Greetings once again to all A.net patrons!!!

Welcome to the 96th instalment of the Caribbean Aviation Thread. As we move along the chain of ABC Islands in the Dutch Caribbean, no one can deny the beauty, adventure and entertainment that personifies the picturesque isle of Curacao . We are also honored to have a regular A.net forum contributor and photographer from this wonderful island; that being our very own A388 (Roger Cannegieter). In his own way, A388 has put CUR on the map with his artistic and consistently high quality aviation photography. Cheers to you A388! Continue the great work!




Curaçao is the largest and most populous of the three ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) of the Lesser Antilles. It has a land area of 171 square miles. As of 1 January 2009, population stood at 141,766. The name "Curaçao" has become associated with a shade of blue, because of the deep-blue version of the liqueur named Curaçao. Today, locally, the island is known as "Dushi Korsou".

The original inhabitants of Curaçao were Arawak Amerindians. The first Europeans to see the island were members of a Spanish expedition under the leadership of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. The Spaniards enslaved most of the indigenous population and forcibly relocated the survivors to other colonies where workers were needed. The island was occupied by the Dutch in 1634. The Dutch West India Company founded the capital of Willemstad on the banks of an inlet called the 'Schottegat'. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the island changed hands among the British, the French, and the Dutch several times. Stable Dutch rule returned in 1815, at the end of the Napoleonic wars, when the island was incorporated into the colony of Curaçao and Dependencies.



Curaçao is known for its coral reefs, used for scuba diving. The beaches on the south side contain many popular diving spots. An unusual feature of Curaçao diving is that the sea floor drops steeply within a few hundred feet of the shore, and the reef can easily be reached without a boat. This drop-off is known as the "blue edge." Strong currents and lack of beaches make the rocky northern coast dangerous for swimming and diving, but experienced divers sometimes dive there from boats when conditions permit. The southern coast is very different and offers remarkably calm waters. The coastline of Curaçao features many bays and inlets, many of them suitable for mooring.

Dutch Architecture at its best.





CUR photos at its best

View Large View Medium Photo © Roger Cannegieter - Curacao Aviation Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © Roger Cannegieter - Curacao Aviation Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © Roger Cannegieter - Curacao Aviation Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © Roger Cannegieter - Curacao Aviation Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © Roger Cannegieter - Curacao Aviation Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © Roger Cannegieter - Curacao Aviation Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © Roger Cannegieter - Curacao Aviation Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © Daan Krans - AirTeamImages

View Large View Medium Photo © Roger Cannegieter - Curacao Aviation Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © David Wong

*************News Feed***********
Caribbean Tourism sees 3.3 percent increase in 2011 (28.3 million visitors)
GND still wrestles with financial woes from Taiwan. Airport still operational.
CAL's 9Y-TTC and 9Y-TTC ATR72-600s near their delivery dates to POS.
EZjet reports healthy loads for Dec. and Jan.
Redjet suspends all operations as of midnight Mar.17th, 2012
CAL shed 150 Jamaican employees as airport customer service is outsourced.
UP plans to break even in the future despite recent $US24m loss for 2009/2010
AZ looks at GCM service
Suriname Airways to start nonstop GEO-MIA service 3x weekly from April 3rd, 2012.
New Canadian-made ILS system installed and fully operational at GEO
CAL shoots down Tobago's request for extra US flights citing low current load factors.
Air Caraibes promises 100 free tickets for poor to travel.
EZjet said to be bleeding excessive cash daily; leaves pax stranded with no aircraft to operate schedule.
EZjet to use SY B738 alongside B763 during summer to expand operations from POS to NA.
CAL breaks record for no. of pax carried during Carnival period.
CAL to start nonstop POS-LGW 4x weekly with ex LAN 763s on June 24th.
Jet One Express CV-340 freighter crashes into lagoon near SJU after pilots experienced difficulties

Happy Postings as Always!

Thanks BW424 once again for the wonderful forum

"The Barbados-based airline REDjet announced late Friday it was suspending all flights from Saturday after ten months in the air in a bid to “protect the long term interests of the business”, the company said.
“REDjet has no alternative but to suspend flights from 23.59 p.m. on 16 March until further notice,” said a message posted on the airline’s website and emailed to the media.
But the airline said a further update would be given on Monday and said “all tickets for future travel will remain valid”."
http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=72637

After reading their press release the management of RD seem to be delusional in thinking the Government of Barbados should invest money in a private venture. Judging from the blogs it seems that most people knew RD business model was unsustainable, well its hard for the employees but at the end of that day competition was good while it lasted.

Well they lasted longer than I thought the government of Barbados probably might give them a concession with landing fees if anything.

So red jet is done and BW has successfully defended itself.....this will hopefully give BW some more momentum.

Sad to see Digicel's airline venture RedJet go bust.
Maybe someone else (with lots of aviation and local-ways knowledge) will attempt to start up an U2 like airline in the region one day.

my friend in TT just said that BW and LI are setin' fireworks at Piarco... So sad but we all could see that comin' guys... I just hope there'll be another Rd in the near future BUT WITH THE RIGHT PLANES and regional gov's willingness to help with authorizations etc...

Someone posted this on their page

"1. You say you are performing extremely well and are willing to continue but cannot. This is a confusing assembly of words and I would like that further explained. Either you are so successful you want to continue or you’re so successful that you are not interested in spending time in this region any longer and would like to explore other profitable avenues.

2. You claim passenger numbers have continued to increase with the carrier because they like a clean aircraft and affordable ticket prices, yet immediately after you say REDjet has no alternative but to suspend flights. Not adding up again. Please explain.

3. The carrier claims it does not receive assistance of any kind from the State unlike other airlines (which we know is CAL), but hopes it “will be given a small part” of the help others receive. Are you cash strapped or are you successful? Why "suspend" the service if you are successful - which you claim? The communication is just not adding up REDjet. Giving you opportunity to clear the air.

