REDjet may pull its headquarters from Barbados

(Antigua Observer) – Low cost carrier REDjet is exploring options for a new base as it put the Barbados government on notice that it would pull its headquarters from that country if the foot-dragging in approving more routes continues.

The warning comes from the airline’s co-founder and Business Development Director Robbie Burns, who said the company is being frustrated by the slow pace of Barbadian technocrats.

The ultimatum also follows recent announcements from investors that they are not prepared to pump more money into REDjet until the routes are guaranteed.

There are six routes that are currently pending by Barbadian authorities while the airline has received approval from the other countries it is targeting. REDjet so far invested US $4 million in the expansion of routes and the investors are unwilling to spend any more until Barbados approves the routes.

Burns said the low cost carrier has delivered its end of the bargain but the Barbados government has not.

“If things continue like this over six months REDjet will not have its base in Barbados. We are not prepared to go any further investing in our operations there until the other half of the investment deal is met,” Burns said.

“We have delivered our half, we have delivered our jobs, we have delivered our investment, we have delivered our service and we have shown we can fly the routes properly and deliver a reliable safe service.”

He added, “If there is no sign our investment is going forward, our operations in Barbados will be in question because we really do plan to grow. REDjet’s proposition was to unite the Caribbean to develop a pan-Caribbean airline. At the moment, we can’t do that from our bases in Barbados if the current situation continues.”

The REDjet co-founder said the repeated delays are harming investor confidence in the airline.

“We need to have confidence that monies invested will achieve what they’re supposed to achieve. Of course as part of that, we are really seeking ways in which our delays in going forward and the cost of our delays going forward is something that should not be borne by consumers. It should not be borne by taxpayers and these delays have to end,” Burns said.

Earlier this week, Barbadian businessman Ralph “Bizzy” Williams, who has invested in REDjet, accused the government there of sabotaging the airline’s progress by excessive delays.

St Lucia’s Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet has also been on the case, saying the Barbados government had not yet approved the Barbados to St Lucia route for the airline. REDjet currently flies to Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica and Antigua & Barbuda.