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Fly Jamaica Airways: New airline gets closer to launch
Fly Jamaica Airways is one step closer to officially begin operations.
On Friday the airline tested a Boeing 757 aircraft by taking to the skies and flying to Georgetown, Guyana, with a mock demonstration of what customers can expect, once Fly Jamaica Airways is up and running.
According to Chief Operating Officer Lloyd Tai, following a satisfactory test and demonstration, Fly Jamaica Airways will be given its licence to operate.
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“We are required to conduct a normal flight for the process. This includes check-in and immigration as with a normal flight. We went through a comprehensive audit to ensure airworthiness but we are happy that we were able to get the test flight/demo going despite the logistical issues,” said Tai.
It was a relief to those who had waited for close to a year to see this phase of the process begin.
“This is the first time that an airline in Jamaica has had to go through the full certification process. Air Jamaica was here before the new regulation so all they had to do was show conformity. We have to show that we have met all the standards of the local and international regulators from the beginning,” said Tai.
According to Tai, after the aircraft returns to Jamaica, they will be debriefed on the issues, if any.
The rigorous process of certification does not stop there as, upon the issuance of the licence, Fly Jamaica Airways has to prove ‘economic authority’, which is to show financial viability. The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority have to ensure that the new airline, has the means to continue operating at a safe standard.
Fly Jamaica Airways plans to offer full service on the chosen routes between Jamaica, Guyana, Toronto and New York, which the airline believes will appeal to the Jamaican diaspora concentrated in these areas.
Fly Jamaica Airways will likely start with a three-on-three flight schedule to each destination, with one day downtime for maintenance.
The airline was set to begin operations in August, however, Tai said with the remaining processes it is likely to take another month before it officially takes to the skies.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner