CARIBBEAN-TRANSPORTATION-LIAT warns of disruptions in service

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The regional airline, LIAT, Wednesday announced a reduction in its service to Guyana in response to security concerns by its pilots and cabin crews.

 

LIAT said that in addition to a "temporary reduced schedule" for Guyana it was also indicating that there would be disruptions to its services generally as a result of "a number of reasons, chief among these are maintenance issues and crewing challenges".

 

The airline said it was working "resolutely at solving the problems as quickly as possible" and that it was "implementing measures that should improve day-to-day operations and certainly its on time performance. 

 

"With regards to crew, the airline has been impacted on in a few quarters: the high level of uncertified sickness and the resignations of crew as a result of having been head-hunted by other airlines," the airline said.

 

LIAT said that it was also addressing the security concerns of its pilots and crew regarding its service into Guyana.

 

It said that the temporary reduced schedule from Tuesday this week would "now offer an early morning rather than night service into Georgetown".

 

"Additionally, back-up aircraft for both the Antigua and Barbados bases will be made available to protect the integrity of the schedule. As well, the expertise of a Flight Operations Consultant has been sought as the airline seeks to fine-tune it operations."

 

The airline said it had started training for 11 new flight attendants "and will provide the airline with additional personnel from early March. Eight pilots also began training this week to make up for the shortfall due to resignations".

 

CMC/08