Prime Minister Gaston Browne says persistent flight delays and cancellations across the Caribbean are largely the result of airlines operating without enough aircraft and other resources to provide reliable service.
“The pervasive flight delays and cancellations among the airlines operating in the region, are due primarily to a lack of adequate assets,” Browne wrote.
He said the situation makes the case for the creation of a “well capitalized, government supported, privately run OECS Air.”
Browne has been advocating for the establishment of OECS Air as a way to improve regional connectivity and reduce the transportation difficulties faced by travellers moving between Eastern Caribbean countries.
Under the model previously outlined by Browne, OECS governments would collectively own the proposed airline, while its day-to-day operations and management would be handled privately and run along commercial lines.
The prime minister has argued that inadequate regional air transportation affects more than passengers, saying dependable connectivity is important for tourism, commerce, investment and economic growth throughout the Eastern Caribbean.
His latest comments come amid continuing frustration among regional travellers over disrupted schedules, lengthy delays and cancelled flights.
Browne has previously described regional flight disruptions as a serious connectivity problem and said stronger investment in aviation is needed to prevent Eastern Caribbean travellers from being repeatedly stranded.
Source: Antigua News Room Browne Blames Regional Flight Delays on Lack of Aircraft, Renews Call for OECS Air.