Business
Struggling regional airline, LIAT to axe unprofitable routes
Holder said that the company has taking the stance that it needs to be more professional and implement the changes needed to keep the carrier on an even keel.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who is also chairman of shareholder governments, told reporters he had been exerting public pressure on his counterparts across the region, particularly from those countries that benefit considerably from the operations of the airline.
“We have not been putting the same pressure on Keith Mitchell of Grenada because I know he has just come into office, and is trying to sort himself out. We give him a break, but he too has to come to the table,” said Gonsalves.
He said that the existing contributing countries were not immune to the ravages of the global economic meltdown but, since 2008, had been demonstrating their commitment to the region.
“Despite the stresses and strains, we have come up with significant monies and I am sure that that is a factor which some governments, who have not put in, will bear in mind.
The prime minister said Holder and acting CEO Julie Reifer-Jones had made presentations to the meeting which outlined a plan for sustainable recovery of the airline, as well as an immediate program for implementation.
LIAT said it would employ an expert to assess the unprofitable routes which would not only entail cutting, but rescheduling or reviewing them. -(CMC)
