British Airways considering reinstating Port-of-Spain on its world route

Management at British Airways is considering reinstating Port-of-Spain as one of the destinations on its world route, according to Edvin Sealy, commercial manager for the South Caribbean. Addressing a gathering at the launch of the Speedbird Club at the Hilton Trinidad yesterday, Sealy revealed that a delegation from British Airways recently visited Trinidad to hold discussions with Government on the possibility of returning to the country. Port-of-Spain was removed from the airline’s route in 1994 after it was decided that it was no longer a viable destination. Tobago, however, remained one of the airline’s Caribbean destinations. While he could not confirm that British Airways would indeed return to Trinidad, Sealy maintained that the matter was currently “on the evaluation table.”

Sealy went on to note that from December 16 there would be 11 British Airways flights operating out of Barbados. From February 2004, he said,  these flights will be equipped with two new services for business travelers — World Traveller Plus and Club World. He said, “the World Traveller Plus package is designed to give business people who do not want to spend what it costs to travel the world an opportunity to experience some of the features of an excellent business class product.” This feature offers business people wider seating, more leg room, lap top power, 18 channels of continuous film and television entertainment, as well as a secluded cabin.

With Club World, British Airways has become the first airline to offer a fully flat bed which provides a more natural sleeping position. Sealy noted that the emphasis was on ensuring that the business traveller was well rested and therefore prepared for business. Club World also offers fliers their personal space, in-seat phone and laptop power as well as Terrace lounges at selected locations. “You control your own,” Sealy stated. “It is all about being in charge of travel and the use of time.” Introducing the new Speedbird Club, Lucinda Benjamin, Sales Support Executive for the South Caribbean noted that this new service was designed specifically with travel professionals in mind. The Club is an Internet site which allows travel agents to communicate news, products, services and travel information to their clients.