Caribbean Airlines pilot ‘sick out’ affects domestic and international flights

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Tuesday July 1, 2014, CMC – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines Tuesday confirmed that all its international and domestic flights had been affected as a result of industrial action taken by its pilots.

In a statement, the airline said that AVIATION “many of its pilots who were rostered to operate flights (were) calling in sick”.

Chief executive officer, Michael DeLollo, in an internal memo to staff said “we are naturally concerned firstly for the health and welfare of our pilot body since this is an unprecedented occurrence.

“This unfortunate situation has disrupted our scheduled services at the beginning of our critical summer season, during which we count most on our operational crews to demonstrate reliability and service for our loyal customers.”

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DiLollo said the airline was also concerned about the potential negative impact of the disruptions to its passengers.

“Many families choose this time to travel and have committed hard-earned savings to enjoying this time together. To disappoint them will surely be a serious breach of our unspoken contract with them, a betrayal far deeper than even our legal commitment to provide the promised service.”

The airline said that while it is in communication with the Trinidad and Tobago Pilot’s Association (TTALPA) it “is disappointed with the action of the pilots. TTALPA has not yet commented on the industrial action.

“However, Caribbean Airlines will continue to urge further open and frank discussion in good faith with TTALPA while exploring all options available.

“Caribbean Airlines apologizes to its loyal passengers for all inconvenience caused by these delays and assures that all will be done to minimize the delays,” the airline said, urging passengers to confirm their flight times on the website prior to arrival at the airport, to avoid any potential further inconvenience.

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Caribbean Airlines pilot ‘sick out’ affects domestic and international flights

Cuban airline launches flights to Montego Bay

Business

Friday, July 19, 2013

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – CUBAN airline Aerogaviota has begun weekly flights from Havana to Montego Bay, Jamaica.The launch of the service forms part of an ongoing effort to strengthen friendly and cooperative ties between the neighbouring Caribbean islands, said Cuban Ambassador, Yuri A Gala Lopez.He was addressing the official launch ceremony at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James on Wednesday. Aerogaviota already had flights between Havana and Kingston, a route it has serviced the past three years.Specifically, the ambassador pointed out that the new air service between Havana and Montego Bay will encourage multi destination tourism between Cuba and Jamaica, adding that the route will facilitate leisure trips between Montego Bay and the City of Holguin and the capital of both countries — Kingston and Havana.Gala said the airline will provide a link by three flights per week with the potential for increase, depending on market demand.Meanwhile, regional director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Rose-Marie Johnson said Aerogaviota’s decision to increase flights to Jamaica is being embraced with open arms.Johnson added that Aerogaviota, which also has flights to other Caribbean countries and Central America, is ideal for multi-destination travellers.The state-owned airline was established by the Cuban army and started operations in 1994.From left, Elizabeth Brown-Scotton, Chief Commercial Officer for MBJ, operators of Sangster International Airport, Yuri A Gala Lopez, Ambassador for the Republic of Cuba, and Tassel Mantilla, Commercial Representative for Aerogaviota Airline, exchange pleasantries following a welcome ceremony for the airline in Montego Bay. (PHOTO: ANTHONY LEWIS)

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Cuban airline launches flights to Montego Bay