‘CAL aircraft have had multiple safety-rela­ted near misses’

(Trinidad Express) Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) industrial relations representative Timothy Bailey says the association is deeply concerned about the incident involving a CAL ATR 72-600 aircraft, which was forced to make an emergency landing on Monday night at Piarco International Airport.

Contacted for comment yesterday, he responded:

“TTALPA is deeply concerned by the recent incidents, most recent being the night of 27th January, 2025, involving flight BW1541, and would advise that over the last decade it has raised multiple safety concerns with CAL over the ATR aircraft.

“Although it would be premature to comment on what caused the incident as an investigation is ongoing, we note that in recent months, similar CAL aircraft have had multiple safety-rela­ted near misses.

“TTALPA, its chairman and council is committed to urgently meeting with CAL and all concerned stakeholders to avoid any future reoccurrence of this incident as the safety and comfort of the travelling public, our members and staff is its utmost priority.”

Meanwhile, Tobago Business Chamber chairman Martin George is pleased with the way Caribbean Airlines handled the emergency situation on a flight from Crown Point on Monday, which required the pilot to make an emergency landing at Piarco International Airport.

In a release via video yesterday, referencing the emergency landing with no reports of injury to passengers, George said: “We are certainly able to stand proud and tall as a nation on an excellent track record of safety from CAL, so of course, we anticipate that this matter will be investigated as to the cause of it and, of course, this follows from another incident with the front wheel being off on another aircraft a few days ago.”

He added: “There seems to be something happening that needs to be dealt with.”

On behalf of the chamber, George expressed confidence in the State-owned airline to deal with matters like these.

“We are sure from the CEO to the groundsmen, they will all want to ensure that this impeccable service record is kept intact. We however urge them to keep being vigilant and diligent and monitor their processes, practices and procedures to ensure it is always safety first,” he said.

He also commended CAL management on the improved service between Tri­nidad and Tobago.