Greetings to all A.net patrons!


Welcome to the 103rd instalment of the Caribbean Aviation Thread. It's that time of the year again where extended families converge from all corners of the globe to celebrate Christmas and the industry that makes it all possible merrily gains its spike in yields. This 103rd thread may very well be the last thread of this current year. For 2012, the Caribbean Aviation Series has managed to produce 10 threads with an approximate cumulative total of just over 2,200 replies of vibrant aviation discussion. We average a new thread every 5.5 weeks.

Cheers to all contributors for making such a feat possible. We wish all airlines serving the region a very prosperous Christmas season.



******NEWS FEED******
LI rumored to be close to final deal with ATR for the new ATR-42-600 series
BW B763 (9Y-LHR) operating POS-JFK and POS-ANU killing 3 of the 4 souls on board
New LI CEO Capt Ian Brunton signals the imminent cutting of possibly 30% of LI route network
EZjet charter operation encounters financial turbulence; licenses to operate revoked
CAL to assist in moving holiday booked EZjet passengers
BW ATR (9Y-TTD) operating BW300 (POS-CCS) exterior engine panel comes off on takeoff
POS and TAB airports to undergo major infrastructural upgrades
Insel Air to codeshare with Surinam Airways
BW 738 experiences slight cabin depressurization while operating BW884 (PBM-POS).
BW's 5th and last ATR-72-600 series (9Y-TTE) delivered to POS base.
Jamaica secures direct flights from 4 different EU territories; first CARICOM territory expected to get 787 service
AA increases GND-MIA to 4x weekly with 738 equipment
B6 begins services to GCM, 3x weekly from JFK and 1x weekly from BOS
DAE begins daily CUR-PBM service with F100 (Nov. 19)
WS commences daily POS-YYZ service with B73G






MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

[Edited 2012-11-24 01:31:55]

[Edited 2012-11-24 01:40:59]

[Edited 2012-11-24 01:42:56]

Thanks for starting the new thread BW424!

Quoting BW424 (Thread starter): BW B763 (9Y-LHR) operating POS-JFK and POS-ANU killing 3 of the 4 souls on board

Think you mixed up something here, I suppose your referring to the FlyMontserrat crash?

Quoting BW424 (Thread starter): LI rumored to be close to final deal with ATR for the new ATR-42-600 series

Great! would love to hopefully see these in the future.

Quoting BW424 (Thread starter): WS commences daily POS-YYZ service with B73G

They also started service to ANU recently

Quoting BW424 (Thread starter): BW B763 (9Y-LHR) operating POS-JFK and POS-ANU killing 3 of the 4 souls on board

excuse me? what am I missing, just run to google and wikipedia and didn't find anything?

Dear Santa,

I want a few 777's and 787's, for CAL/JM Plus a few more Caribbean Carriers to take on the big guys from abroad and less government interference and more Caribbean entrepreneurs to make the aviation industry become one of the best in the world.

Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 1): Thanks for starting the new thread BW424!

Your most welcome

Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 1): Think you mixed up something here, I suppose your referring to the FlyMontserrat crash?

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 2): excuse me? what am I missing, just run to google and wikipedia and didn't find anything?

Yes, an unfortunate error. I have no clue as to how this happened as they were two separate headlines when I typed them. I've informed a forum moderator of the necessary amendments to be made and hopefully it is corrected in quick time. Sorry for any mini-heart attacks any of you guys may have experienced.

[Edited 2012-11-24 15:54:39]

and now my wish:

"Dear Santa, please keep the prices a little bit low in the caribbean! I know I know most of the airlines are goin' through bad times but LIAT wants almost 300 us for only A 30 MINUTES LEG, DIRECT WITH NO STOPS, this will burn all my plans to visit the eastern caribbean! hope to see some more seirous business there in 2013 aswel" thanks a lot!

