UPDATE: LIAT pilots back in air; more industrial action looms

Blackburn. Photo: FP

After two days of sickout action, LIAT pilots were expected back in the cockpit today, but have served notice of even more industrial action on their radar.

In a letter, the airline’s pilots’ association LIALPA reminded LIAT’s management of its intention to take industrial action in their dispute over pension payments if certain action was not taken by the company by December 15.

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102 Comments

  1. steve
    December 8, 2011

    liat got all these issues and last month the pm showed interest in spending my hard earned money into this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i want my vote…..

  2. angel
    December 8, 2011

    1 FEEL SORRY FOR ALL THOSE PASSENGERS STOCK
    AFTER U WORK SO HARD AND PAY YOUR PASSAGE
    U HAVE BUSINESS APP PLANES TO CONNECT WEDDINGS TO GO U MIGHT EVEN HAVE A FUNERAL TO GO
    AND LIAT IS SO UNRELIABLE WE NEDD ANOTHER AIRLINE IN THE REGION I FEEL SOORY FOR MY PEEPS HO ARE STICK AND HAVE TO
    PAY HOTEL FEES AND THEY DONT EVEN HAVE THE MONEY TO SPEND AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. PEOPLE SHOULD STOP FLYING LIAT. THIS IS CRUEL TO MY PEOPLE IN THE CARRIBBEAN IF YOU HAVE CONNECTING FLIGHTS TO THE STATES CANADA EROUPE OR ANY OTHER PLACE U HAVE TO PAY NORE NONEY
    SHAME ON U PILOTS U DONT HAVE A HEART

  3. Ted Lewis
    December 8, 2011

    IT”s Very sad that there are so many Dominican on here STILL singing the sound that an international airport for Dominica is “unsustainable ”

    The question is how do you measure sustainability of the airport ?

    It seems clearly here that when we speak of an international airport in Dominica most people ( or those with red eyes) sees it as a profit making entity?

    For some reason we are so brain washed that we don’t view the airport as a facilitator of economic development and not for its direct revenue benefits .

    For eg- we borrow to build roads no one says anything. a road can’t payback for itself but it is necessary that we have good roads to facilitate the mobility of factors of production and distribution of goods and services. in that way the road is not contributing directly to the treasury but it do plays a significant role in the development of the coutry.

    The same could be said of the public schools which is important for building our human resource and the hospital for maintaining a healthy working population.

    None of these components can’t sustain themselves but are necessary preconditions for growth and development.

    On the idea of sustainability of an international airport . We need to ensure that the fixed cost of building the airport are not taking into account when we speak of sustainability. Sustainability of the international airport must be viewed as the ability of the airport to cover its operating cost to include the debt service payment.

    Now if we have a new airport i would want to believe that the operating expenses of that airport would say double what we currently pay at melvinhal. ( since we may need more to basically double the staff compliment , electricity and maintenance ( a new airport means lower maintenance).

    On the revenue side , i sure that we would at least increase visitor arrival by 60 % means more embarkation tax and increase in VAT caused by additional ticket sold, landing fees, rentals of shopping space, parking revenue etc. We could then charge a passenger facility fee and airport development tax like the other islands. Those two later taxes goes straight to an account to service the loan.

    giving the already low wages in Dominica i see no reason why operating expenses will not be covered.

    Moreover, the indirect impact of the airport will add millions of dollars to the government consolidated funds.
    For eg – more people working means more transaction , means more consumption , means more business means more tax revenue for government. (more taxi men and trips to the airport means more gas being sold , more vehicle parts being sold, more tire repairs, more sales for vendors etc)
    Also a new airport could have some Domino effect which could lead to new investment (hotel) in the tourism sector and further backward and forward linkages for people in the agriculture and fishing sector . Again leads to more taxes to the government.

    With all these increases in revenue to government i see no reason why they may not be able to at least transfer 10 million per annum to the airport to help amortized the loan to construct the airport.

    From the words of my current minister of Fiance , Mr. Lovell we need to think the unthinkable and achieve the unachievable.

