Jamaica considering withdrawal of Air Jamaica brand from Caribbean Airlines

The government in Jamaica is threatening to withdraw the Air Jamaica brand from the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines following widespread reports here that the carrier would be reducing the number of daily flight to Jamaica.

Last week Caribbean Airlines Communications Manager Clint Williams confirmed media that the airline would be cutting back on the number of flights to Jamaica, effective April 16.

Jamaica’s transport Minister Dr. Omar Davis said the decision by the cash-strapped airline would contradict the agreement signed when CAL acquired Air Jamaica two years ago. Davies said the only tangible weapon the government has relates to the use of the Air Jamaica brand.

He said there have also been challenges in discussing changes at Caribbean Airlines with the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration in Trinidad & Tobago and crucial information has not been forthcoming from that end.

In 2010, the island-nations of Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica agreed to a deal that allowed the Jamaica to own 16 percent of the Caribbean Airlines as part of the conditions for the carrier taking over the lucrative routes of Air Jamaica.

The deal also allows for Trinidad & Tobago agreeing to a US$300 million transition plan for Caribbean Airlines to acquire and operate six Air Jamaica aircraft and eight of its routes. -(CMC)