Unruly passenger causes plane to land in Trinidad
"A disruptive passenger on aboard an American Airlines aircraft had to be restrained yesterday on a flight from Miami. Police said the Canadian national was subsequently charged for behaving in a disruptive manner while on aboard an aircraft in flight. Jacques Heroux is expected to appear in the Arima Magistrates’ Court tomorrow."
http://guardian.co.tt/news/2012-11-2...ssenger-causes-plane-land-trinidad

Guyana, China sign US$130M airport expansion deal
"The agreement will see the government receiving a concessional loan of US$130 million with the help of the Chinese government, to support the expansion project."
http://www.guyanatimesinternational.com/?cat=17

Suriname wants Air Berlin to fly to Paramaribo
"Confidence in the growing Suriname tourism industry by the private sector has created more interest in bringing reputable international airlines to Suriname.
This spurred the Association of Travelers (VVR) and the Socialist Party (SP) in the Netherlands, and the Association of Dutch Suriname to meet on Monday to plan a course of action to get Air Berlin to fly from Dusseldorf to Paramaribo. Air Berlin flies already to Curacao."

New Virgin fleet to serve region
"Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that its newest aircraft, the Airbus A330-300, will start servicing routes next year, in the Eastern Caribbean alongside the newly refitted Boeing 747-400 aircraft that the airline currently operates."
http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2012/11/.../new-virgin-fleet-to-serve-region/

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 6): New Virgin fleet to serve region "Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that its newest aircraft, the Airbus A330-300, will start servicing routes next year, in the Eastern Caribbean alongside the newly refitted Boeing 747-400 aircraft that the airline currently operates." http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2012/11/.../new-virgin-fleet-to-serve-region/

Was hoping this would happen at some point, Maybe I can finally get my first A330 flight with them, though was really hoping for a non stop from MAN-ANU. I guess we'll see.

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 6): Suriname wants Air Berlin to fly to Paramaribo "Confidence in the growing Suriname tourism industry by the private sector has created more interest in bringing reputable international airlines to Suriname.

If Suriname wants Air Berlin to fly to PBM, could it be because the surinamese believe fares between Germany and PBM may be cheaper than AMS-PBM?

Quoting 2travel2know2 (Reply 8):

Their fares are OK to AMS but still I don't see why they would want AB there (KLM and PY and now one more isn't it overkill?), one thing I know, it may sound strange BUT there are almost more surinamese in Holland (living close to the border with Germany) than there are in Suriname! this is because in the 70's the dictatorship decided to break free from Holland and people were desperate to flee, the ones who studied in Holland will never forget the short movies showing people crying, doing tantrum scenes at PBM and KLM even sent extras 747's to cater...

Yes, thanks for starting the thread BW424!!! I'll start off with my latest photos in the database:

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 © 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

Cheers,

A388

Guys,

I need your help, is there a reliable website that posts passenger numbers handled at airports in the Caribbean? It will be nice if we can compare airports in our region with each other.

A388

Quoting A388 (Reply 11): Guys, I need your help, is there a reliable website that posts passenger numbers handled at airports in the Caribbean? It will be nice if we can compare airports in our region with each other.

you looking for a miracle there buddy......I can send you BZE if that helps.

Quoting yellowtail (Reply 12): you looking for a miracle there buddy......I can send you BZE if that helps.

Thanks Yellowtail but I'm looking for passenger numbers on the Caribbean islands themselves.

Cheers,

A388

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 5):

Did you check to see how much of that fare LI will actually receive. Taxes for travel within the Caribbean do great damage to airfares and discourage intra regional travel.

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 2):

Yes this had me wondering if one of teh 767s had crashed. Not excatly reassuring given the massive delays in introducing these planes (been sun batheing since Aug/Sept) and the fact that the LGW run is over water for a lenghthy period.

Quoting BW424 (Reply 4): Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

I would love non-stop SFO-MBJ service. No need for a 777 -- a 767 with International First Class seats will do.  

(And, yes, I'm aware that there isn't a market for this... or it would already exist, right?)

Quoting LimaNiner (Reply 15): I would love non-stop SFO-MBJ service. No need for a 777 -- a 767 with International First Class seats will do. (And, yes, I'm aware that there isn't a market for this... or it would already exist, right?)

SFO-MBJ and LAX-MBJ could well be fine as UA weekend only, December-April routes.
May even be flown with B737.

Well guys, BW's Dash 8s have been retired. I believe the last DHC-8 flight was operated on Sunday gone (9Y-WIZ). Farewell to these great island hopping machines!

[Edited 2012-11-26 15:33:03]

[Edited 2012-11-26 15:34:30]

Guys, disregard my last post concerning the last BW DHC8 flight. That is incorrect.