    Caribbean star were there but failed , liat has been there , tried everything possible but has been unprofitable . the level of carriage between our small island countries and the rising cost of fuel and wages is the problem and LIAT try its best to serve us by not terminating but limiting unprofitable routes during such challenging time . So please be thankful for LIAT else we would not be able to fly to some countries.

    Planes consume more fuel landing and taking of and its in this regard that the flight will leave Barbados to Antigua and then Dominica or Dominica to Antigua then gwada.

    it”s simply because the amount of passenger they would collect on that stop is insufficient to cover the fuel cost of landing and taking off. in that way its more efficient to go straight collect more passenger and return.

    Liat have served us well though i think improvement is needed in the customer services but has an impeccable safety record and on that note i say thanks to liat and the governments who have done what it takes to ensure the survival of liat.

    I AM DOMINICA

    • Porssie radical
      December 8, 2011

      Good reasoning Ted. Not to marginalize your comments but one does not have to be an economist to see the logic that you have presented. It is fitting therefore to surmise that we have idiots in government making decisions on our behalf. The Melleville hall undertaking will be the biggest blunder in the history of our country- 120 million dollar blunder.
      Following the airport disaster is the 27 million dollar palace. Everytime I think of this presidential palace I think blatant governmental abuse and that makes me angry. I was hoping that with the passing of time some part of my being would soften up towards this project and I must admit that at this juncture my anger seem to be growing.
      How can we call our government transparent and democratic when the government is yet to substantiate this project. Why should the tax payers shoulder this palace. Ted it would have been appropriate to add to your list of non revenue projects – this disastrous presidential palace.
      In light of all this scandals and seemingly reckless official misconduct I am convinced that we have not just a lame duck government but also a government elite solely bent on self aggrandizement, the attitude of get rich by any means and total disregard for the future wealth fare of Dominica.

      Finally , I am sure that you are not the most liked person from Portsmouth because of your decision to speak truth to power.

      As an aside the quote ” To achieve the impossible; it is precisely the unthinkable that must be thought.” Is by the American novelist tom Robin

  4. fatty batty
    December 8, 2011

    help help help Redjet i need a flight from Antigua to Dominica help me please my i need to spend Chirstmas with my family in DOMINICA.LAIT left me DON”T let me DOWN Redjet

  5. Cerberus.
    December 8, 2011

    For those calling for alternative ferry services, that alternative already exists to some extent through Express des Isles and Martinique. and many of our European visitors (with the exception of the U.K.) already travel this way.
    Bearing in mind the min. return cost of $160.00/per person for an uncomfortable 1 1/2 hr. taxi trip from Roseau to Melville Hall, this alternative could also be attractive for U.K. passengers. Yes, I know those French flights land at Orly but there is an excellent onward service to the U.K. from there into London City airport,very convenient with min. boarding/arrival delays and directly linked to the public transport network (you can check you luggage through to London from Fort de France).
    If Air France does not fit your budget you have the choise of cheaper carriers such as Corsair and Air Caraibe.It is definitely worth a thought especially bearing in mind the looming, hefty air passenger tax increase for U.K. passengers.

    PS. the additional bonus is that the ferry does not have the luggage constraints of the aircraft used by LIAT!- you are far more likey to arrive together with your precious belongings!

    • Airline Pilot
      December 8, 2011

      Congratulations to the entire LIAT family for striking!!!!! I have some inside knowledge on the issue that the regular public does not know.
      What message is being sent to other pilots/employees when you can immediately fire a Senior pilot without consultation/due process simply for expressing concerns about management??? For too long Scare Tactics are being used by management. I’m happy other pilots are not being threatened by this move.
      Passengers I realise how sickening this must be to you but blame LIAT management and not the pilots.. Wont you fight for your job or for a family member that has been unfairly treated??? Same situation here.
      LIAT’s management is also being inhumane by not providing transportation, meals or accomodation to its passengers. They are basically telling travellers they can do them anything without having to face the consequences – same disrespect to the pilots.
      By failing to fly me based upon the ticket purchased, that is a breach of contract with passengers. Therefore a penalty must be applied to LIAT.
      Merry Christmas to all pilots of all airlines

      • Response
        December 8, 2011

        I thought the same thing..Breach of Contract. When I bought my ticket, it was a contract that Liat would take me from the BVi to Dominica on Tuesday. It is now Thursday and I am not yet in Dominica, with LIAT not covering my added expense. Who will take up this Breach of Contract case? I am ready to run with it.

