CARIBBEAN Airlines (CAL) is dumping its London, Gatwick service. The last flight will be on January 10, 2016,three months earlier than industry insiders had indicated.This decision comes on the heels of the airline pulling its Boeing 767 fleet, which serviced London, because of the high costs associated with operating the planes.
“This has not been an easy decision, since the airline’s customers have loyally supported the London service, especially in the peak periods,” the Trinidad-based carrier said in a statement, adding:
“Unfortunately, the costs associated with maintaining the Boeing 767 aircraft operation has led Caribbean Airlines to the decision of simplifying its fleet and focusing its limited resources to build connectivity in the North American and Caribbean markets.”
CAL said the decision was taken after conducting a detailed review of its network, taking into account the current competitive environment.
The announcement was confirmation of reports that surfaced in early August that CAL’s three-weekly flights to Gatwick, which began in June 2012, would cease at the end of March next year, and that the airline would return its leased Boeing 737 planes to the International Lease Finance Corporation.
Industry insiders had said that the long-haul route was performing below expectation, and that CAL would cut it to reduce operational costs so as to allow the carrier to focus on its viable North American routes.
At the time, CAL had said that it was reviewing its network profitability, but neither confirmed nor denied reports that it would stop flying the Port of Spain-London route.
CAL says it will assist customers in finding alternative travel arrangements to and from London, and that a dedicated unit at its call centres will assist affected customers with their travel needs.
Those who were booked for departure and return after January 10, 2016 have the option of getting a full refund or being reallocated to other services; while those who were scheduled to commence travel before that date will either get a full refund or be refunded for the return leg of their trip.
CAL said customers can discuss other options by contacting its call centres.