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PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Wednesday July 7, 2010 – Almost three years after being removed from a list of carriers that have been banned in the European Union, Suriname’s Blue Wing Airlines is back on because of safety concerns.
The airline, which began operations in 2002, was among carriers blacklisted because specific safety rules were not fulfilled and there was no adequate reaction on a query regarding safety issues. However, the carrier was removed in late 2007.
But in its updated list, published yesterday, the European Commission (EC) said Blue Wing Airlines had been put back following “a series of accidents…and serious deficiencies revealed during ramp inspections of its aircraft”.
Two months ago, an Antonov An-28 operated by Blue Wing Airlines crashed about three miles north-east of Poketi, Suriname. The two pilots and six passengers died. In October last year, the same model plane was involved in an accident on a runway and was substantially damaged. Four people were injured in that incident.
But the most serious accident on record was in April 2008 when 19 passengers and two crew members were killed after one of the Antonov An-28 planes crashed upon landing at the Lawa Antino Airport in southeastern Suriname.
“We cannot afford to compromise on air safety. Where we have evidence that air carriers are not performing safe operations, or where regulators fail in their obligation to enforce safety standards, we must act to guarantee safe skies for our citizens when they travel,” said EC Vice-President Siim Kallas as the revised list of blacklisted countries was released.
While Blue Wing does not fly to Europe, it does go to French Guiana which is an overseas region of France, an EU member state.
Early last month, the United States embassy in Suriname said that its staff had been banned from travelling with Blue Wing due to safety concerns.
A few days later, the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulficar Mohammed, told the Stabroek newspaper that the airline’s safety clearance was up to standard and was continually monitored.
The EU list of 278 banned airlines is made up mostly of carriers from Africa and Asia. This latest update is the 14th revision since the list was first released in 2006.
Dollar destinations are proving popular with holidaymakers despite poor exchange rates, ash cloud problems and airline strikes, a travel trends report has shown.
Caribbean hotspots and American cities are among the fastest-growing long-haul destinations this year, the report from holiday company Hayes & Jarvis found.
Bookings to the Caribbean were up 130% in May and June 2010, with Antigua and Barbados the fastest-growing destinations.
Air Jamaica’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bruce Nobles has assured Jamaicans living in Canada that it is business as usual at Air Jamaica, since the take-over by Caribbean Airlines on May 1.
“Air Jamaica is still here. The little piece of Jamaica that flies still flies. It is still the best deal in town, still the best Lovebird hospitality and still the most flights to Jamaica,” he said. The president was giving an update on Air Jamaica on June 3 in Toronto, Canada. He was joined by the CEO of Caribbean Airlines, Captain Ian Brunton and officials from both airlines.
Nobles said that the Transition Services Agreement signed between Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines on May 1 would see Air Jamaica operating exactly the same during a six to 12-month transition period.
He said during this transition period, the two airlines would work closely to develop a combined airline taking the strengths of Air Jamaica and the strengths of Caribbean Airlines and creating “one larger, stronger, better capitalized regional airline that can provide the kind of product that travelers to and from Jamaica and the Caribbean region can benefit.”
Nobles said that Caribbean Airlines has assumed full financial responsibility for Air Jamaica; the Government of Jamaica has a 16 per cent ownership in Caribbean Airlines; and Caribbean Airlines has retained approximately 1,000 employees from Air Jamaica.
He explained that because of the economic losses that Air Jamaica had suffered over the years, it was imperative to divest the airline.
As of July 1, Air Jamaica will increase its services, including an additional daily flight to Toronto. Two free checked bags will also be allowed in economy class and three free checked bags in executive class, plus discounts for seniors and accompanied minors.
The information session was attended by executives from Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica, including Chief of Sales, Will Rogers; Regional Manager for the Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandra Scott; President of the Jamaican Diaspora Canada Foundation (JDCF), Sharon Folkes-Abrahams; travel agents and representatives from Jamaican community organizations.
ARC reported May airline sales far outpacing the rate of increase of airline transactions. ARC sales were up 25 percent year over year to just over $7 billion and up 21.63 percent year to date to $34 billion.
In comparison, total transactions were up 4.9 percent to 12.78 million year over year and up 9.18 percent to 65 million year to date. Domestic fares were up 22 percent year over year and 18.5 percent year to date. Domestic transactions were up 2.9 percent year over year and 8 percent year to date.
International fares were up 32.5 percent to $2.9 billion year over year and 27.3 percent to $13.9 billion year to date. International transactions were up 10.2 percent to 3.6 mill year over year and up 12.2 percent year to date to 18.6 million. Total fares were up 27 percent to $6 billion year over year and up 22.6 percent to $28 billion year to date. ARC reported 15,457 retail locations, he same as in April.
