Caribbean Airlines Set to Take Over Air Jamaica Operations

Air Jamaica said a preliminary targeted transaction date of April 12, 2010 has been set when its operations will begin the transition to Caribbean Airlines. Air Jamaica said this transaction date is in line with the airline’s major schedule change that was previously announced.

But the transaction date could change as the details of the transition are finalized. As of April 12, Air Jamaica will offer four daily flights from Fort Lauderdale, three daily flights from New York (JFK) and daily flights from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Toronto.

The transition to Caribbean Airlines will be phased over a period of up to one year in order to ensure that customers continue to get the best possible travel experience. Air Jamaica aircraft will continue to be utilized during the transition period. Current Air Jamaica pilots, flight crews and ground staff will operate the aircraft for the schedule already published. All customer services, including reservations, website and sales, will continue to operate in much the same way as today, for a period of time.

“We have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with our loyal customers in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, as well as throughout the Diaspora, and we are pleased to advise that our company is also committed to continuing these relationships, doing everything possible to earn your loyalty and trust,” said Bruce Nobles, Air Jamaica’s president and CEO.

Meanwhile, The Jamaica Observer newspaper reported that Caribbean Airlines will only be taking over Air Jamaica’s profitable routes to ensure Jamaica maintains its tourism lifeline with its major markets in North America and Europe, but will not assume any of the airline’s debt. The newspaper also reported the jobs of Air Jamaica employees will be made redundant on April 12, since Caribbean Airlines has only been contracted to take up the slack in service on Air Jamaica’s routes.