More routes for REDjet

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Low cost carrier REDjet is preparing to launch more routes across the Caribbean.

Communications Executive Nyssa Pierre told The Daily OBSERVER the carrier is hoping to announce, this week, the additional countries to which it will be flying.

“We were hoping to have been plying the routes by now, but we are just awaiting the final permissions from the different aviation bodies. But we are ready to go,” Pierre said.

Pierre said the process of getting authorisation is not as “tedious” since the “cutting of the red-tape is a little faster” now that the airline has wet its feet and is considered a true player in the market.

The carrier has already adjusted its existing schedule, cancelling and rescheduling some flights to accommodate the new routes. Pierre dismissed suggestions that the “suspension” of some services was due to “financial constraints.”

“Unfortunately, there was a confidential internal document leaked and people began their own speculation and REDjet was not able to release the information as we liked. We are contacting all affected passengers, we have offered them re-accommodation on other REDjet services, offered refunds where necessary,” Pierre said.

While the upstart airline speaks of expanding routes, LIAT, which has serviced the Caribbean for more than 50 years, last week announced that it would be cutting back.

St Vincent & the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said the tough decision was necessary to ensure the survival of the airline that operates 110 scheduled flights daily.

Dr Gonsalves attributed the move to the global economic crisis, the price of fuel and competition on certain routes from other carriers, including REDjet.

Pierre said she can’t speak to what LIAT is doing, but noted that they are obviously in their own development stage in terms of figuring out what their next move is.

She said REDjet will continue to keep LIAT on the radar in terms of “seeing what it is doing.”

The communications executive reiterated that the low-cost carrier fully supports any initiative to help develop a regional framework for a level playing field for all carriers.

Pierre said REDjet is willing to meet with all regional parties to discuss the issue, as well any other initiatives towards the positive development of economically sustainable air travel in the Caribbean.

Source:  http://www.antiguaobserver.com