American Eagle is launching service to several new destinations. It has begun daily nonstop jet service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Fayetteville Municipal Airport (FAY) in Fayetteville, N.C. Eagle will operate the service with 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jets.
It has also begun nonstop daily service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) in Augusta, Ga. Eagle will operate the service with 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 jets.
American Eagle has also begun daily service between Chicago-O’Hare and Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in Allentown, Pa., as well as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) in Avoca, Pa. Eagle will operate the new service with 44- and 50-seat Embraer jets.
The airline also has begun a new flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to San Salvador on Mondays and Wednesdays. American currently offers two daily nonstop flights to El Salvador from Miami International Airport (MIA). There is also one daily flight to El Salvador from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company, said Monday all aviation stakeholders must work together to ensure the health of the industry. Pelton made the remarks at the monthly luncheon meeting of the Aero Club of Washington D.C.
He said the negative rhetoric around the general aviation industry has died down thanks to the combined efforts of the GA stakeholders. “This cooperation we’ve experienced in general aviation must span all areas of aviation,” he said, “and the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee launched by DOT Secretary La Hood is an excellent start.” Pelton represents general aviation on the committee.
In his remarks, Pelton sited three key issues that will most impact the aviation industry: the pilot population, environmental concerns and the Next Generation Air Transportation System.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration expects the number of student pilots nationwide to fall to a 10-year low of about 69,000 next year. That will equate to a nearly 30 percent decrease during the first decade of the 21st century.
“This is a problem for all of us in aviation, and all of us should be part of the solution,” Pelton told the group of aviation industry leaders. “Fewer pilots equate to less business for all of us, and it threatens the strong, sustainable aviation system our nation counts on.”
“Gone are the days when the military was producing all the pilots the airlines could absorb, or when a broader GI Bill funded expansive flight training for veterans returning to civilian life,” he said. “We need legislation that fosters and stimulates our industry,” he added.
On the environment, Pelton said aviation has established an outstanding track record in reducing its environmental impact. “The market demands efficiency. And with greater fuel efficiency comes reduced emissions. Still, we recognize there is much more we must do,” he said.
“The philosophy of the Lindbergh Foundation has it right – we must pursue policies and practices that balance progress and technology with environmental sensitivity,” he said.
Pelton said the same considerations need to be made as the government revamps the national airspace and develops the next generation air traffic management system, commonly called NextGen, although he is encouraged by the level of cooperation between industry and government in early stages.
“It’s encouraging to see this type of cooperation and I hope it will continue as we look to deploy components of the NextGen program,” said Pelton. “That is the only way to truly ensure the safety, efficiency, and economic and environmental benefits we are all counting on from NextGen.”
The Aero Club of Washington, founded in 1909, is dedicated to building public awareness of aviation and aerospace issues.
The full text of Pelton’s speech can be found by clicking here.
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Cessna is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales, with five major lines of business: Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine turboprops, Cessna single-engine piston aircraft, aftermarket services and lift solutions by CitationAir. In 2009, Cessna delivered 754 aircraft, including 289 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $3.3 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, more than 192,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered around the world, including more than 6,000 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: [a] changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; [b] the interruption of production at our facilities or at our suppliers’ facilities; [c] the timing of new product launches and certifications of new aircraft products; [d] the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which our products are sold or supplied; [e] changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; [f] the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; [g] changes in national or international government policies on the export and import of commercial products; [h] bankruptcy or other financial or performance problems at major suppliers or subcontractors that could cause disruptions in our supply chain; [i] continued difficult conditions in the financial markets resulting in adverse impacts to our customers, including difficulty in obtaining financing for the purchase of our products; and [j] continued volatility in the economy resulting in a prolonged downturn in the business jet market.
Source Cessna
Hon. John Maginley , Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) today welcomed the extra time provided by the British government to consider future plans for aviation taxation, but said he was concerned that the discriminatory tax bands remain in place and the planned Air Passenger Duty rises scheduled for November appear set to go ahead.
“We understand that the British government needs to raise taxation but the current structure is unfair and unbalanced,” he said. “We simply should not be in a different tax band to the USA .
“This is such a hugely serious issue for our region that we are now planning to review the opportunity for putting the matter to the new British government,” said Mr. Maginley. “It’s clear that because our economies are so heavily reliant on tourism this tax is effectively a tax on our countries’ exports. We’ll be reviewing the position with organisations such as the World Trade Organisation.” The tax is also unfair to the many families in the Caribbean community in the UK who travel frequently to the region.
