REDjet flights to Trinidad confirmed

Regional travelers are now on standby for flights to Trinidad on REDjet, following confirmation from that country’s Transport Minister that the carrier has finally been cleared to fly, two months later than originally intended.

Devant Maharaj issued a statement yesterday confirming earlier media reports that the court action brought by the operators of Airone Limited, trading as REDjet, against the Civil Aviation Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and Amral Mohammed, in his capacity as Chairman of the Air Transport Licensing Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, has been settled on terms which are mutually acceptable to all parties.

“The terms of the settlement remain private as between the parties,” he said.

“The regulatory authorities are now satisfied that the stringent regulatory requirements including safety have been met and are complied with.”

“We are certain that the consuming public in Trinidad and Tobago and the region would welcome a choice in air travel at this time. It is reflective of this country’s commitment to the region and to the development of our Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners,” Maharaj added.

REDjet has not yet announced when flights will start and up to this morning bookings could still not be made, but the Trinidad Express newspaper reported over the weekend that flights will begin on July 28.

The Barbados-based carrier had planned to have its inaugural Trinidad and Tobago flight on May 8, but failed to get permission in time. It then faced several delays and obstacles, including alleged concerns about safety and authorities admittedly trying to protect the interest of Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines (CAL) which has taken over Air Jamaica.

In his statement yesterday, Maharaj said the relevant regulatory authorities “continue to discharge their public functions and duties as to the continued monitoring of all air carriers operating in Trinidad and Tobago so as to ensure that the highest standards are attained, consistent with this country’s unblemished aviation record.”

“With the consensus of our regional partners and all stakeholders in the industry, together with assurances of compliance of the most stringent standards, and the appropriate regulatory oversight, the inclusion of other airlines as regional carriers into the market is reflective of Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to an open sky policy, subject to the compliance with all requirements,” he added.

REDjet is still awaiting approval to fly to and from Jamaica.

Source: Caribbean360