BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PREPARATION continues apace for the second weekly flight of British Airways (BA) to land in the Federation on March 30 despite threats of cabin crew strikes set for the same date.
Since last year, government officials and top officers of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority have been gearing up for this flight, originally scheduled for March 23, as it would immediately increase capacity to the island and would translate to an increase in stay-over visitors. However, when news of the impending strike broke, the launch date was moved back one week.
Director of Communication’s at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Saju Ng’alla said the change of date was an internal decision made by British Airways, adding that preparations continue for the long-anticipated March 30 flight.
“The flight is still on for the 30th. In fact, we are preparing for the ceremony, commemorating the start of the second weekly BA flight and we will be handing over tokens of our appreciation to the captain and crew.
“At this time, we are hoping that everything goes well. We have no information that it will not take place,” he explained in an interview with SKNVibes.
Ng’alla emphasized that the Minister responsible for Tourism and International Transport Hon. Richard Skerritt has worked hard to make the flight a reality because he sees airlift as an area of particular importance to St. Kitts-Nevis. Skerritt, according to the tourism spokesperson, is “keeping a close watch” on the BA strike talks and will do what he can to ensure that the flight is launched as planned.
British Airways cabin crew strikes have been planned for March 20-22, and 27-30 but the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is hoping for flights to go as planned, noting that many of its Member Countries depend heavily on UK markets.
“The CTO continues to monitor closely developments in the current dispute between BA and the union representing its cabin crew. CTO is concerned about the potential impact on our business of the pending strike by the cabin crew. However, we are encouraged by BA’s responsiveness to the Caribbean and by the contingency plans the airline has instituted to protect the business,” states a CTO press statement released yesterday (Mar. 15).
According to CTO reports, the region receives an average of 1.4 million tourists from the UK each year, about six percent of the Caribbean’s total arrivals. Recognizing the reliance of the region on UK markets, the international carrier has assured the CTO that it has implemented “robust contingency plans” to avoid disruption in the flights. Flights to the Federation and other regional territories, including Antigua, Barbados, Bermuda, Grenada and Jamaica, are expected to operate as normal.
“It has also assured CTO that it will do all that it can to protect the travel plans of its customers to the entire region. Our Secretary General will continue to stay in close touch with BA’s senior management to get the latest position,” the press statement reads.
Both the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and the CTO have worded their hopes that talks between the union and the airline resume as a matter of urgency and that resolution can be found to satisfy all stakeholders.