  6. Critical
    December 8, 2011

    Liat Pilots only care about themselves and their pockets. No regards for the passengers. People has confirmed their flights and they treat them like dog. If you have a problem wit your employers give them an ultimatum, whereby people will know beforehand what is happening and can plan their travel, but you don’t do that to people especially at a time like this just before the Xmas. The pilots have a right to stand up for justice for their own but their are different ways to do it and this was just not good. If the pilot was wrongfully dismissed, why did he not sue LIAT? I wonder. Thats what the courts are there for. Its time people stop treating us like dogs. 2 wrongs don’t make a right. They trying to squeeze LIAT but is we the people that suffering. I’m just fedup with that!!!

    • One Love
      December 8, 2011

      8-O its not about the PILOTS . its the BOARD and MAN AGE MEN “T”

  7. Redjet
    December 8, 2011

    Redjet has issued an advisory that their flights to St Lucia are beginning this Christmas. One step closer to Dominica. All we have to find is a flight from St Lucia to home. Sounds like an alternative to me. Check Redjet website for details

    • Go do your homework
      December 8, 2011

      It is obvious you missed the report from CMC a few months ago that advised that the runway space at Melville Hall airport is unable to accommodate Redjet. Guess we never thought of that when considering the airport expansion.

    • Lone Cowboy
      December 8, 2011

      Same old LIAT from St Lucia to Dominica. :(

  8. pablo
    December 7, 2011

    It has been said that “A DISAPPOINTMENT IS A PLEASURE”. How many disappointments and how mush suffering has dominicans and friends of Dominica have to have to endure before the leaders and dominican alike come to the conclusion that a major change is required. Can DA ever attract investors or businessmen when these incidents keep occurring?

    Where is our imagination.

    DA has 4 options: (1)INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – If we want people to take seriously. Just thing every year that goes by it is more expensive to build the airport. How about we have a share in the airport and getting the Chinese to build, thereby guaranteeing that it built to budget and on time. I would be proud owner of share in the DOMINICA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. (1) Our own DA Airlines – might meet our need for 3-5 yrs, become unprofitable as oil prices are constantly increasing. Arrangement need to made to cover Special Event e.g World Creole, Cricket, Carnival. (3) Ferry service which has a wider reach beyond St lucia to the south and Martinique to the north. (4) If all options fail use fishing boats.

  9. pissed in canada
    December 7, 2011

    ive had enough…liat should hire pilots from other places to rectify the situation..u cant shut down an entire airport knowing its the only one leaving people stranded…my fiance plus many other people have important things they need to do and can…the government should also legislate a back to work order..enough is enough…no one is being re-emburssed for connecting flights from different airlines for ur mistakes and screw ups….get back to work already and fix this crap!!!!!!

    • CBVITOSS
      December 8, 2011

      I so agree with you, LIaT NEEDS to consider getting new staff! The pilots seem to have no mercy for the poor passengers who are there reason they have a job in the first place!

      They’re letting greed rub them blind to their downfall!

      So many pilots are out there with no jobs WORLDWIDE!

      Plus people like ME would love to get the opportunity the get a pilots license, liat can offer scholarships for pilots and GET RID of all these greedy bastards~!

      • Me
        December 8, 2011

        Greedy Bastards you say/ ho would you feel aftrer working with liat for 15 years that you are being let go without a fair pension? you think they just one day decide to strike….NO this has been an ongoing issues and management of Liat should rectify it, for all how they raising air fares you mean they cannnot pay workers what they deserve. These pilot sacrific all kinds of vacation with their family to take you to yours….so if you want some, one to blame they are the last one you should blame. MANAGEMENT!!!!!

  10. A Voice
    December 7, 2011

    But is only in the Caribbean these things can happen. If I am stuck in a foreign country because of a strike in your company then you are responsible for my food and housing, period.