4. What’s the real issue here? Be square with us."

There are complaints from customers that the airline's phones are off and cannot get an email for their refund. What is more entailing is the way they did this, they shut down the airline a mare 5hrs before midnight.

Here was an undercapitalized company starting a business in a region notorious for airline bust. Put that together with it going up against a airline subsidized by taxpayers and $100 oil and you have all the ingredients for a failure. No amount of Digicel business success would have turned RD into a success.

Operating in the Caribbean on multi-short-sector routes will always be an expensive exercise, no matter how you approach it. If you are anything less than very efficient, the expense is eye-watering!
here are inescapable costs to operating aircraft. The cost per mile of operating aircraft increases at an alarming rate once you get below about 300 miles. That is why LIAT is doomed to be "high cost" operators, because they operate almost all their flights as a series of (expensive) short hops. The occasional longer sector cannot offset the accumulation of short sector costs.
On a really long haul it is possible to get down to a cost of under US$0.07 per passenger mile, but sectors under 200 miles go up to US$0.25 t0 $0.35 per mile. Tobago at about 50 and CAL looses money flying that route.

So have the aircraft been returned or are they all parked in BGI?

OK, moveing on..... some pics of my trip to Curaçao in 2009!  Dushi dushi dushi island! korsou pa me ta dushi!

or like the Makemba (local badword for dutch people) say ALTIJD GEZELLIG!

Quoting BW424 (Thread starter): UP plans to break even in the future despite recent $US24m loss for 2009/2010

I would really love to see them do that. I've heard them say that every year, yet they receive annual budgeted subsidies from the taxpayers. Maybe they are "banking" on the Vision airlines Wetlease for the FPO flights and their new addition to fleet in the fall of 2012. Time will tell.

Quoting 2travel2know2 (Reply 4): Sad to see Digicel's airline venture RedJet go bust.

I do hope they get a second chance.

Quoting 2travel2know2 (Reply 4): Maybe someone else (with lots of aviation and local-ways knowledge) will attempt to start up an U2 like airline in the region one day.

There is no real incentive to do so. It was truly sad to see how the Governments treated REDJet. They were right to complain about incentives LI and BW received but also remember several foreign carriers get incentives also.

My main beef with everything is why the governments in the Caribbean always talk about local people investing locally and create jobs to benefit the region but do everything to knock them down when they step to the plate but when some foreigner comes in and sets up something which is 100% foreign owned and send more money outside the region they go all out to help that entity even bending or breaking to rules to get it done.

Quoting beeweel15 (Reply 10): My main beef with everything is why the governments in the Caribbean always talk about local people investing locally and create jobs to benefit the region but do everything to knock them down when they step to the plate but when some foreigner comes in and sets up something which is 100% foreign owned and send more money outside the region they go all out to help that entity even bending or breaking to rules to get it done.

So true, similiar thing happened to Trinity Air Bahamas I believe. The other regional airlines in the Bahamas that are local owned seem to be having competition with UP on some routes and feel the playing field is not equal.

Quoting BW424 (Thread starter): AZ looks at GCM service

Any links to where this news is coming from????? Being what I thought was "in the know" here for GCM traffic, this is really interesting news for our island!


Sad to see Red Jet go, I wish that sometimes Governments would not be allowed to interfere with airlines and their competition, as it would make for some more interesting flights/airlines around!

This isnt the first time thought that BW have made the TT government work for them (yes I know their state owned!). I heard that DL was interested in flying to POS from ATL, and BW said that if that route was to be allowed, they would stop flying! I mean if they flew to ATL I could understand but when they dont, its crazy!

Quoting divemaster08 (Reply 12): This isnt the first time thought that BW have made the TT government work for them (yes I know their state owned!). I heard that DL was interested in flying to POS from ATL, and BW said that if that route was to be allowed, they would stop flying! I mean if they flew to ATL I could understand but when they dont, its crazy!

I don't know where you heard that, but it is definitively not true!
DL did fly between ATL and POS and even flew once a week from ATL to TAB after receiving an incentive from the TT government. But DL decided themselves that even with the incentive it was not profitable, so they stopped flyting to POS and TAB. Surprisingly their JFK-POS services were suspended as well.

It is very sad that Redjet has had to suspend their services, especially for the staff and passengers who got stranded. While it lasted, Redjet was great for customers in the Caribbean as they had more choices and there was more competion.

I do not agree however with anyone blaming the Barbados or TT government for the Redjet collapse. Redjet is a private company, whose management should have forseen what obstacles they would face. They seemed surprised that their competitors BW and LI lowered their prices on routes that they served... What did they expect?

IMHO what happened is that a father/son duo, who do not have any aviation experience, thought they could start up an airline in the Caribbean. They thought that they could by cheap MD-82 aircraft, not realizing that older aircraft use more fuel, have higher maintenance costs and can not be operate cost effectively on short inter island hops.

They hired a management team of Europeans who did not realize that the islands in the Caribbean are independent countries and that they would need to apply for permits to serve the other countries. That is why they could not start up their new routes as quickly as they were hoping.
I know the conditions to receive an AOC vary from country to country, but isn't it usually a requirement that airlines must provide proof that they have sufficient funds to operate for one year? With Redjet already collapsing after 8 months it seems to me that awarding an AOC to Redjet was a rushed decision under political pressure, rather than a dragging process as they claim.

BW985

CAL UNDER STRESS
Fails to hand over US$5m pledged to Children's Life FundOwes NP $29m
By Asha Javeed [email protected]

Story Created: Mar 17, 2012 at 10:51 PM ECT

Story Updated: Mar 18, 2012 at 1:07 AM ECT

National carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has not paid its promised US$5 million (TT$30 million) to the Prime Minister's pet project, the Children's Life Fund.

