The Editor, Sir:

In a situation where we have been arguing that Air Jamaica is a burden on our taxpayers we have added another.

American Airlines makes billions of dollars annually in revenues. Like any other business, they should find ways of curtailing costs. However, while I understand the Government's need to secure arrivals to fill the rooms, what argument do we offer to other airlines that may want to cut flights?

Why do we not leverage Air Jamaica to take advantage of the loss of airline seats from other airlines?

I believe that the Government has acted hastily once again without fully examining all options. On routes that American Airlines operate, Air Jamaica now operate, sometimes carrying loads less than ideal.

Capacity needs

If Air Jamaica is already a burden, why add American Airlines? We have not been told what capacity needs to be met before the Government is required to pay up. For all we know, it could be some ridiculously high percentage.

I believe that we should revisit this policy and allow the chips to fall where they may. The tourists will come and if there is money to be made other airlines will put on flights to the island where necessary. This is a bad decision.

I am, etc.,

ST AUBYN BENJAMIN

staubynbenji@aim.com

Kingston