The Editor, Sir:

As a United Kingdom resident who frequents Jamaica I was quite saddened to recently learn that later this year Air Jamaica will totally cease flying to England, and will be superseded by Virgin Atlantic Airlines. While I do welcome other airlines to fly, it would have been good for Air Jamaica as the national carrier to retain its London route.

Some may argue that Air Jamaica has a problem with punctuality. True, but this problem is not an Air Jamaica problem; it is simply part of the Jamaican culture that applies to all we do, including weddings and funerals. Also this problem is not unique to Air Jamaica. Last year I took American Airlines to London via Miami and it was delayed for hours, both on the first part of the trip from Kingston to Miami and the second part, Miami to London, and even British Airways is subject to delays at times. However, like any other airline, Air Jamaica's time-keeping can be improved upon.

The more positive aspects of Air Jamaica are an unbroken flying safety record; the technology and aeroplanes used by Air Jamaica are on par with those used around the world, and genuine hospitality. The hospitality on Air Jamaica is far superior to that of all the other Airlines I have travelled on and it is felt from the time you get on board.

So I do hope that the decision to stop flying to London Heathrow will be reconsidered, even if we operate a limited service, perhaps two days a week. It would also allow some persons to continue spending money that will benefit Air Jamaica and the island of Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

NICHOLAS RICHARDS

pridees196@yahoo.co.uk