On November 30, 2011, CAL chairman George Nicholas presented a replica cheque to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the official launch of the Fund at the Hilton Trinidad.

Persad-Bissessar donates ten per cent of her salary, while her Cabinet colleagues donate five per cent, to the fund.

Persad-Bissessar had explained that CAL had raised the US$5 million by donating US$5 paid on every passenger flight ticket to the Children's Fund.

However, the Sunday Express understands that up to last week the payment to the fund was still outstanding.

Chairman of the Children's Life Fund, Varun Maharaj told the Sunday Express yesterday that while they haven't received the sum, he understands that CAL was making arrangements to make the payments.

He said he had the commitment of the chairman as well as line Minister Devant Maharaj.

Maharaj said Nicholas was committed to the Life Fund and had even offered to facilitate the travel of certain cases through CAL.

Even as CAL is yet to hand over the US$5 million cheque to the Life Fund, it is also owing fuel provider National Petroleum tens of millions of dollars.

CAL owes NP approximately $29 million for aviation fuel.

The Sunday Express understands that CAL usually enjoys a seven-day credit facility for fuel from NP.

However, CAL has been unable to pay the full amount when invoiced.

Instead, the Sunday Express understands the company issues partial payments to sustain the account.

"It's a standard arrangement with all our suppliers but NP is given first priority as a supplier," was all Alicia Cabrera, CAL's senior marketing manager would say yesterday.

Chairman Nicholas could not be immediately reached for comment yesterday.

He announced that the airline had made a $200 million profit last year.

The sum, the Sunday Express was told, has built up over the last six weeks as no payments have been made to the account despite an attractive fuel subsidy which the airline has enjoyed since it began operations in January 2007.

NP has declined to disclose information because CAL is a customer.

"We pay them a little at a time but you will appreciate that our operations require fuel on a constant basis. It's like an account that keeps going up. We might pay $5 million this week but purchase $10 million. The point is we are supposed to settle it in seven days but it's never done," a source familiar with CAL's operations said.

Transport Minister Maharaj confirmed yesterday that CAL was undergoing financial stress.

Maharaj told the Sunday Express he was aware that CAL had not paid the US$5 million to the Children's Life Fund and that it owed a considerable amount to NP.

He said last week officials from his ministry met with CAL's executives "to go through in detail various aspects of its budget".

Maharaj said the ministry was looking at it in two parts: CAL's domestic operations and the Air Jamaica operations.

"We are critically reviewing all expenditure in an attempt to rationalize expenditure to make the airline as profitable as possible," he told the Sunday Express.

He pointed out that critical aspects were a reduction in staff in Jamaica and the removal of food from Air Jamaica's economy seating.

Further, CAL was even looking at the feasibility of maintaining two brands which he said was costly in terms of marketing.

Given the collapse of REDjet and continued troubles at Liat, Maharaj said, CAL was committed to the serving the region.

"The government agrees that CAL should be run efficiently. So we have to see what efficiencies can be achieved without traumatising employees in any fashion," he said.

Up to May 2010, CAL paid a fixed price for fuel with the government picking up the slack if oil prices fluctuated. Post 2010, the government agreed to change the price of US$1.75 a gallon to US$1.50 a gallon. The subsidy was maintained by the government and was also extended to Air Jamaica after it was acquired in June 2011.

CAL's subsidised fuel cost the government $56.9 million up to August 2011.

Within the last year, CAL has consistently added new flights and introduced new routes to the region having the fuel advantage benefit compared to its regional competitors.

The high fuel prices caused the Barbados-based low fares airline REDjet to halt operations from Friday night.

CAL's mounting debt also comes at a time when the airline has been unable to pay for it's third and fourth turboprop aircraft which it commissioned from France's Aviones de Transport Regional (ATR).

In November, CAL received the first of nine ATRs, which are expected to replace the airline's aging Dash 8s.

CAL's intention with its ATR aircraft are to operate Air Jamaica to Havana, Montego Bay/Kingston shuttle service, Nassau to Grand Cayman and its current Dash-8 operations—the airbridge, Caracas, Barbados and Grenada.

The company was expected to take receipt of one ATR a month until it had acquired all nine and had trained pilots for the transition from the Dash8's to the newer aircraft.

CAL, the Sunday Express understands, had paid for the first ATR from its 2011 profits.

Each ATR cost approximately US$18.9 million and that financial responsibility is now with the Ministry of Finance.

But CAL hasn't been able to meet payments and as a result, was unable to take receipt of the two finished aircraft.

"There is a disconnect with how the company is spending money and how they should be spending money," said the source.

"Other less important expenses have been given priority."

In a condensed financial reports, which spanned 2008-October 2011, submitted to Minister Maharaj on October 5, CAL chief operating officer Robert Corbie had said CAL's 2011-2012 financial outlook depended on the current fuel facility being maintained, that approved financing will be received from the government for the financing of the ATR acquisition and aircraft acquisition approvals for implementation of new routes will be received as they were essential for the company.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/CAL_UNDER__STRESS-143075106.html

Quoting divemaster08 (Reply 12):

http://www.compasscayman.com/caycomp...talian-tourism-targeted-by-Cayman/

I posted this link on the last thread. It seems AZ wants to use KX as their connection to the Cayman Islands. Any news on new a/c for KX??

GUYAIR707

Redjet were supposed to resume tomorrow (Monday) provided they got the funds from the Government of Barbados.
Does anyone know what the situation is?
I doubt they got the funds so their guilt ploy failed.
Will they announce closure of all operations soon or will they continue to hang on to hope that the GoB will give them what they want.?

My girlfriend is mean't to fly them at the end of the month to Barbados...at the moment she's unable to access a refund and has no information whether they'll be back in the air by then. I suspect that's money down the toilet.