    Some of the stuck passengers ought to sue them.

    But we seriously need to look into a local airline. Right now we are becoming more and more dependable on tourism. We cannot have a lot to offer and the tourist cannot get to Dominica.

    Dominica tourism industry cannot depend on LIAT!

    • .
      December 8, 2011

      Bringing a class action would be best.

  11. is mine
    December 7, 2011

    LIAT frustrating me man… my man had to come n c me i so want my ting lol

    • investigate
      December 8, 2011

      girlfren yu not easy………. woy, i will call you papa

  12. Nikkei
    December 7, 2011

    lIAT also wishes to advise that passengers who decide to travel but are unable to complete their journey due to the disruption, will not be provided with meals, transportation, hotel accommodation etc.

    My question to you mr liat is an industrial action an act of God?

  13. FrequentFlyer
    December 7, 2011

    Thats the reason why i stop flying LIAT!!!! These pilots are just stupid! they fail to realize every time they do this the company leans towards making a loss instead of profits!!! Therefore making it even harder for them to get a raise or what ever else they want! THEY ARE RUNNING THE POOR COMPANY TO THE GROUND!!!!!!! SUPPOSE THE COMPANY GOES BANKRUPT NOW? THEY ALL WILL BE LEFT WITHOUT A JOB AND OTHER AIRLINES SHOULD NOT HIRE THEM SEEING THAT THE WORKED FOR LIAT,CONSIDERING THEIR REPUTATION! THEREFORE LEAVING THEM JOBLESS!

    Tickets are already so darn expensive,no liat loosing money so its gonna go up again soon! POOR THE PASSENGERS! People who condone this behavior by the Pilots are just Stupid!

    Thank God for American Eagle and the other lil airlines that operate in Dominica.

    • Go do your homework
      December 7, 2011

      I am in full agreement with you on this one. Liat pilots are too greedy.

  14. still
    December 7, 2011

    Ralph gonsalves send for his pple who sending for us. I wanna gooooo homeeeeeeeeeee I need a good dominican meal I fed up of chefette.

    • Response
      December 7, 2011

      And I need to get back to DA to be with my little daughter. She was expecting me since Tuesday and is crying now that I am not there. A two day trip now turned into a 6 day trip.

  15. Nis
    December 7, 2011

    AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE, ALL I CAN SAY IS, LIAT SUCKS!!!!

    • creative
      December 8, 2011

      Why are you only now realizing that? LIAT has behaved like this over the years. The last time I went through this with LIAT is 2007, and I am not going on LIAT again. They will never get my hard earned money, for them to dump me somewhere and not care to even talk to you.

  16. THE VIBE
    December 7, 2011

    THESE PILOTS NEED TO STOP THIS NONSCENCE THEY HAVE GOIN ON THERE AT THE END OF THE DAY THE ONLY ONES SUFFERING ARE THE PASSENGERS YALL GET ALLU SALRIES WHICH I FIND IS RESONABLE FOR A CARIBBEAN AIRLINE BE THANKFUL BUT GREED ALWAYS SHOWS ITS FACE …

    • FrequentFlyer
      December 7, 2011

      Thank you!!!! At lease someone here has sense! These pilots are over doing it now!!!!!

  17. tooblessedtobestress
    December 7, 2011

    Gman we were thinking the same i saying the same thing

  18. tooblessedtobestress
    December 7, 2011

    Untill someone doesnt sue liat they continue to disrespect customers, i beg them to talk that rubbish to me and they’ll see what happens…. You telling me y’all take no responsibility for the matter and that no hotel, food or transportation will be provided ha well sorry to all those that were affected but ill be dam if liat ever F with my flight this christmas, ill keep yall posted because it will not good down without a fight, liat-late irresponsible and airline urgggg

  19. Met Yo
    December 7, 2011

    now see….if we had an international airport….no amount of industrial action would affect us.

  20. fatty batty
    December 7, 2011

    Here goes another day again the people are the ones left to suffer.the two sides need to get it RIGHT.

