Jamaican authorities are saying little about what’s causing the delay in REDjet starting flights there, but the low-cost carrier has been saying a lot about what it says is a move by Caribbean Airlines (CAL) – which is still finalizing its merger with Air Jamaica – to block its service.
The Barbados-registered airline had been scheduled to start Jamaica flights on Wednesday, but REDjet’s Business Development Manager Robbie Burns sent an email to booked passengers informing them that “due to political and regulatory actions in Jamaica beyond our control, REDjet cannot operate flights between Barbados to Jamaica between 11th May and 24th May”.
Well in addition to the competition there is a deeper underlying issue playing out here! Remember the treatment of Jamaican Nationals in Barbados. So even not mentioned I am certain this is part of the issue!
Boy the airline market been like that forever. I thought that nonsense had been eradicated. Companies still have power to dictate who flies within their place of dominance? That is pathetic! But then again, looking into it, it is jamaica. We are talkin about a coutry where high tob officials look for their pockets. Just imagine some were in league with dudus. That says it all. CAL could well be slipping em something under the table.
I say squash Jamaica and do somewhere like Guadeloupe/ Dominica. I can transit there just fine.
I know what you mean.
HHMMMM
Competition if good. Monopolies are bad. Furthermore, they will continue to stand in the way of budget conscious consumers who want to negotiate the lowest price for the purchase of goods and services.
British Airways engaged in similar tactics with Virgin Atlantic Airways a few years ago. Keep up the fight Redjet. The Caribbean needs you now more than ever.
CAL Rules, show dem who is boss
CAL doesn’t rule. They are just afraid of competition. CAL is enjoying all their subsidies from the Government of T&T (their home base) yet the airline will do everything in its power to avoid competition.
Do you want to pay less or more money when you fly? That is the question. I certainly want competition to force price wars, thus creating the lowest possible ticket price when I fly. Fight the good fight REDjet. The Caribbean needs you now!!
It’s not just a question of lowest ticket price. I also want “value for money”, which is what competition fosters. High ticket prices do not necessarily equate with quality. Can one argue that LIAT delivers “value for money” for instance?