AA1818

Quoting aa1818 (Reply 16):

Don't know if this guy writing this letter is accurate but for what it's worth published in Stabroek News:


REDjet’s problems are grounded in its business model

By Stabroek staff | 3 Comments | Letters | Sunday, March 18, 2012


Dear Editor,

REDjet’s suspension of flights is unfortunate and perhaps disheartening given the history of airline failure to which Guyanese have been subject.

The problem, as often has been the case, lies in the government’s vulnerability to investment lures. Its naivety. Its credulity. Of course we would like REDjet to resume and to succeed, but the problems it has thrown on the screen as its reasons for suspension, are predictably grounded in the business model of its principal shareholders.

First, we need to make it clear that, according to “Travel Weekly”, the American industry newspaper, REDjet, owned 25% by Robbie and Ian Burns, up to filing in May 2010, really belonged to Allegiant Air, formerly WestJet and varied investors. Allegiant Air has a history of entering markets and pulling out within a year if the returns do not meet their expectations in spite of the high load factors that “low cost” ensures.

It suffices to read a media source like Wikipedia about Allegiant and the rubric “criticism of the business model.” The examples were given of three markets that Allegiant entered then exited within the year, in one case, despite subsidies or government support.

The Allegiant model is to attract customers with low fare advertising and then make the money as “ancillary” revenue (sale of food, beverage, excess baggage, preferred seating etc). As CEO Maurice Gallagher is quoted as saying, they still get US$110 from you for a trip for which the ticket is sold as US$75.

The Allegiant model starts with the MD 80 series aircraft we saw REDjet introduce in the Caribbean. It is likely that the company is still a major shareholder in REDjet. The suspension statement by REDjet says they are hopeful they would get the “state assistance” that some Caribbean national airlines enjoy. In short the taxpayer would be subsidising the low fares, while REDjet gets an edge on the competition by advertising its fifty cent flights.

There have been comments and even court cases involving low fare carriers in Europe. The low cost model works in most situations and SouthWest in the USA is a good example. But it usually translates into hidden revenue streams as often either the cities or governments or even airports grant some type of subsidy for the service and the costs passengers end up paying average out to a level that makes low fares in reality less “low” than appears at first sight. If the pull out of the market is followed by filing for bankruptcy, then a lot of the reservation money would be kept by the “failed” carrier and the shareholders end up much less hurt than one imagines.

One understands that the government wanted to take care of the travel needs of the Guyanese public and gave REDjet a chance. Perhaps the government decision makers lacked the industry knowledge to be able to see the hook in the lure. In any case, it is really doubtful that REDjet would resurrect.

As for EZjet, it is another model and as a charter company the risks are different. This is not an airline operation but a travel agency/tour operator operation. One Trinidad based tour operator bankrupted Primaris Airlines and failed its clients when costs outstripped advertised fares a few years ago. Universal was an airline that had other problems. To my mind the best solution to the Guyana airlift problem is the re-creation of the Guyana Airways structure with, private sector involvement, modern management and a better marketing plan than that which existed.

Yours faithfully,
Abu Bakr


GUYAIR707

Quoting GUYAIR707 (Reply 15): Quoting divemaster08 (Reply 12): http://www.compasscayman.com/caycomp...talian-tourism-targeted-by-Cayman/ I posted this link on the last thread. It seems AZ wants to use KX as their connection to the Cayman Islands. Any news on new a/c for KX??

Ah thanks for the link,

What i read from this is actually KX maybe trying to feed Italians from MIA down on KX from the Alitalia flight there.


In reference to new aircraft, next year is an election year here, and rumours on the "marl road" are 737-700s are on the cards!

I dont see tho how the airline can afford them, a mechanic and pilot were telling me that if they do get them, they would need to be certified for RNAV and that would cost the airline something ridiculous (i think he said some figure like 125,000 per aircraft per year!).

However, the sooner the better IMO.... the 300s are beginning to shot their age and have been going tech recently with some issues which causes delays, and its long delays!

Quoting divemaster08 (Reply 18):

I've jump seated a lot on those birds and also been around for a few techs. Gonna miss em but all the same a few 73Gs would do wonders what with the increase in fuel efficiency, payload and range....unfortunately also a noticeable increase in payments as well. I know for sure the guys up front would absolutely love to get their hands on some modern equipment.

-2263

Quoting LimaFoxTango (Reply 14):

I really hope that there is change in the current political system in POS very soon, the economy and people cannot take much more of the antics of the people in charge.

Quoting GUYAIR707 (Reply 17):

Interesting article, If we are to believe in it then we were correct from the beginning that their business model was unsustainable from the start.
Looking at their facebook page, some people believe that RD showed that a low cost airline can make it in the region lol.

Quoting aa1818 (Reply 16):

Well man sorry to here that one, but when RD pulled down 50% of their schedule I made sure to tell everyone that I know thinking of flying them to be very careful. Airlines make schedule adjustments all the time, its normal to revenue manage, however when they pulled down that many flights you know they were in trouble.

Quoting divemaster08 (Reply 18):

Quoting speedbird2263 (Reply 19):

Why not EJets? They may be better suited for KX, I know of potential baggage problems but with the EJets they can revenue manage much better, and cheaper to operate.

Quoting LimaFoxTango (Reply 14):

This is only a manifestation of the political turmoil that has hit CAL ever since this new GORTT entered office. The sad part is, many Trinis ignorant of the facts believe that this was CAL from since its inception. Until Trinidad and Tobago can collectively vote with its head rather than with its emotions, these failures will continue. It also sets a bad precedent when people are critical for no valid reason, of a BOD and top management that had a sound strategic direction for the the airline. When you politicize national interest, politics will always trump good sound business practices.

