Headlines:
| Air J cancellations causes millions in losses |
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| Friday, 18 July 2008 | |
In just four months, National carrier Air Jamaica
has racked up expenses of over a million US dollars as a result of flight
cancellations.Government Senator Don Wehby who has responsibility for Air Jamaica told Friday morning's sitting of the Senate, that up to April this year the airline spent close to US$1.4 million. This was spent on re-routing, accommodation, and the issuing of travel certificates to passengers inconvenienced by the three hundred cancellations over the same period. Mr. Wehby stressed that despite the challenges the airline has managed to maintain its safety record. The Senator also gave details on the recent recall of a flight for a late passenger. He explained that as a result of 40 minute delay, three passengers on the flight bound for Barbados missed their connections. The delay cost the airline US$942 for refueling the plane and re-routing the three passengers. Mr. Wehby said steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence. "All sectors of management are fully aware that any aircraft that are required to return to the gate after pushing off from the gate can only be because of mechanical or operational reasons," said Senator Wehby. He was responding to questions posed by Opposition Senator Sandrea Faulknor. |