(Trinidad Guardian) The executive team of REDjet is appealing to governments of both Barbados and T&T for a speedy resolution regarding the necessary approvals for the airline to operate in T&T. The appeal was made via a press release on Thursday night. “REDjet requests the support of both the Government of Barbados and the Government T&T to find a speedy resolution that acts in the best interest of the public with regard to safety, security and consumer interests,” according to the release. It also noted that REDjet has made all members of its executive team available to meet with any officials in order to facilitate discussion and solution.
However, the airline said, it acknowledged that there had been a breakdown of communications and understanding with regard to REDjet’s entry into the T&T market. It further stated that REDjet acted, at all times, in accordance with the procedures, laws and regulations set out in T&T. But it noted that the airline has not taken payment for any tickets booked. The airline explained that payments could only be accepted upon receipt of the required permits in T&T. Therefore, the airline said it applied for permits to operate in T&T after the receipt of its Air Transport Licence and AOC from Barbados. However, speaking with the Guardian earlier on Thursday, Ramesh Lutchmedial, the director general of Civil Aviation Authority of T&T, said the airline only applied on Tuesday for the necessary approvals and that these were being processed.
REDjet admitted in the release that it did not receive the required permission to operate flights in T&T as yet, but it said it was quite hopeful that the permissions will be processed before the launch of its inaugural flight on May 8. It said: “REDjet understood that these will be processed in advance of launch on 8th May. We have received air transport licences from Guyana and Barbados to operate flights into Trinidad and we are positive that such approvals will be granted in Trinidad to allow for the commencement of services on 8th May.” It added that the airline is a designated airline of Barbados and operating under the Air Service Agreements between T&T and Barbados and under the CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement.
However, the airline assured the public that it has a 100 per cent commitment to the safety of all of its passengers, crew and aircraft. It noted that the airline has the right team, the right aircraft and the right fares to ensure that the public has a safe, reliable and affordable flight. The airline denounced recent comments that are designed to cause concern regarding the safety of the airline and which, it said, were not founded on the facts. Such actions, it noted, compromised the extensive work conducted by airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airports and authorities to ensure that passengers have the safest possible flight and can have confidence in the safety and security of air travel.