But as a passenger, I find they suck as an airline, and cashed in my miles and went to the competition.
In terms of JM/BW being badly managed hence a total disaster in that light, I would agree, but I would go so far as to say their were 100% badly managed. So it depends on what you are used to judge.
SCL767 From Chile, joined Feb 2006, 7143 posts, RR: 6 Reply 21, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15247 times:
Quoting DeltaDawg (Reply 18): Could someone such as FL or NK move in and run Kingston as a mini-hub or at the very least service the US routes profitably? Anyone?
During Air Jamaica's divestment process, the only two bidders were Indigo Group/Spirit and Caribbean Airlines. NK walked away from the deal and at the last moment, with reluctance the Jamaican Government approached Caribbean Airlines.
Quoting Revelation (Reply 19): I understand the thread to the tourism business if air service is lost, but if it's an interesting destination, someone will serve it.
The LCCs and "ULCC" Spirit are already entrenched in Jamaica. Interesting to note that this summer AA will operate the most flights from the U.S. into Jamaica.
PHLBOS From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 6974 posts, RR: 31 Reply 22, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15201 times:
Quoting SCL767 (Reply 21): The LLCs have already moved in.
Minor typo. there. I believe you meant to say LCCs.
"TransEastern! You'll feel like you've never left the ground because we treat you like dirt!" SNL Parady ad circa 1981
LAXdude1023 From United States of America, joined Sep 2006, 6083 posts, RR: 28 Reply 23, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15188 times:
Quoting MetJetCEO (Reply 12): I would think KIN-ORD could be on that list. It seems like everyone I know from NE Wisconsin that has honeymooned in Jamaica over the last 5 years uses them our to O'Hare
They never flew KIN-ORD. They fly MBJ-ORD. I believe they were planning on canceling it regardless anyway.
Next flights: DFW-GRU-SDU-EZE-DFW on AA/JJ/EK in J!
SCL767 From Chile, joined Feb 2006, 7143 posts, RR: 6 Reply 24, posted (2 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 15160 times:
Quoting LAXdude1023 (Reply 23): They never flew KIN-ORD. They fly MBJ-ORD. I believe they were planning on canceling it regardless anyway.
They were supposed to cancel the ORD route in late 2008!
25 OB1504: JM was atroiciously managed, but in terms of everything else, they were one of the finest carriers I ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Both PA a
26 richierich: I completely agree! The LCCs have completely undermined Air Jamaica's core passenger numbers and, in some cases, may offer better services. For examp
27 NorthStarDC4M: I get that here in Toronto as well, but I kind of think its a Carribean thing because Trinidadian ex-pats i know say the same things about BW and Hai
28 wahdadli: Where will Caribbean Airlines get the aircraft from? They have no experience with Air Jamaica's type of fleet. Well the have A321's for a short period
29 sw733: KIN isn't where most people fly to for vacation, that would be MBJ. KIN appeals more for VFR traffic, MBJ for vacation traffic. If you have ever been
30 CatIII: I thought Juliet Mike XXX was their callsign?
31 scl767: Boeing of course! A hub at KIN would permit connections between POS/ANU/BGI/CCS/CUR/GEO/PAP/PBM/SXM etc. and ATL/BZE/BWI/FLL/GCM/HAV/JFK/MIA/NAS/PHL/
32 Captaink: No, their callsign is Jamaica. The only place I have seen Juilet Mike as their callsign is Flight Sim packages. HAHA
33 seemyseems: It will be sad seeing the Air Jamaica brand go.
34 haggisman: Darn - another one gone. I only flew with Air Jamaica once back in 1989, but it was a fun flight - from Toronto to MBJ via KIN on a 727. We saw an Air
35 SCL767: British West Indian Airways, Caribbean Airlines' predecessor actually brought Air Jamaica into the Jet-age before Air Jamaica even began operations:
36 SCL767: Official Press Release from Air Jamaica's transtitional CEO: "AIR JAMAICA FLIGHTS CONTINUE UNDER CARIBBEAN AIRLINES": "A preliminary targeted transact
37 PA110: I will miss JM. I enjoyed two outstanding flights on them a few years back, and I remember as a kid when they used to have live fashion shows on their
40 Group51: They should never of broken it up in the first place. Pride before a fall. Now what about Air Caraibes? If BA can merge with the Spanish, what's stopp
41 LimaNiner: Sad. I remember flying on JM's 727s, deplaning through the rear stairs; their A300's; and the Aer Lingus 747. I remember sitting on the tarmac of KIN
42 kiwiandrew: My memory is not what it used to be , bit I think that at one time JM had a DC8 - possibly wetleased from AC ? edited to add : found some photos in t
43 LimaNiner: Looks very plausible -- it's been a while...
44 a340Jamaica: During Air Jamaica's d divestment process, the last two bidders were Indigo Group/Spirit and Caribbean Airlines. NK walked away from the deal, theref
45 YULWinterSkies: You seem to forget Canadians about AC as well! I still wonder whether it is hockey or the hate for AC that best unites the Canadian nation...
46 SCL767: Indeed, Air Jamaica has seen a severe decrease in bookings since January and the carrier has 1.4 billion USD in debt! Also, it was revealed that the
47 SCL767: Flightglobal has published an article which basically sums up Air Jamaica's transition to Caribbean Airlines which starts next month. JM will only add
48 yankeejuliet: Throught its history, JM operated nine DC-8s. one DC-8-62, three DC8-61s, three DC8-51s, two DC8-43s for charters and back up flights.
49 kiwiandrew: That is one of the great things about this site , sooner or later there is almost always someone who actually knows the answer to my questions !
50 Speedbird2263: I concur that the loss of a what I consider a great little carrier is disheartening; especially from the viewpoint of someone that got hooked on flyin
53 JM017: I totally understand. That's where I got hooked too. I remember seeing the old DC8s and 727s from the waving galery muself.
54 OB1504: I didn't even grow up in Jamaica, but every trip to MIA always included passing by the Sandals billboard with JM A310 on it that used to be on LeJeun
55 Captaink: My friends and I, well most of which still work in GND handling JM flights were chatting about JM memories. And really they are fond. From our Jamaica
56 par13del: I hope the historical review's on the poor management of the airline also takes into consideration the role played by the GOJ, they were certainely no
57 AirCanada014: It's very sad to hear a good airline is shutting down, I think they have one of the nicest colourful livery out there?
58 AirCanada014: This is what I got when I did the google search regarding Air Canada and Air Jamaica. here's the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Jamaica Histor
59 SCL767: The main problem is that there is no Open Skies treaty between the U.S. and Jamaica; which is currently under negotiations. However, there is between
60 FlyNWA727: This really sucks. And, yet, another airline disappears from BWI's short roster of airlines. This airport is looking more and more pathetic as each ye
61 JM017: There IS an open skies agreement between the US and Jamaica....
62 SCL767: BW/JW will operate MBJ-BWI daily for the summer. There IS an open skies agreement between the US and Jamaica... Which only permits "airlines of both
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