Despite interCaribbean Airways’ recent woes including flight cancelations and delays, among other issues, termination of the service is not being considered by the authorities in Guyana at this time.
This is according to the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who said in an interview with Stabroek News that Guyana needs more airlines and to push one of out the jurisdiction as this time is not on the cards.
“In the first instance, you look to see how we resolved the issues. We need airlines operating into Guyana, so, we don’t need to be chasing away airlines; we need to be encouraging airlines. If they are running into a problem, or they are having a specific issue we will try to see how we can work with them that’s the first approach we will take.
Edghill explained that if the airline is terminated, that there will be a deficit in the airline industry which could mean trouble for the market.
“So, you have to remember we need more flights into Georgetown. Every time you take an airline out of service or an airline is out of service, there is less competition, Guyanese feel the hardship when they travel with the jacking up of prices”
In recent times passengers of the airline have complained about the level of service which is being provided to the Caribbean market. Guyana is one market in which the airline has only entered just over a year ago.
These issues, according to reports, passengers would come from four main territories: Guyana, Antigua, Barbados, and St Lucia. they would often be travelling a considerable distance with connecting flights. Caught up in an issue, they would find themselves significantly, affected by delays and cancellations causing them to spend more and also causing them other problems.
Recent incidents, such as the stranding of a family including small children from Montserrat at the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and the excessive delays and flight cancellations, faced by passengers, underscore the urgency of this matter.
The issue has gotten so serious that the Guyana Honorary Consul in Antigua and Barbuda, Robert Reis, registered deep concern over recent customer service experiences reported in connection with InterCaribbean Airlines.
“There is growing concern over what appears to be inadequate attention to these matters by the airline and its handling agents. Affected travellers report a lack of empathy and accountability, matters that must be addressed promptly,” Reis said in a statement.
With regard to the pressing issue, Consul Reis called on the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana to engage with interCaribbean Airlines. Since permission for the airline to operate within the region has been granted by these governments, they are rightfully positioned to insist that the contractual service agreements are honoured.
“Well, if people are missing their flights is a great inconvenience and it is not living up to the quality of service that they were licensed or permitted to carry out. Their performance is not optimal and that will definitely have an effect.”
He added that while we recognise the role that interCaribbean Airways could play in regional travel, the airline must improve its performance and governments must safeguard the interests of passengers.
Noting the issues, Edghill said that the Civil Aviation Authority is now looking into the matter.
“My understanding is that the Civil Aviation Authority has already engaged them. I think they have had a few cancellations and delays and so on, and it’s a matter of concern, so, I think the CAA is engaging them on that to find out what is the issue which is normal.”
Minister also noted that it is normal for these things to happen and noted that the CAA will follow protocol on dealing with this matter.
“It’s normal if an airline is missing its schedule, and having those kinds of problems it is standard operational practice for the CAA to approach the airlines, which I’m sure has been done.”
Director General Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field, when contacted said that letters have been issued to the airline regarding the complaints and there has been a back and forth through correspondence.
“There are ways in which we can deal with certain matters, especially as it relates to safety and that we would have to analyze when we get their response so that we will be able to better yet able to move forward,” Director Field said. He added that there is hope that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible.