Quoting guyanam (Reply 14): Did you check to see how much of that fare LI will actually receive. Taxes for travel within the Caribbean do great damage to airfares and discourage intra regional travel.

Yeah   too bad, now I know why the CEO wants to cut the "uneconomic" routes!

Any ideas when the 767s will fully replace Omni to LGW and on the GEO JFK?

Quoting guyanam (Reply 20): Any ideas when the 767s will fully replace Omni to LGW and on the GEO JFK?

From this week 9Y-LHR will be flying to YYZ and then start the GEO-YYZ-GEO flight. 9Y-LGW is still undergoing certification process, not sure if its serviceable yet.
For the time being CAL wll use Omni to NYC and LGW will not be services until the airline gets ETOPS back.

Quoting A388 (Reply 11): I need your help, is there a reliable website that posts passenger numbers handled at airports in the Caribbean? It will be nice if we can compare airports in our region with each other.

That will be a Christmas miracle right there, most we can get is yearly pax stats from the various airport authorities in the region.

Quoting 2travel2know2 (Reply 8): If Suriname wants Air Berlin to fly to PBM, could it be because the surinamese believe fares between Germany and PBM may be cheaper than AMS-PBM?

I doubt that very much, may be they want to attract a new market for tourism?

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 21): From this week 9Y-LHR will be flying to YYZ and then start the GEO-YYZ-GEO flight. 9Y-LGW is still undergoing certification process, not sure if its serviceable yet. For the time being CAL wll use Omni to NYC and LGW will not be services until the airline gets ETOPS back.

The way in which BW is using its 763s baffles me. They have been flying sporadically. I assume this is due to LGW not being operational. This must be costing the airline some good $, especially the LGW route.



BW's frequencies for the winter to North America.

Total of 48x weekly flights into NYC.

POS-JFK - 19x weekly (B738/B763)
KIN-JFK - 19x weekly (B738)
KIN-MBJ-JFK - 3x weekly (B738)
POS-GND-JFK - 3x weekly (B738)
POS-TAB-JFK - 1x weekly (B738)
POS-GEO-JFK - 3x weekly (B763)

Total of 35x weekly flights into South Florida

POS-MIA - 7x weekly (B738)
POS-FLL - 7x weekly (B738)
KIN-FLL - 21x weekly (B738)

Total of 25x weekly flights into YYZ

POS-YYZ - 14x weekly (B738/B763)
POS-GND-YYZ - 2x weekly (B738)
POS-GEO-YYZ - 2x weekly (B763)
KIN-YYZ - 7x weekly (B738)

Quoting BW424 (Reply 22): The way in which BW is using its 763s baffles me.

Totally agreed, it baffles me too. Why isn't Caribbean Airlines making full use of their 76W's?

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 21): That will be a Christmas miracle right there, most we can get is yearly pax stats from the various airport authorities in the region.

I'm beginning to see that now. Do you have the link to those airport authorities who have these stats available on-line?

A388

Quoting A388 (Reply 23): Totally agreed, it baffles me too. Why isn't Caribbean Airlines making full use of their 76W's?

The main reason as of late has been the lack of foreign instructor pilots availability. Training has resumed as of yesterday and hopefully should be ongoing over the next few months. Expect more frequent YYZ and JFK flights from next week.

talking about YYZ, price "war" between CAL and Westjet has started, CAL flooding facebook with 184 USD one way fare with all taxes included!

Rumors: CM cargo manager says there are rumors in PTY about Tiara Air Aruba starting flights to GRU? is it any wonder?

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 25): Rumors: CM cargo manager says there are rumors in PTY about Tiara Air Aruba starting flights to GRU? is it any wonder?

If G3 or JJ can't get Brazilians to AUA non-stop from GRU, let an Aruban airline do it.. Wonder what kind of GRU slots a possible AUA-GRU-AUA service will get.

Quoting 2travel2know2 (Reply 26):

The relationship between "modern" brazilian airlines and the caribbean is skeptical! I say that because RG and Vasp used to cater for the islands and used make money on them!

G3 on the other hand left SXM eventhough flights had good loads, at this moment G3 is going through hard financial crises, they just closed webjet a "lower cost" subsidiary of theirs and are being investigated by the national aviation agency! (more than 800 people lost their jobs) so I don't know if their old plan of installing flights to MCO and MIA via SDQ are going to! today my immigration friends told me they sent 1 empty plane with crew to the USA, so let's see what they'll have in mind!

