Ramesh Lutchmedial told local media he has sent a letter to the no frills airline, which is marketing fares as low as US$63 rate from Trinidad and Tobago to other Caribbean destinations such as Jamaica and Guyana.
REDjet launched its service last week. However Lutchmedial has insisted that the airline does not have a licence to operate a service in Trinidad and Tobago. REDjet countered by saying that it has received permission for the service from Barbados under arrangements established through CARICOM.
However Works and Transport Minister has said that doesn't mean that it can fly here. “The permanent secretary has submitted a report stating that nobody has given REDjet permission to fly into Trinidad,” Warner told reporters Tuesday.
He reiterated what he said last week that he is not against competition. However he added that companies wishing to do business in Trinidad and Tobago must follow then laws of the land. And he said that has not been the case with REDjet.
Warner said the airline has not yet approached the Airports Authority for permission to operate a service through Trinidad and Tobago.
Lutchmedial told reporters CATT's letter to REDjet advised the airline not to make any bookings until it has received the required permission from the relevant local authorities.
REDjet's low fares do not include government and other taxes and fees. And its no-frills structure means that passengers have an option to choose whether they wish to pay for other services normally offered by conventional airlines such as meals, inflight entertainment and baggage.
With respect to the the approval from Barbados, Lutchmedial explained that under the air service agreements between Barbados and other states, airlines are still supposed to adhere to the local laws so there is no automatic right for REDjet to operate in T&T.
He said REDjet must apply to all countries to ensure that it is in compliance with the laws of each country.
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