LIAT
Nearly 100 jobs at regional carrier LIAT are now in jeopardy as the financially-challenged airline tries to compensate for the loss it sustained last year.
In 2010, LIAT struggled financially, aided by industrial action by pilots and increases in fuel costs.
Last June, the airline’s management said that a two-day sickout by the pilots affected 6,500 passengers and cost the carrier more than US $1 million.
Credible sources within the company told this newspaper that LIAT Chief Executive Officer Brian Challenger, this week, advised some staff members that the company had suffered a loss. He said, as a result, the airline would cut staff.
Evidence of the airline’s apparent cost-cutting measures appeared in Friday’s edition of Trinidad’s Express newspaper where the airline posted a notice advising of the closure of its city ticket office.
“Dear Customer, please be advised that effective 4 pm on January 28, the LIAT Port-of-Spain ticketing office will be closed and tickets will no longer be issued from that location,” the advertisement stated.
The notice, issued by Chief Commercial Officer Leesa Parris-Rudder, referred customers to the airline’s hotline, website or airport office or to a local travel agent for further assistance.
It is unclear how many employees were affected, whether their employment was terminated or they were transferred to other departments.
LIAT Corporate Communications Manager Desmond Browne confirmed the closure of the Port-of-Spain office but was not in a position to indicate how this affected the ticketing staff.
Questioned on the proposed staff cuts, he said, “not that I’m aware of.”
Last year, efforts to close city offices were met with resistance from unions who forced the company to step away from such a move.
The Antigua-based airline currently employs more than 1,000 people across its network, which stretches from Dominican Republic to Guyana, encompassing 22 destinations.
This is nothing more than rubbish. I am still having a hard time understanding how LIAT is losing money when 75%+ of their flights are booked. How can an airline that flies to 22 destinations, about 12 of which they are the sole regional carrier. They lost 6500 passengers in ** 2 DAYS **, at a loss of US $1 million, tell me about the other 28 days of that month.
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can I quote you on this? do you have the proof to support your statements or is this just your opinion?
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They need to change their marketing strategies. Tell me why does a 20 minute ride from Puerto Rico to Antigua cost $90US. And that was the discounted price. They need to have better deals and maybe passengers would be more willing to take them. They are now competing with airlines like Spirit Airline and other American sponsored airlines going to Antigua and other islands. Its all about the deals. The DEALS!!
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1. SJU – ANU is an hour and a half flying time not 20 minutes.
2. San Juan – Antigua on Liat: $125 USD + $32 USD Tax = $157 USD
San Juan – Antigua on American Eagle: $288 USD + $32 USD = $320 USD
Both fares direct from both companies websites.
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i remember when jobs at a particular establishment were been cut. the staff performance flew off the charts……mmmm
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