JJ only made a few charter flights to some caribbean islands yeeeears ago, somehow it seems they don't see profit on these flights!

The old "Air Aruba" had GRU, but I was waaay too small to learn any facts! and Tiara air is wanting to grow now that they have a 737, they're are also announcing SXM and other cities in VEN and COL!

Well some good news CAL's 9Y-LGW is expected to fly for the first time on commercial service to JFK on Wednesday. CAL will wet lease a Atlas Air 767 from today till January 6th and then Omni 762 to YYZ on the 18th. This will give CAL pilots time to train on the 763, this is a costly exercise.

LIAT makes a down payment on its new Aircraft
"The shareholder governments of regional air carrier LIAT have made the first down payment on six new 50-seat planes, according to St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves."
http://www.caribjournal.com/2012/11/...payment-on-six-new-50-seat-planes/

Ok we all know its ATR42 that LIAT is doing for, however, why this big mystery on the exact type?

JetBlue Airways begins new service to Grand Cayman
"JetBlue Airways Corporation, a passenger airline, has started a new service to its newest Caribbean destination, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, to Owen Roberts International Airport, GCM."
http://www.equities.com/news/headlin...12-12-03&val=781170&cat=industrial

Dominica prime minister defends LIAT investment
"Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has defended the decision of his administration to become a shareholder in the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT, saying the airline is an important contributor to Dominica’s tourism industry."

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/index.ph...ica_news/638696.html#ixzz2E2ArEPqF

Guys I'm sadened to learn that Air Caraibes no longer flies to Brazil? can someone confirm that? on their page BEL is no longer bookable? so that's thw why PY is going to start CAY BEL ?

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 28): LIAT makes a down payment on its new Aircraft

It was about time!

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 28): Dominica prime minister defends LIAT investment

He's at moment, right!

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 29):

They got rid of their embraer jets so had to stop flying to Cayenne. Thats why PY resumed service to BEL from CAY.


DOM has no choice. When Eagle drops them LI will be the only airline service. They have been suitably rewarded. LI has sharply cut back service to GND,SLU and SKB as punishment. DOM gets a 3rd daily nonstop to BGI. There is no way that some one can convince me that there is as much BGI DOM travel as there is BGI SLU travel.

Quoting guyanam (Reply 30): They got rid of their embraer jets so had to stop flying to Cayenne. Thats why PY resumed service to BEL from CAY.

ohhh I didn't know that! anyways "bonne chance" to PY!!!!  

Its been a long time coming but finally,
Caribbean Airlines accorded flag carrier status
"It was a doubly sweet experience for Caribbean Airlines on Tuesday when its new Boeing 767 jet touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for its inaugural flight to Toronto, Canada, and Transport Minister Robeson Benn announced that the airline was now the national flag carrier."
http://www.guyanatimesgy.com/?p=8338

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 32):

Took their own sweet time, but I am happy, it makes much sense.

GUYAIR707

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 32):

Do you see any new GEO non stop routes, maybe GEO-BGI, GEO-ANU, GEO-MIA, GEO-PBM, and possibly GEO-KIN to compete with FlyJamaica?

GUYAIR707

Quoting GUYAIR707 (Reply 34):

Well they already fly GEO-BGI nonstop, but I believe the loads are too low for ANU, PBM and KIN to make those flights nonstop. CAL barely flies to ANU as is from POS. I won't worry too much with FlyJamaica they will go the same road as EZjet, Redjet, CaribStar, Air Caribbean and others within 2 years.

Quoting caribbean484 (Reply 35):

Most people traveling between GUY and SUR do so overland as there is a ferry service over the Corentyne. So air travel is low. In addition there is also light plane service direct from Ogle to an airport in Pbo so mnay business people will prefer that option.

I agree that Fly Jam is just another EZjet. As patriotic as Jcans are they arent going to risk using an airline which was supposed to have started one year ago, but seems to be encountering difficulties. Think that ship sailed a year ago. Folks are now reconciled to no Jcan airline and will chose which ever carrier suits their purposes. Not being loyal to any of them.

[Edited 2012-12-06 11:45:04]

Quoting mah4546 (Reply 37): If. While the ATRs are leaving, AA is in active discussions with other airlines to begin a new American Eagle operation out of San Juan. Hence, flights past the 31-March-2013 closure can still be booked.

