AIR JAMAICA is considering a seasonal service to St. Lucia in time for the 2005 winter season, the airline has stated in a release.
Air Jamaica's service to/from St. Lucia was suspended in mid-March, as the airline was forced to trim its flights to compensate for an enhanced aircraft maintenance schedule. Flights to and from St. Lucia will remain suspended throughout the summer months, as the carrier continues to evaluate the route, the Air Jamaica statement said.
Executive Chairman Dr. Vincent Lawrence explained that since the middle of 2004, there have been additional flights to St. Lucia from the South-east United States by other carriers. He said these flights have resulted in a significant decline in Air Jamaica's connecting traffic between the Montego Bay Hub and St. Lucia, hence the continued suspension of service.
SALES OFFICE TO BE CLOSED
With the suspension now expected to extend at least six months and beyond the summer, the carrier will close its sales office in Castries effective June 30. Air Jamaica's sales office in Grenada will assume responsibility for the airline's sales efforts in St. Lucia during the interim period.
However, Dr. Lawrence promised that Air Jamaica would evaluate the feasibility of a resumption of service by the start of the winter season.
Earlier this month, St. Lucia's Minister of Tourism, Philip J. Pierre, met with Dr. Lawrence to discuss the possibility of a return to the island in light of what Minister Pierre said was a boom in the construction of new hotel rooms and the need for additional airlift.
Air Jamaica began service to/from St. Lucia in February 1997, and has operated direct flights from Montego Bay and New York to the island.
Air Jamaica's restructuring programme began in December last year in an effort to reduce costs, improve efficiency and make the operations viable in the face of record-high fuel prices and increased competition.
