Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 09, 2013 News
The countdown on the arrival of the tag team charter Fly Jamaica (FJ) is winding down as local aviation and top brass FJ officials gear for a special meeting this week to discuss a launch date for the much anticipated air carrier.
It was highlighted that the Jamaican based airline will commence its services out of Guyana with an inaugural flight to Toronto, Canada. Hopes are high that by midweek FJ’s executives would make an announcement as to a takeoff date, which could be before month end.
This week’s discussions could also highlight the airline’s acquisition of another aircraft by November; a more sophisticated 767, since the company currently uses a 757 Boeing. Kaieteur News was told that the airline has since acquired 18 flight attendants who were recruited locally and who have had advanced aviation training.
Added to FJ’s preparations was the local inspections done by the Jamaican aviation authorities, which dealt with the airline’s local preparedness for operations. Clerical and administrative staff is already in place, senior officials say, and it is now for a date to be set for FJ to depart Guyana to Canada.
On the other hand, fingers are still crossed over FJ acquiring permission from the American Department of Transportation (DOT) to fly non-stop from Guyana to the United States. The decision lies with the US State Department to allow FJ and Trinidadian carrier, CAL to fly non-stop Guyana originating flights to the US.
Guyana’s market is said to be one of the most lucrative ones, with non-stop flights on the Guyana/New York route said to be extremely profitable.
This they said could bring stiff competition, capable of presenting huge challenges for other airlines wanting to ply the GT/NY route.
While CAL dominates the GT/NY route, FJ is seeking to get in on the action. It was noted therefore that although it may cost more, the Jamaican carrier could take Guyanese to NY, but they would have to go to Jamaica first.
It was suggested that FJ’s management would have to do the study and determine the feasibility of traveling in-transit, Kingston, Jamaica.
One thing is certain however, stakeholders have expressed the need for competition on the GT/NY route. Talks are ongoing about the CAL monopoly and the company’s heavy price structure, which has seen apprehension by local travelers and condemnation by the government on both airfares and service provision.
FJ is partly owned by Guyanese Captain Ronald Reece who has partnered with three Jamaican shareholders, two of whom are Captain Lloyd Tai, and Manager of In-flight Services, Christine Steele. The airline has been making waves in Jamaica, with even the Jamaican government giving its full support.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
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