  21. G- man
    December 7, 2011

    I personally think liat should be getting lawsuit papers like it’s christmas cards, flights never on time, baggage not on your flight, now this!!!

    • Nonya beeswax
      December 8, 2011

      I think if you know the situation at LIAT you would actually react differently.

      Baggage, Flights ….hmm I surely can’t say more. but it would be required to know more about a situation before saying things

  22. Anonymous
    December 7, 2011

    :-D :lol:

  23. Anonymous
    December 7, 2011

    Liat pilots need to stop dat stupidness cuz guess wat passengers are the ones payin for dat…dey better get back to their rite place by tomorrow..cuz tickets are so expensive and then for ppl to face that thin dere…liat pull up ur soocks

  24. D'can By Marriage
    December 7, 2011

    I hope LIAT’s incompetent Management don’t start a fight they can’t win? We are with you Captain Backbone oops I mean Blackburn…You certainly have more backbone than those Soddos in Head Office

  25. Anonymous
    December 7, 2011

    the hoteliers must be smiling…..more money for them…..

  26. dominica
    December 7, 2011

    what is wrong with liat noh, they need competition they always keep dotn that nonsense.and always jackup there fears .shame on liat shame shame

    • lookintoit
      December 8, 2011

      WE need an international airport…thats the only thing that is needed in all of this

  27. Anonymous
    December 7, 2011

    LIAT pilots has to find another way to punish their managemet or get their message across, cuz the only ppl suffering here are the passengers? where are the passengers gonna get money to overnight? what about those who have connecting flights? what if there is an emergency trip, someone has to leave island urgently for medical assistance? i understand they have grievances, but my god! why do innocent people always die in war????

    • Response
      December 7, 2011

      This is not overnight anymore…it has graduated to “overnightS” yet they are not compensating for accomodation.

    • FrequentFlyer
      December 7, 2011

      I almost got arrested in antigua 4 years ago because of this same situation from then i’ve vowed never to fly liat again!!!!! BUT i feel sorry for the company, because the Pilots are CRUEL! They’re driving the company to bankruptcy because of greed!

  28. ROBERTA ANDREW
    December 7, 2011

    THIS IS SOME F UP SHIT!! HOW CAN LAIT NOT TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PILOTS. IF THE F PLANE CRASH, ITS NOT THE FAULT EITHER?? ONLY IN THE CARRIBEAN AND DOMINICA THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH THAT S. MY GUY IS STALK IN BARBADOS IN THE AIRPORT FOR DAYS NOW, WHAT IS HE TO DO. NOT EVEN A MEAL LAIT CAN GIVE HIM. WHAT THE AIRLINE IS THIS…PUT THEM OUT OF BUSINESS!!! :?: :-x

    ADMIN: Roberta Andrew, cut down on the obscene words or in future your comments won’t be approved.

    • me
      December 7, 2011

      LOL! admin sa la!

      • lookintoit
        December 8, 2011

        Admin i honestly do not think you should be doing this whole “approve” comments thing. You have not outlined any criteria for a comment to get approved. Until then it is fair to assume that approval or disapproval is simply based on your personal discretion.

  29. bougla
    December 7, 2011

    If the weather is good i dont mind travelling in a small motorboat. Might even swim for part of the journey :-D

  30. oh! oh!
    December 7, 2011

    don’t u realise LIAT spelt backwards is TAIL..and dat is what they are backwards and in the TAIL and therefore always have there passengers in the TAIL..stuuuuupes

    • Ni
      December 7, 2011

      LOL.. VERY FUNNY!!! NEVER LOOKED AT IT THAT WAY, IT SURE DOES MAKE SENSE!! HAAHA

  31. like it
    December 7, 2011

    Liat is telling me that now that I have to change my travel plans due to no fault of mine, i will be subject to a change fee and fare difference if i cant decide in one week?

    the mgt at that company has no idea what customer Service means.

    They should be offering food vouchers and hotels for all the passangers left stranded.

    The sad thing is that we dont have a choice in DA.

    what is the financial impact this will have on Da’s economy this week?

  32. really?
    December 7, 2011

    Very good comments people. I am happy that is clear to everyone that the nightlanding and International airport means nothing without reliable and convenient air cariers.