I agree with guynam here. Not a matter of if, but when.

Quoting mah4546 (Reply 37): Also, the new runway extension allows non-stops to Miami on weight-restricted CRJ-700s or 738s, IIRC.

DOM is not that large of a market to warrant any airline to operate jet service to/from the US. It's one of those markets AA can afford to loose, just like FDF and PTP. While a plus for LI, it certainly isn't the golden nugget.

Seaborne Airlines has announced intentions to acquire Saab 340's. Let's see how far they go with them.

Quoting mah4546 (Reply 39):

The fact of the matter is that MIA and SXM have replaced SJU as a shopping destination. And with limited AA feed thru SJU from cities other than JFK and MIA, SJU is no longer a viable AA hub as most islands already enjoy nonstop service from those cities.

So I do not know why there is so much arm wringing and knashing of teeth with the end of Direct AEagle service thru SJU. Its no longer important, except for DOM, FDF and PTP and they are too small to matter.

Seaborne has already announced major increases in its SJU EIS route and new larger planes (the Saabs). Its pretty much assured that they are the one being chosen.

Cape's small planes remove them as an option, and they have reportedly claimed to have no interest in getting bigger aircraft.

I can imagine that AA is most concerned about its SJU/USVI/BVI routes as these are where most of the activity is. So they will need a compnay with a base in either PR or the USVI.

Maybe Winar resumes DOM SXM service to handle intransits from the USA, who might find ANU inconvenient as its service options are really limited to only NYC/MIA (ATL, and CLT are only 1X/week).

LI will be happy, as will ANU and BGI, which will replace SJU as a hub for passengers flying between the USA and DOM. Dominicans have already begun to weep at the prospect of having no choice other than LI.

ANU and SKB will be served by more LI service as LI seems to have an obsession with building its SJU route. EIS will not provide a market to support SJU due to intense competition from Cape and Seaborne, plus LI has a bad rep in the BVI.

Obviously BGI,GND, POS, and SLU no longer have significant traffric to SJU as LI's SJU flights arent exactly overbooked.

Probably Air Antilles Express might start a SJU PTP route as w/o it neither PTP nor FDF will have same day service from any part of the USA, aside from MIA, as the AF flight leave too early for connections.

EZjet says via their Facebook page that they want to restart using Icelandair.

GUYAIR707

Quoting GUYAIR707 (Reply 41): EZjet says via their Facebook page that they want to restart using Icelandair.

they should drop the towel, their brand was too hurt with the recent scandals! I doubt people will book with them from now on!

Quoting GUYAIR707 (Reply 41): EZjet says via their Facebook page that they want to restart using Icelandair.

Quoting andrefranca (Reply 42): EZjet says via their Facebook page that they want to restart using Icelandair.

Lol these people are just first grade jokers in aviation. I just saw their online petition and basically they blamed CAL for all their problems, saying that CAL matched them tit for tat, using their fuel subsidy with the GEO government aiding and abetting. Then they claimed they had 60% of the market-share by the end of October ( one load of bullocks) and fares were dropped from 600 to 332 and increase market by 9% lol.
So what we have here is a company that blames everyone under the sun for their problems and they take no personal responsibility!! So basically everyone screwed them over and they are the victims in all of this.

They are clearly out of their league and I highly doubt that DOT would grant them any license until their current situation is resolved with their contractors. More so, given the recent fiasco with persons not getting their refunds on November 30th as promised, and a post dated check of December 17th, their entire operational credibility is in shambles.

With the problem they caused no credible Government should grant them an operating license until they show exactly where their finances are coming from, and an exit strategy in case of ceasing operations.

Shouldn't GEO get serious and if no Guyanese can provide reliable international air-links (with USA/Canada) see what AA, DL, NK or WS can do for GEO?

If AA isn't interested in MIA-GEO or if Guyana's making harder for AA to fly that route, then as odd as it might seem for DL, FLL-GEO a couple of times per week may be good, specially since DL already has experience w/GEO, DL should only have to worry to ask for a new route to GEO.
While I can't see GEO as a NK destination, after how NK failed in POS, who knows.
WS B737 may have the range for YYZ-GEO non-stop and if WS wants to make GEO a more budget operation, YHM-GEO may even be OK for GEO O/D.

