THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS encouraging to see a debate emerging over the future of Air Jamaica and the broader issue of the future of the air transport system and its component airlines in the Caribbean.
On the latter issue I can see no realistic alternative but a gradual evolution to a fully integrated, efficient and profitable region wide system with each of the existing airlines (Air Jamaica, BWIA and LIAT) playing its part in the system as operating units specialising in key elements of the business and types of aircraft.
I cannot leave unchallenged the recent assertion by correspondent Robert Davis that Air Jamaica was something less than a world class airline at the time it was acquired from the government by the Air Jamaica Acquisition Group of which I was a founding member.
At that time Air Jamaica had a well established reputation for operational integrity, reliability and service - a reputation built by the hard work and dedication of its staff over many years. Two who should be singled out in this regard are Air Jamaica's first Jamaican Chief Executive G.G. Machado - a true airline visionary on the commercial side and Captain Lloyd Tai who with a dedicated team of pilots and engineers guaranteed the operational integrity of the airline.
The airline's problems then were structural: financial and political.
It was undercapitalised and had little room for manoeuvre in a capital intensive business. The political dimension restricted decision making and severely compromised the airline's ability to rationalise and improve.
As an illustration: when presented with a wage offer that incorporated some productivity concessions by this writer, the flight attendants union negotiating team led by Sandra Curtis-Campbell stormed up to Jamaica House and demanded to see and were seen by the Prime Minister. Not a climate conducive to rational decision making.
The new management at Air Jamaica has built on a sound foundation. Air Jamaica continues to have worldwide respect for its people, product and operational integrity. It continues to have financial problems - as do the other major airlines in the Caribbean.
The aviation industry has changed over the years - size and scale count more to-day than ever. An integrated regional system would have that scale - more than that - an integrated airline would generate substantial economies by eliminating duplication even while enhancing schedules and service. A truly integrated airline would provide an efficient air transport system that would facilitate trade and enhance the socio-economic development of the region.
The time to take the first steps down the road to a single airline is now - the politicians have a decision to make - now - while the opportunity exists.
I am, Sir
Yours sincerely
John Gilmore
Edinburgh, Scotland
jptgilmore@hotmail.com