Quoting aa1818 (Reply 16): Redjet were supposed to resume tomorrow (Monday) provided they got the funds from the Government of Barbados.

I doubt that RD is going to get the funds from the GOB. They always championed their "no-government funding" attribute.

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 20): Why not EJets? They may be better suited for KX, I know of potential baggage problems but with the EJets they can revenue manage much better, and cheaper to operate.

E-Jets IMO are the way to go.

Fuel efficiency, smaller, more reliable.......

There is probably 3-4 months a year where the KX jets go out near 90% capacity. for the rest of the year, I think they company could do with operating smaller aircraft to have more seats sold during the year. It would help out them out with hopefully breaking even more on the flights. I think baggage will just have to be monitored more rigourously and not allow people to travel with 3+ bags! I know they have now started charging for 3rd bags.... so maybe that will help!

However with that possible savings, there will be a huge expense into converting everything over to E-jets.... .and again I dont think there is any money for that!


Interestingly the Airports Authority in Cayman have decided to upgrade the airport in Cayman Brac to allow international travel.
http://www.compasscayman.com/caycomp...national-flights-planned-for-Brac/

From my understanding, no schedule flights happen due to the security not being up to par for TSA to allow commercial flights to come from Cayman Brac direct to the USA.
I dont see many airlines serving this, but maybe one flight a week would be possible for the island. I see this more for KX again to do stops here onwards, eg. GCM-CBC-MIA/TPA, and then return the same way.

Quoting divemaster08 (Reply 22): There is probably 3-4 months a year where the KX jets go out near 90% capacity. for the rest of the year, I think they company could do with operating smaller aircraft to have more seats sold during the year. It would help out them out with hopefully breaking even more on the flights. I think baggage will just have to be monitored more rigourously and not allow people to travel with 3+ bags! I know they have now started charging for 3rd bags.... so maybe that will help!

one problem with this is that KX's core markets all require bag heavy...divers and VFR

So far I have not heard any press updates about RD so we will have see if they any further developments today. If RD was trying to get money out of the GOB their timing could not have been worst. Not only does the GOB not have the money to spend on RD, but politically such a move would be very unwise give what has been happening recently.

Quoting BW424 (Reply 21):

This really is not a political forum but I think one has to remember that voters all over the world tend to have short memories. The fact is that the current administration did a good job of tapping into the mood of the electorate during the last election. As has been shown in Jamaica and St Lucia and what will most likely be the case in Grenada and even Barbados... if after being the keys to government and you cannot perform you will be voted out. It is democracy at work and for that I think we have to be thankful.

Also one must remember that the PNM handling of the restructuring of BW was a novel approach when it comes to state owned airlines in the Caribbean. What is currently happening with BW now unfortunately is usually the norm.

Regards
BWIA 772

Nice topic on the thread starter BW424!!! Thank you for your kind words on my photography as well!!! I'm doing my best.

Just an update on the two new passenger loading bridges that are being installed as we speak, on March 31st from 09:00AM to 6:00PM the airport operator in Curacao will organize an open day for the public. Come and see the latest improvements to the airport infrastructure yourself: Go on an airport-tour in one of the new passenger buses, see the new looks inside the terminal building and walk through a brandnew passenger-boarding-bridge into one of the aircrafts on display. See a live presentation by the airport fire department or the fascinating customs dogs. Visit the exhibition hall to re-live the ALM-times or see what the future space travel at our airport is all about. For our little ones there is a kids’ corner, flight simulators and great raffle prices like “being a fire fighter for a day” or a visit to the control tower. And don’t forget to have a look at the displays of the over 30 booths of our airport partners, treat yourself to good food and drinks and enjoy this very special day with the whole family at our airport.

If anyone here is on the island on that day, check it out!!!

Cheers,

A388

Quoting LimaFoxTango (Reply 14):

As I mentioned before CAL does NOT have too much time to make its Jamaican operations work. Now we see that they are under review. This confirms what I said.

The good thing is with the demise of Redjet they will be able to take off some of the excess capacity that they put on to be competitive. I dont know that KIN needs 11x year round nor does GEO need as many flights as it currently gets.

We await to see what FlyJamaica does. Hopefully not too mnay passengers will be hurt when, within the next 12 months we get news similar to that of Redjet.

Ditto EZjet. Unless Delta pulls off that route dont see how JFK GEO can sustain 3 airlines, outside of peak periods.

Quoting BWIA 772 (Reply 24): This really is not a political forum but I think one has to remember that voters all over the world tend to have short memories. The fact is that the current administration did a good job of tapping into the mood of the electorate during the last election. As has been shown in Jamaica and St Lucia and what will most likely be the case in Grenada and even Barbados... if after being the keys to government and you cannot perform you will be voted out. It is democracy at work and for that I think we have to be thankful. Also one must remember that the PNM handling of the restructuring of BW was a novel approach when it comes to state owned airlines in the Caribbean. What is currently happening with BW now unfortunately is usually the norm.

I understand that this epidemic of short-term political memory exists everywhere. The same is somewhat happening at Thai. I'm not questioning the positive effectiveness of democracy; however, right is right, wrong is wrong. I'm extremely displeased with what has happened at CAL ever since this wave of intense political poisoning has hit it. Yes, democracy is to be advocated and practiced, but, IMO, the ideals of that right to vote have been severely erodedOne thing that has been much discussed in editorials is the maturity of the electorate and the need to draft legislation to stop the mass removal of state boards as it impedes state progression. But anyway, as you stated, this is not a political forum; but it must be noted that CAL and politics are now intricately intertwined which now cannot be avoided. I just feel strongly about the entire situation...that's all. Maybe next time around, a sensible GORTT could probably try and replicate what was done with AZ. Yes, the former GORTT got the best business minds in the country and region to lead the airline, but........it was still exposed to risk with change in PM or government that didn't have the same policy towards the entity......which has unfortunately happened.