    Dominica is simply not a priority for liat. I look at there onling G0-Specials and flights to or from Dominica are seldom listed and when listed usually one special.

    However, there a several fare specials for other countries…

    We can operate an airline. yes we can. we only need a few distinations to start with convention connections.

    Air Dominica – Yes…

  33. Dom
    December 6, 2011

    y not just shut this airline down once and for all geez

    • oh! oh!
      December 7, 2011

      They Always In Late OR They Always In Last= TAIL

    • Go do your homework
      December 7, 2011

      And how do you plan on getting to the neighboring islands? It is just 2 days of this strike and from the comments you should note that people are feeling the squeeze. Why suggest shutting down a service that is of critical importance to persons in the region?

  34. Anonymous
    December 6, 2011

    I just want to know if the strike will end tommorow and flights will return as scheudule? I am also stuck in Barbados

  35. agoutie
    December 6, 2011

    Is it a coincedence that a pilot has been let go a day before the sick out hmmm. Go to the liat website and read for yourself.

    • politbureau
      December 7, 2011

      i thought that was the reason for the sick out.

  36. Emma Bellavance
    December 6, 2011

    What is wrong with the people at Liat?!

  37. TJ
    December 6, 2011

    Before we give LI owr money let us get what we want. I was laughing quietly, and wondering why should passengers have to pay fees to rebook. LI should aollow PAX to rebook without charges. where are our leaders?

    • Real peep
      December 6, 2011

      Can y’all imagine that my flight has been cancelled and the workers at the Liat travel agency want me to pay to rebook my flight :?: i f :?: i found dat was very strange the workers are too Greedy ,..,., although Liat said no charges on rebook flight,..,.,.God helps us please

      • I see
        December 7, 2011

        Book on the LIAT website not the travel agents

    • TASK
      December 7, 2011

      That is exactly what i am trying to figure out!! They still have no respect for the customers……..trying to force things on ppl like they dont have their daily duties to go about!! Stuuuuuuuppppppppeeeeeeeessssssssss

  38. still
    December 6, 2011

    Liat just impossible don’t want to accept any responsibility. I’m stuck in Barbados and can’t go home spending extra money for what? Their nonesense? They want to say if u doh have money is not their problem. If a plane crash due to pilot error they will say is not their responsibility

    • Anonymous
      December 7, 2011

      I must presume that you paid them for your flight in advance? So, they are happy to take your money and not perform? I’m sure the general manager of LIAT in Dominica continues to get paid his salary regardless.

      • zzzzz
        December 7, 2011

        and his duty-free vehicle 8-O

  39. biggg up
    December 6, 2011

    I see so continue depending on liat, appart from this the travelling industry sucks….. they must never come out on strike what government need to work on they not the worrying bout who take wine

  40. vanassa
    December 6, 2011

    tell me why I should pay to re-book when I have my tickets is this legal? tell liat it not the fault of the passengers but that of the pilots,is this the only airline wirch travel to DA

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2011

      Look up the legal concepts of “force majeur” and “Act of God” and you may find your answer, unsatisfactory as it may be.

    • show me the money
      December 6, 2011

      nope there are others

    • FrequentFlyer
      December 7, 2011

      No, American Eagle does(fairly expensive)and inconvient in a ways since theres only one flight outta san Juan,PR.

      Now there are two more airlines that offer quite good deals and convenience, it just matters where you’re flying from.

      BVI AIRWAYS – non stop flights from St.Marteen and Tortola-BVI.

      AIR SUNSHINE- flights from San Juan/St.Thomas/Tortola to Dominica, starting Dec 15th.

      Thats about it, which really does not cater to everyone. wish you good luck

  41. Anonymous
    December 6, 2011

    LIAT is ours, especially the Island of Dominica. The affected Governments just have to get their priorities right and handle the affairs of LIAT properly. LIAT is an essential service.

  42. Conscious
    December 6, 2011

    When will the Trinidad ferry start service? Our Govt must seek to get the new ferry launched by Trinidad to travel to Dominica, perhaps via connecting sea routes from Trinidad, Grenada, St. Lucia and Barbados if not directly from Dominica.

