CAL's London service remains: Moonan

CAL chairman Rabindra Moonan 

The chairman of Caribbean Airlines Ltd. (CAL) told the Guardian newspaper Tuesday the airline has no plans to scrap its direct service to London that begins on June 14.

The possibility of dropping the service was raised in the context of the airline's negative financial situation as reported in Parliament by Finance Minister Winston Dookeran.

The minister stated that unauditied statements show the airline recorded a loss of TT$339.5 million for 2011 and its subsidiary, Air Jamaica, showed a loss of TT$245.2 million.

The Guardian said Rabindra Moonan stated that CAL intends to capitalise on the upcoming 2012 Olympics in London to boost revenue on the Port of Spain to London route.

“Sales have begun and we will market the route aggressively over the upcoming months. We have a responsibility to address the needs of the consumer and this gateway is yet another option for connecting the region," the paper quoted Moonan as saying.

“The commencement of the London route is quite timely as we take advantage of the demands for Caribbean travel to Olympics 2012.”

Moonan added that CAL would continue to manage the budget with a focus on cost efficiencies in all areas.

“We have a responsibility to the consumers and the economy to ensure they are confident the finances are well-managed,” he said. He also said at the present time he doesn't expect the airline to be buying any new aircraft.

Moonan attends his first board meeting Wednesday.