Quoting A388 (Reply 25): Nice topic on the thread starter BW424!!! Thank you for your kind words on my photography as well!!! I'm doing my best.

My pleasure.....you've put the region on the map with those shots and your regular forum contributions

Great topic guys!

Quoting A388 (Reply 25): Just an update on the two new passenger loading bridges that are being installed as we speak, on March 31st from 09:00AM to 6:00PM the airport operator in Curacao will organize an open day for the public.

Thanks for the heads up   ... Was about to ask if you could post some pics of the two new loading bridges, but will try to check it out for myself on 31st March... How far are they anyway at this moment? They should be done one of these days...

Also another question, do you (A388) have any idea how the loads are on the weekly Air Berlin DUS-CUR-DUS flights? I'm very much looking forward to atleast a second weekly connection which would give travelers like me more options. I will fly AB in 2 months anyway, but just curious if a second connection would be justified...

Quoting BWIA 772 (Reply 24): So far I have not heard any press updates about RD so we will have see if they any further developments today. If RD was trying to get money out of the GOB their timing could not have been worst. Not only does the GOB not have the money to spend on RD, but politically such a move would be very unwise give what has been happening recently.

They had a press release stating that they are still looking for the GOB to step in to give them a subsidy, I don't know what kind of subsidy they want since I doubt that Barbados can give them a fuel guarantee. CAL gets one since T&T is an oil producing nation and its under the state transportation and essential company act.
Maybe they are looking at a guarantee but today the Minister of tourism said they will promote RD marketing wise, but are in no position to give them a subsidy of any kind.

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 29):

Honestly I fail to understand why RD feel that they are entitled to a subsidy, if they were state owned or homegrown(started by bajans) then maybe I could understand, but they aren't and like you said the GOB is in no position to give them any. Also I didn't think they would have lasted long offering those kind of fares, I mean how were they expecting to make a profit from these extremely low fares, giving the limited routes they flew and the type of aircraft they were flying? Did B6 and NK ever offer fares that low out of curiousity?

Quoting BW424 (Reply 27): My pleasure.....you've put the region on the map with those shots and your regular forum contributions

Thanks BW424, it is my pleasure too as you also say... 

Quoting kasimir (Reply 28): How far are they anyway at this moment? They should be done one of these days...

I don't know much more other than that the new loading bridges are being installed so I don't know if they are operational already. Seeing that no aircraft are using them yet I assume they are not operational yet.

Quoting kasimir (Reply 28): Also another question, do you (A388) have any idea how the loads are on the weekly Air Berlin DUS-CUR-DUS flights?

I wish I knew this so I can't help you with this.

A388

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 29):

Ian Burns just refuses to take responsibility for a failed business model and wants to blame his woes on subsidized airlines. He acquired planes before he had route rights.Tthe planes he acquired were unsuitable for intra E/Caribbean routes,. He realized too late that there are not sufficient viable routes out of BGI that could profitable use an MD83, if he couldnt get rights to the USA (the reason for the shift to intra E/Cbn routes). And of course the LCC model works in places with high traffic volumes, so that lerge numbers of people and high LFs could offset low yields. With its small populations and seasonal travel BGI and the nieghboring islands (and Guyana) were unilkely places for this to work. Especially with jet equipment.


Barbados has no money to give him. Reading the Bajan papers they seem to be having a spike in crime (gun crimes at that), have increased unemployment, many hotels in financial difficulty, and so have way more to think about than subsidizing a private compnay with a flawed business strategy.

Maybe next time Ian will be less arrogant and not assume that he knows more about Caribbean aviation than people who have spent a life time in this field.

Quoting A388 (Reply 31):

Thanks mate ... I will try to find out about the AB loads when I'm on the flight  

Quoting guyanam (Reply 32):

The papers give a skewed view on crime the police statistics indicate crime as a whole is down I do agree unemployment is high but the losses have stabalised. I passed the airport today all of RD aircraft are parked I assume they have to pay for these aircraft fparking ees or will they abandon the aircraft on the field? RD had no real chance even if they got flights to the USA AA and JB would have killed them and Canada is well covered by AC and WS it was just a flawed plan from inception.

Quoting guyanam (Reply 32):

Deep inside, I think Ian's real goal was to turn RD into an "Air Jamaica replacement" but he:

1- Failed to have it based in JM
2- Thinking that one day he'd get such a permission he got cheap planes able to fly into the US.
3- Failed to see how the caribbean market behaves...
4- After transfering it to BB was skeptical to believe such a strategy wouldn't work.


I think after receiving the NO from jamaica he should have tried to do a "LIAT's" clone with LLC model... with other acft ofcourse.

just my op.

Here yall go from my last trip to T&T
POS HD Copa Airlines 737-700 Take-Off First Class Clase Ejecutiva Port of Spain Trinidad Boeing
http://youtu.be/WvLRM-ash_4?hd=1

CAL has increased capacity for the Easter Periods
BW15/14 will be an Omni 757
BW526/527 will be 6w for 2wks
BW500/501 is operating but an Omni 763 3w

The latest on RD guys is that they are blaming CAL for all their problems, claiming that CAL is bringing their fares to their levels and subsidy is making CAL compete with them on an unfair level. Meanwhile pax are still stranded in POS and regionally with their 24hr waiting time.

Quoting guyanam (Reply 32):

Quoting baje427 (Reply 34):

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 35):

I don't know what to say at this time about the whole situation with RD but at the end of this I doubt that Government of Barbados will give them much support. That money can be used better in other places in social and economical reform.

Cayman Airways to launch services to PTY.

From the Department of Tourism (why they get the deciding view on where they fly is annoying!)