Jun 22, 2010
NEW YORK, NY – The Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA has launched a new island-wide Summer Spectacular promotion to coincide with new daily flights to the island via American Eagle, creating exceptional travel options for vacationers considering the Caribbean this summer.
Martinique Summer Spectacular packages offer “Sixth Night Free” savings and complimentary daily breakfast on idyllic Caribbean vacations across an exceedingly unique array of properties. Accommodations include everything from private-island villas and hillside hideaways, to sprawling resorts and chic boutiques, ensuring hotel options to fit virtually any style and budget.
In addition to offering travel agents an attractive promotion to encourage sales among their clients, Martinique Summer Spectacular packages are also commissionable at 12 percvent on bookings to the six participating properties listed below.
Martinique Summer Spectacular travel must take place between July 1 and September 30, 2010.
LONDON, England, Monday June 21, 2010 – When the UK emergency budget is presented tomorrow, regional travel and tourism stakeholders will be closely monitoring to see what is said about the Airline Passenger Duty (APD) which the new coalition government has promised to reform.
After elections last month, agreements between Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats proposed a tax on planes instead of passengers.
It is anticipated that during the budget, details will be provided on how it will work.
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett last week met with the British Caribbean All Parliamentary Group, the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the British Air Transport Association, to discuss the controversial.
“We restated the Caribbean’s position on the APD and we think that the position taken by the new coalition government is still not clear at this time. It is not clear whether they are going to abolish it (APD) completely, in favour of the new single tax (PPD) on the airline,” Bartlett said.
He said after the budget is presented, there will be follow-up discussions and meetings to formulate a response to the UK government’s position on the APD.
The APD was imposed by the Labour government of former prime minister Gordon Brown and was billed as an environmental tax. It saw passengers paying tax depending on the distance between London and the capital of their destination.
The duty on long-haul economy fares to the Caribbean rose from £40 (US$59) to £50 (US$74) in November 2009 and is to increase further this November.
Regional tourism stakeholders had complained that the APD was discriminatory and had lobbied the UK government on several occasions to review it.
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent — Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves this afternoon demanded that LIAT pilots end their sickout and return to the skies after their action left hundreds of passengers stranded across the Eastern Caribbean for the past two days.
Addressing reporters gathered at the Cabinet Office here, Gonsalves spoke out strongly against what he called the “irresponsible and unreasonable action” of the pilots who he accused of holding the region to ransom and expressed “profound disappointment” with the situation.
“I am using this forum to urge the pilots to go back in the skies. We can sit and talk and set up a framework to address some of these issues. We can’t undermine this civilisation and this Caribbean Community in this manner,” he said.
The pilots, represented by their union, LIALPA, have been staying off the job to press LIAT’s management to settle a number of outstanding grouses, which they argue have been left to linger for too long.
They have been demanding that LIAT to “pay all monies that are owed due to illegal deductions made from salaries; settle all retroactive public holiday payments; address concerns about the status of current pension deductions and sign-off on a new contract immediately following the arbitration judgment.”
Further, LIALPA has claimed that statements made by the company earlier this week in response to a decision by its members to withdraw their enthusiasm to work were “outright deception and blatant lies”.
But Gonsalves, who heads one of three shareholder governments of the Antigua-based carrier, frowned upon the course of action taken by the pilots.
“You pull a strike, first of all to retract a statement which is not a false statement. Secondly, you pull a strike in relation to two persons where LIAT had the right to make those deductions …
“To say that I am disappointed as to how my brothers and sisters in the pilots’ association have acted would be an understatement,” he told journalists, while holding out hope that the situation would be resolved soon ending the frustrations that passengers have been experiencing over the past two days.
“I am hopeful that we’ll see a return, either an announcement later today or certainly for them to come out tomorrow. I am hopeful but I can’t say to you that I am sure,” the Prime Minister added.
Gonsalves, who was due to travel to St Lucia for a meeting starting Thursday with fellow Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) leaders, said he, along with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Montserrat Chief Minister Reuben Meade, took a principled stand against taking a charter flight to attend the talks when citizens of the sub-region and other passengers remained grounded.
He said he knew too well the impact that the work stoppage has been having on people across the region, with the situation hitting close to home.
“I have constituents, poor people, who had to go to Barbados and Trinidad for medical treatment, who have not been able to go either yesterday or today. I have mothers who have to meet their children elsewhere. I have children who have to meet their parents elsewhere. We have a team of Under-19 netballers from Antigua here stranded. You have businesspeople who can’t do their work,” Gonsalves
In the meantime, the Vincentian leader who participated in a meeting of the airline’s Board of Directors via teleconference earlier in the day, warned that there could be legal changes on the cards to prevent the situation from recurring.