  43. JUSTICE
    December 6, 2011

    Is about time Liat get a competition. they have THE WORST customer service I have EVER SEEN! And the bigger heads could care less cuz they know we have no choice. I am happy the pilots decide to take a stand.

    • Inspector
      December 6, 2011

      Dominica always wanted to be the laughing stock of the Caribbean and LIAT!!

    • show me the money
      December 6, 2011

      true say

  44. scar face
    December 6, 2011

    what ever happen to RED jet

    • Shameless
      December 6, 2011

      Ask the right Honorable Blackmore who said they were in discussions nanay cannee ago. Oh well, Red jet will eventually come when we get the balls to build an international airport if they are still around. In the meantime, just check in with Leave Island Any Time (LIAT) at you own risk of being left alone on some deserted island due to industrial action.

    • show me the money
      December 6, 2011

      politricks

    • Anonymous
      December 7, 2011

      where it gonna land? on ur head…….

  45. Shameless
    December 6, 2011

    LIAT need to file for Bankruptcy Protection and fly away into the sunset. Sadly, the money just laundered into the company by our government will be another lost for our struggling economy and tax payers. I will NEVER fly LIAT as long as I have an option.

  46. Very concerned
    December 6, 2011

    We need our own National Airline to move our people from point A to B to get connected to international flights.
    All other islands can make alternative arrangements with other airlines we in Dominica are STUCK with LIAT.
    How many of you are prepared to invest $1,000.00 in AIR DOMINICA?
    Note that aircrafts are not bought, they are leased. We have trained pilots who are driving trailer trucks, driving taxi and some who are just on the block. Plus we should be able to get some of our experienced pilots from LIAT and pay them well.
    Our flights leave Puerto Rico at 4:00 p.m. so no more over-nighting in P.R. it also leaves Barbados and Antigua after 4:00 and we make sure we get our people out on time for same day connections.
    We can have all the night landing but without air crafts coming in, it’s a waste. International Airport is 20 years away, so not in my life time, unless we can sell or rent 1000 diplomatic passports at US$1.0 MILLION.
    Can we start a movement for AIR DOMINICA Pride of the Nature Isle? YES WE CAN! Otherwise we will continue to rot. Tell Skerrit the money he has to put in LIAT place on AIR DOMINICA.
    With proper management, within one year Dominica will have a thriving air industry meeting the NEEDS OF DOMINICANS AT HOME AND ABROAD.
    Let me read your comments and we’ll take it from there.
    For now I remain very CONCERNED, until I reveal myself.
    YES WE CAN BUILD DOMINICA!

    • Cerberus.
      December 6, 2011

      Let’s keep our feet on the ground.It is all a question of scale. The entire population of Dominica is smaller than that of the town of Chaguanas in Trinidad! Bet most of us have not even heard of that place. People in Trinidad would fall over laughing if it were suggested that that community set up its own airline. I love Dominica dearly and wish we could be truly independent but we are not and as much as it irks me I have to live with that, at least for the time being. The best we can hope for is increased competition for LIAT and do our damnest to increase load factors.

      • Very concerned
        December 6, 2011

        Do you know that Sr. Vincent and the Grenadines have an airline SVG Air. Give me a choice between setting up our own airline to meet our needs and $500million to build an International Airport, I go for the airline.
        Dominica will NOT be able to sustain an International AIRPORT for some time and our immediate problem is No Options from LIAT.
        Why is HELEN AIR in St. Lucia surviving after so many years?
        CARDINAL Airlines was a good option for Dominica and it would be good to know where they went wrong. Do you understand the plight of the Dominican traveler?
        To travel to Guadeloupe you go to Antigua then back to Guadeloupe. Try to get a flight to Martinique, one option is to go to Barbados another is to ST. Lucia.
        Try going to St. Maartin or Puerto Rico.
        Just imagine having regular flights from Guadeloupe and Martinique targeting the thousands of European tourists or arriving in Puerto Rico and Barbados at 2:00 p.m and in the next two hours you are in Dominica.
        Dominica needs to have something of its own to shape its destiny.
        We cannot continue to depend on LIAT, WINAIR, AIR BVI, EAGLE and whenever they are ready they diss us. Try booking a ticket on AA Eagle on December 23rd, US$738.00 one way.
        Nuff said. We need our own airline.