Regular service will begin to Panama on May 31st departing/returning on Thursdays & Mondays departing Grand Cayman at 11:00am and arriving into Panama at 1:00pm. Flights will depart Panama at 2:00pm arriving into Grand Cayman at 4:00pm.

The main problem i see here is that its outside of the CM flights... so longer layovers! Maybe they couldnt get the right slots for PTY


There is talks about Brazillian market also, but it mentions how brazillians love to shop! Why this should be a route for KX when there is no shopping really to be done here is madness!
Link to an article here
http://www.compasscayman.com/caycomp...ma-pow-wow-and-Dallas-discussions/

Talks about DFW which could be interesting..... thought it was to be launched also by now!

Regional News
Sandals proposes Bahamasair change
"SANDALS has been in discussions with Bahamasair over the airline adjusting its flight schedule into Exuma to facilitate more arrivals, a move which could translate into millions of additional dollars for the Exuma economy, according to the resort chain's chairman."
http://www.tribune242.com/business/0...02012_nm-sandals_business_pg2-Lead

Confusion over Vision Airlines and Bahamasair's involvement
"Recently it was announced that Bahamasair will be taking over the Vision Airlines route, with accompanying online assistance that would assist passengers better in being able to book flights.
This was viewed online by quite a number of readers and one sent an email to The Freeport News asking what does this mean for their flights which they have scheduled to make in the summer to Freeport as they normally do."
http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/43021201281157.php

Restructuring crucial for LIAT, says aviation consultant
"While the Antigua-based regional carrier LIAT may be positioning itself to benefit from the recent misfortunes of low-cost carrier REDjet, an aviation consultant strongly believes that a turn-around strategy is needed to prevent any further turbulence in the aviation industry.
Aviation consultant Alex Sani said the cash-strapped airline now stands at a point where it needs a strategy which is without job- or wage-cuts to ensure its survival.
“To survive the wind, LIAT would have to restructure itself, leaving no inventions untested and seizing all possible opportunities and this can only be achieved with consolidated efforts of the shareholders and a key business plan needs to be implemented now,” Sani said on The Big Issues yesterday."
http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=72692


US$138M airport expansion…Bigger terminal building, parking lots, longer runway
"International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, is expected to see longer runways, a two-storey terminal building, passenger loading bridges, more check-in counters and concession spaces.
The project, the construction of which is set to last for 32 months, will also allow for a larger apron to park planes and be fully equipped with close circuit television (CCTV), building automation system and several large screen TVs displaying flight information.
According to the CJIA contract, on November 11, 2011, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Limited of Beijing, China, inked the agreement for a Design and Build project to the tune of US$138M. The money is a loan from China’s Export/Import Bank."
http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/20...ilding-parking-lots-longer-runway/

Increased passenger arrivals and outward-bound cargo at St. Kitts’ Robert Bradshaw Airport in 2011
"The St. Christopher and Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) is reporting an increase in passenger arrivals and outbound cargo in 2011 at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport compared to the previous year.
According to figures obtained from SCASPA’s Statistics Department, 130,690 passengers arrived by air in 2011, compared to 127,512 in 2010, an increase of 3,178 passengers or 2.49 percent."
http://www.leewardstimes.com/index.p...2011&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 35): 1- Failed to have it based in JM 2- Thinking that one day he'd get such a permission he got cheap planes able to fly into the US. 3- Failed to see how the caribbean market behaves... 4- After transfering it to BB was skeptical to believe such a strategy wouldn't work.

He forgot the basic rule of making a million in the airline business....start with 100 million.

Quoting baje427 (Reply 34): RD had no real chance even if they got flights to the USA AA and JB would have killed them and Canada is well covered by AC and WS it was just a flawed plan from inception.

REDJet would never be able to get permission to fly to the U.S. because Barbados now is a FAA Category 2 country meaning that no locally registered aircraft are allowed to fly the U.S. after Barbados was downgraded. I think their aircraft have the Barbados prefix-registration. REDJet should have known this if they had plans to start U.S. operations since the start of their operation. I hope they will restart with turboprop aircraft because their livery isn't bad in my opinion. A Dash-8 or ATR in their colors wouldn't be that bad looking.

A388

Quoting divemaster08 (Reply 38): There is talks about Brazillian market also, but it mentions how brazillians love to shop! Why this should be a route for KX when there is no shopping really to be done here is madness!

I'm skeptical, cause for brazilians the Caymans somehow are a "sister" to the bahamas, and needless to say we KNOW both are expensive, so they wouldn't exchange PTY and MIA shop 3 pay 1 for GCM 's luxury resorts and malls that's a fact!

I do believe they'd get some beachcombers, divers, but not too many... I think KX has better chances in PTY with CM connecting traffic.

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 39): Aviation consultant Alex Sani said the cash-strapped airline now stands at a point where it needs a strategy which is without job- or wage-cuts to ensure its survival.

that makes sense, cause that's what TAM is doing, only in MAO tam fired more than 32 employees and hired others with lower salaries, up to 20% lower...

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 39): Timehri, is expected to see longer runways, a two-storey terminal building, passenger loading bridges, more check-in counters and concession spaces.

it's about time, GEO needs urgently an upgrade!

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 37):

Just last year Ian burns boasted that stodgy CAL and LIAT would be put in their place by Redjet as they are high cost carriers. The supports they receive are no different now than they were then, so why his cries now. Did he think that CAL would roll over and let RD put them out of business?

Its his fault that his arrogance led himj to believe that he could just express a dseire for route rights w/o properly aplaying for, ane ensuring that suchweree obtained, before incurring payroll and leasing expenses.

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 35):

You are very knowledgeable about Caribbean aviation, and the region in general.Is this unusual in Brazil. I will add that with Brazil emerging as a global super power strong ties are vital for the region's future.

