ST
GEORGE’S, Grenada, June 17, 2011 - Chairman and CEO of REDjet, Ian
Burns, on Friday held preliminary discussions with representatives of the
Grenada Airlift Committee as a first step to making an official application for
a license to service the Grenada route.
Minister for Tourism and Civil
Aviation, Peter David, described the discussions as "only
preliminary,'' saying government will be prepared to consider all factors
in the interest of the tourism sector and the Grenada economy.
“We are interested in increasing
travel within the region, both in terms of tourism and the integration
movement,” David said following Friday’s meeting.
When asked about the likely impact of
REDjet on longtime regional carrier LIAT, the Tourism Minister said
government is supportive of the sustainability of LIAT. But government also has
a responsibility to restore the declining numbers of persons traveling within
the region, he added.
Burns said the REDjet's goal is
to provide low fares to the Caribbean.
“We want to be able to help everyone
to fly. Our objective is to stimulate travel and growth within the region and
not to take business from anyone,” he said.
In response to queries that previous
airlines once had the same approach and are now out of existence,
the REDjet CEO remarked that their business model has been tried and
tested and has sustainable potential.
It can possibly take up to 12
weeks for all the pieces to fall into place from Friday's preliminary round of
talks before the airline actually commences operations.
Both parties are expected to meet
prior to the application for an air transport license, and the submission
of a proposal and recommendation to Cabinet by the Grenada Airlift
Committee.
SOURCE: Betty Ann Lazarus
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