BWIA plane seized in Miami

A 737 aircraft operated by cash-strapped BWIA was seized at Miami International Airport yesterday afternoon for monies owing to the owners — International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

BWIA’s Corporate Com-munications Director Clint Williams confirmed last night that the aircraft was seized as it was preparing for flight 483 to Trinidad. Williams told Newsday at around 3 pm yesterday agents of International Lease Finance Corporation, owners of the aircraft, boarded the plane at Miami International Airport and took control of it, pending satisfaction of payment.  The airline spokesman said 103 passengers and crew were scheduled to make the 4 pm flight to Piarco International Airport. Williams said following the seizure of the aircraft,  the passengers were taken to a Miami Airport hotel where BWIA was responsible for their accommodation and meals. Williams said the seizure of the aircraft was as a result of outstanding lease payments due to the owners of the plane. He said the Board of Management of the airline was in negotiations with the government late yesterday in an effort to source funds to pay to International Lease Finance Corporation so the aircraft can be released as soon as possible. “We are hoping that the aircraft will be released shortly so that we will be able to resume a full flight schedule. We are in contact with the government and we are hopeful that we will get the necessary funds so that the lease payments could be brought up-to-date We are also hopeful that the aircraft would be released by tomorrow (today),” Williams said.

The BWIA spokesman, however, was unwilling to reveal what monies were owed to the owners aircraft. Williams said it was the first time a BWIA aircraft was seized for debt and he assured the national community that BWIA will be operating its daily flight BW 484 today. The flight leaves Piarco at 9.05 am and is due in Miami at 12.50 pm. This is the first major incident affecting the airline since it laid off 617 employees earlier this year. BWIA has also suffered financially in recent years and following the September 11 terrorists attacks in the United States, travelling has declined. BWIA turned to government for a bailout and it was eventually agreed that the Patrick Manning administration will assist the airline to the tune of $116 million, but not until certain conditions are met, including a review of the salaries of management.