REDjet's new target: Grenada

Low-budget carrier REDjet is seeking a licence to operate on the Grenada route, according to a government statement from St Georges.

REDjet chairman and chief executive officer Ian Burns held 'preliminary discussions' with the Grenada Airlift Committee as a first step to making an official application to service the route.

Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Peter David said government will be prepared to consider all factors in the interest of the tourism sector and the Grenada economy.

"The application has not yet been formally made", but REDjet has made inquiries, David told reporters

"We have had discussions; they have indicated to us how they operate (including) their business plan with the Caribbean and particularly with Grenada".

The carrier is expected to start operating in three months, according to Grenada's statement.

"We are also interested in increasing travel in the region because it's good for our tourism industry and it's also good for the integration movement," David said.

In April, the Barbados-based REDjet announced that it would be flying between Jamaica and Barbados as of May 8.

But the airline has been experiencing administrative problems in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica and has had to cancel its operations for a period. REDjet now services the Barbados to Guyana route.

"I can only say that our business model is a tried and tested business model around the world, and the low-fare model works extremely well," said Burns.

"The best low-fare models around the world are the most profitable airlines in the world and a recession is a great time for low-fare airline. People are much more conscious of how much they can spend on travel," he added.

- CMC