Quoting 2travel2know2 (Reply 44):

BW provides very adequate, and more recent reliable service, GEO-POS, BGI, JFK, YYZ, MIA, etc., for many decades now. In addition, DL has been on JFK since 2008. A third player would bring prices down, but I am not sure that the market can sustain 3 carriers long term. I do believe other than the peak periods, Christmas and Summer, the market is catered for.

The only option for a Guyanese airline would be GOG partially or totally owned, otherwise the owner would have to have very deep pockets and some loyalty to that route, as the returns will be slow. Since BW is established on the route I am skeptical on a newcomer making it, in addition the route is a bit seasonal, especially YYZ, although it is growing.

Any kind of idea for a hub would have to be some partnership with BW or a local carrier and would take lots of money to build, what with Copa already established and BW getting there, where would GEO stand?

GUYAIR707

Long-haul, low-cost comes to the Caribbean

XL Airways France is starting service to the islands of Martinique (Tue, Thu, Sun) and Guadeloupe (Mon, Wed, Sat). Flights are from CDG and begin the 15 December, on their new A330-300 configured in a single-class layout with 408 seats.

Prices start at 399€ return, a 30% reduction on normal prices. Air France dominates this market with two flights a day to each island but only one from CDG. Air Caraibes and Corsair who have a code sharing agreement, operate a total of 19 flights to Martinique and 20 to Guadeloupe, all from Orly. The new player brings to four the number of companies on these routes; at a time when traffic growth slows to the French West Indies and with all companies operating on this route reporting losses in the past financial year.

more info at http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-...taille-aerienne-des-antilles-.html

LIAT Unveils New Business Plan

The company has lost EC$92.7 million (US$ 26.5 million) in the past five years but with the new plan, the airline expects to realize a “modest” positive net profit margin of just over 2 percent by the end of next year and another 9 percent (or EC$40 million) annually in years to come.

The first part of that plan is the anticipated fleet renewal operation - new 50-seat and larger Turbo-Prop aircraft to service both the existing core markets and an expanding market base that will include countries like Haiti, Panama, Jamaica, Aruba and Punta Cana.

Two dedicated freighters of the same type as the new fleet.

Executive restructuring - reduction from 13 to six.

Cutbacks in under-performing routes in order to increase the overall load factors to an average of 75 percent.

Partnering other regional commuter carriers, on a we sell you fly basis

The creation of its own Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which could provide service to the nearly 200 ATR turbo-props in the region.

Plan to be financed by 20 percent equity contribution from major shareholders, EC$787.6 million (US$29.1 million). The remaining funding will come through a long-term commercial loan.

Read more: http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/bu...w-business-plan.html#ixzz2EWXkkTO8

Quoting JM02 (Reply 46): The first part of that plan is the anticipated fleet renewal operation - new 50-seat and larger Turbo-Prop aircraft to service both the existing core markets and an expanding market base that will include countries like Haiti, Panama, Jamaica, Aruba and Punta Cana.

Something like KIN-PTY or maybe KIN-AUA may not work with 50-seat turbo-prop. PUJ is a purely leisure market, however if airlinks between Dominican Republic and Eastern Caribbean are bad, any non-business traffic may use a PUJ service.

Quote: The creation of its own Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which could provide service to the nearly 200 ATR turbo-props in the region.

Excellent idea. Can't imagine why BW or PY hasn't thought of that yet.
Due to serving others air-crafts and only its own, an airline own MRO unit by itself may be profitable in-spite of that airline flights operational losses.

Quoting 2travel2know2 (Reply 47): PUJ is a purely leisure market, however if airlinks between Dominican Republic and Eastern Caribbean are bad, any non-business traffic may use a PUJ service.

I don't think PUJ is a viable option for LI. BA already flies their 777 twice a week ANU-PUJ-ANU (coming from LGW) with full traffic rights, and LI flies three times a week ANU-SDQ-ANU. BA prices, service and luggage allowance are considerably better than LI, and hence they pick up quite a bit of the VFR traffic.

Quoting ahlfors (Reply 48): BA already flies their 777 twice a week ANU-PUJ-ANU (coming from LGW) with full traffic rights

Thats funny because, last year I asked one of the check in guys in ANU if that flight was bookable separate and they told me no! But I Just confirmed what you just said on BA's website, Interesting...