Air Jamaica defends Miami route closure

The management of the national airline has sought to defend its decision to close its Miami route.



The route is one of several in North America to be closed by the airline.



Air Jamaica President and Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Nobles, said a continued low load factor, unsustainable losses and strong competition on the route were the major issues influencing the airline’s decision.



While expressing regret that some customers might be impacted negatively by the closure, Mr Nobles added that the decision was supported by the findings of a due diligence review of Air Jamaica’s operations.



The due diligence was conducted international airline consultancy, GRA Incorporated which also recommended an action plan aimed at taking advantage of both short-term and long-term opportunities in the marketplace.



With service from the Miami gateway set to end on February 25, 2009, Mr Nobles emphasised that closure of the loss-making route will enable the airline’s management to focus on its operations at the Fort Lauderdale base, which is more cost efficient, and offers the prospect for stronger growth.



Additionally he said the majority of Florida’s Jamaicans in the Diaspora live in and around the Fort Lauderdale area, as evidenced by the passenger growth experienced in recent years on this route.