GAC seeking to fill void that will be left by BA

FACING the reality that Grenada as of January 2013 will have reduced flights from London, Minister for Tourism, Senator Dr. George Vincent, has confirmed that the Grenada Airlift Com mittee is in discussions with Caribbean Air lines (CAL) to service the Grenada/ London route. 

The disclosure follows the announcement from British Airways (BA) last week that its twice weekly summer flights to Gre nada will be reduced to Sundays only, beginning 2013.

“The Grenada Airlift Committee must be commended for its continued efforts, and we are confident that negotiations with Caribbean Airlines will bring about desired results and we will be able to soon fill the void created by British Airways decision,” Minis ter Vincent said.

British Airways cited a reassessment of the Caribbean routes as the main factor behind the reduction. According to BA, the capacity overhaul was undertaken as a direct result of the UK recession and the launch of the Las Vegas 2013 flights.

British Airways officials insist that the UK recession means a reassessment of capacity within the Caribbean and balancing that capacity to favour the islands with business traffic, and the launch of the Las Vegas 2013 flights means that BA now has to find the necessary equipment to service those routes.

The Tourism Minister pointed out that while it is of no comfort to Grenada, four other Caribbean islands are being affected by British Airways’ reduction or loss of service. Senator Vincent also gave the assurance that Grenada and British Airways has an agreed payment schedule.