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 39): US$138M airport expansion…Bigger terminal building, parking lots, longer runway

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 42): it's about time, GEO needs urgently an upgrade!

Yeah the traffic is increasing and arrivals are on the up. What they don't mention is that the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company, has been embroiled in controversy with corruption. In addition, with the change of power in the parliament in Guyana, the contracts made with the previous administration will be reviewed by the current parliament. Therefore, while I believe it is necessary, the expansion may not be a sure thing yet.

Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 30):

I don't believe they feel entitled, what they are thinking is the additional employment they create and increased arrivals that may turn into tourist dollars, the GOB may feel it is worth keeping them in the air. Kind of like the "too big to fail" scenario with GM in the US. Unfortunately, RD is no GM and the GOB may not be in a position to justify the spending on RD.

Quoting divemaster08 (Reply 38):

Looks like KX will need more a/c!! Any thoughts on expanding into the east/south caribbean? Like POS and BGI.

Quoting guyanam (Reply 26):

With all the cutbacks with BW's KIN ops, it seems ominous. Also no further mention on the KIN-LGW flights. Will BW require 2x763's to do the POS-LGW route? If so then there don't seem to be any plans for the KIN-LGW route. In addition, if we are to believe that article saying BW is under pressure financially does that mean they will be dropping the KIN ops? It seems that the first thing to be cut will be AJ and that side of their company.

It also seems that none of the initial ATR's are painted in AJ colours, which signals financial difficulty and/or a concentration of BW POS ops vs. KIN ops.

Either way things don't seem as cosy as it used to at BW.

GUYAIR707

Quoting guyanam (Reply 43): You are very knowledgeable about Caribbean aviation, and the region in general.Is this unusual in Brazil. I will add that with Brazil emerging as a global super power strong ties are vital for the region's future.

hehehe thanks man, well I love the caribbean and the warmth of its people, The caribbean was my first international destination when I was 6! and I've returned ever since when I have time and $$, PMV was my first island with Viasa from venezuela and RG used to conect northern brazilians to places like PMV AUA CUR BON ... nowadays we live on charters and now CM has somehow filled the gap...

So yeah I feel connected to the caribbean somehow, one day when I get retired maybe I'll buy a house in St Lucia 

and yeah Brazil can be a very strong nation in the future, IF the politicians get it right and IF the people re-educate itself.

Quoting GUYAIR707 (Reply 44):

Others will confirm or correct this, but it appears as if they dont have the $$ to fully purchase all the ATRs so might focus on routes with the best returns, i.e. BWs core routes and not its KIN ops. It looks like there is a hold on any expansion on the KIN until they decide what to do with it. While I am not optimistic about the long term success of FlyJ in the interim they might compress yields, and split the VFR market even further.

Pity because the KIN LGW looks a surer bet than the POS LGW, given VS dropping that route and POS not being an especially heavy route out of the UK...and with BA will entrenched. I dont know that with declining UK arrivals whether BGI will be assured of success,

A couple of things from my travels yesterday:

BW483 MIA>POS>GEO was the first flight (non tag on type) I have been on in ages that had loads of space on it. The load factor could not have been much more than 60%, maybe less (a few empty rows, many like mine with only 1 seat in 3 occupied, and even family groups were splitting up to take advantage of the space. Was this just a one time thing, or are the loads that light accross the board? Even for the time of year, I was surprised how empty it was for a flight that I have always found to be packed!


After changing flights in POS, I continued on to PBM (which also was fairly empty, but that is often the case for POS-PBM).
When I arrived, there was an Arke Fly 767 on the ground, which was also a surprise. From flight aware I figured out that SLM 994, so replaceing the A340 I presume. What's happened or happening with the SLM A340? Tech / Returned / Parked?

Is there any word on RD? It would be funny if they managed to acquire CAL retired Q300's

RedJet troubles, CAL's future

LAST WEEKEND's decision by Low Fare Airline (LFA) REDjet, to suspend all flights until further notice, has to serve as a "wake up" call for aviation in the region and has now placed the spotlight on State-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL).

For while loud guffaws echo through the corridors of Iere House at Piarco and the giggles around the water cooler persist in cheering a seeming victory over REDjet, there are many questions which need to be answered by the hierarchy of Caribbean Airlines.

Recent revelations in press reports indicate there are serious financial problems plaguing the national carrier, but which remain carefully guarded secrets.

Let's start with the ATRs. Business Day understands that the third ATR (TTC) has been ready for delivery for close to a month, but it has not yet arrived. The unconfirmed information is that CAL is unable to meet its financial obligations as far as that matter is concerned.

ATR # 4 (TTD) was last seen doing demonstration flights in a mid-west Canadian province for Canadian carrier West jet , which, it is understood, might be looking at purchasing like equipment. Information however is that the aircraft is now back in Toulouse, France ready for delivery, but not until certain financial obligations are met by CAL. It is also understood that CAL gave ATR permission to use the aircraft for the Canadian demonstrations.

http://newsday.co.tt/businessday/0,157309.html



CAL in $60m debt to Airports Authority

Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) owes some $60 million to the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT), Transport Minister Devant Maharaj has confirmed.

Maharaj said out of $154 million owed to the AATT by various concessionaires, $60 million was owed by CAL.

He said this debt accrued under the last administration.

"I have charged this board with trying to recover all the receivables that are owed to them", he said. The Minister also confirmed that now suspended regional carrier REDjet is one of the other airlines which also owe the AATT money.

CAL currently rents property from AATT.

Maharaj said there was some contention between the AATT and CAL over what was owed, the AATT had charged the former BWIA, 50 cents per square feet, but had raised this price under the new company, CAL to $3.50 per square feet.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/..._Airports_Authority-143755746.html

Say what you want about LIAT, at least they pay their bills.