    • James Barton
      December 6, 2011

      Agree with you 100%.In the past I wrote a commentary titled “Dominica Air’ for DNO, and have stated the same concerns regarding
      other articles relating to the Intn.Airport.
      The airport issue is not the problem, but
      ‘capacity’ is, translated to you need more flights, pure and simple.I have studied the basic costs and leases, etc., and yes, it is
      possible. I am a non Dominican, but there are
      many people I know in Domminica related to the tourist organizations who fully agree that such a Dominican Airline is ‘the next
      level’. The ‘blame’ game squarely belongs in the lap of the current air services.

    • show me the money
      December 6, 2011

      government dont care about you and me.

    • FrequentFlyer
      December 7, 2011

      I’ve been saying the same thing for so long!! Dominica needs a local airline! Its hard to come across the capital but its not impossible. You start small and grow, there’s a market out there! Take for instance, BVI AIRWAYS and AIR SUNSHINE(new) decided to operate outta Dominica because they saw $$$$ there!!!
      American Eagle is a killer, tickets are so expensive and then there’s only one flight( 2during pick season) which are so hard to catch because of your connection. SO INCONVENIENT!

      During the pick season American Eagle operates up to ten flights into EIS-Beef island, but that did not stop the locals from cashing in on the money. They pooled capital and started local airlines/charters, therefore and they thrive well!!!!! even foreigners decided to set up shop here, now their even taking some of Dominica’s cash! starting service between the islands.

      I would love to give my money to Liat/a local carrier, but i had to book on American Eagle because i feared this kinda thing happening again, so said, so done!

      AIR DOMINICA where are you???

  47. fatty batty
    December 6, 2011

    we need another regional airline,lait we know all these years but they making joke always a strike,bags behind,tickets high costing,and the list goes on and on.

  48. D
    December 6, 2011

    For once, where is the consideration and respect for the passengers. LIAT needs to come again.

  49. Anonymous
    December 6, 2011

    In a while we might not have no flights to dominica, liat striking, american file bankruptcy

  50. LawieBawie
    December 6, 2011

    This is a load of crap!!! When it is not the pilots striking then its the flight attendants. When its not the flight attendants striking then its the ground crews. In essence, we experience at least two strikes from LIAT employees almost on an annual basis and I can say this because I have personally been stranded by LIAT twice in one year as a result of industrial action taken by its employees. I am really longing for the day when another airline steps into this region and demonstrates how buisness is to be conducted. It may sound like ingratitude bearing in mind the many years that LIAT has served us, but in reality they have given us many years of crappy service. I am totally fed up and fustrated!!!

  51. Part Owner - LIAT
    December 6, 2011

    Only Solution to this problem is Direct Air Access to Dominica. An INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

    • THEY WANT MORE
      December 6, 2011

      WHAT RUGGISH

      • show me the money
        December 6, 2011

        your brain small think big.

    • MewMew
      December 6, 2011

      That, my friend, is simply not sustainable.

  52. Malatete
    December 6, 2011

    Is this the airline mr. Skerrit has decided to invest our money in? Comrade Ralph must be laughing all the way to the bank!

    • Fairplay
      December 6, 2011

      I think LIAT was owing Dominica millions in fees and could not pay so it was converted to shares.

      • Conscious
        December 6, 2011

        I don’t think you are correct. Dominica was once a shareholder. Now, the current Govt is seeking to inject financial capital into the loser LIAT for equity ownership

      • Malatete
        December 6, 2011

        What would these shares be worth? Could I cash them in at the bank to pay my mortgage?

  53. yolande
    December 6, 2011

    I agree, my $$$ is stuck in Barbados, i just wanna go home.

  54. MewMew
    December 6, 2011

    Oh bother! I long for the day when our island will no longer have to depend so much on LIAT.

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