For BA’s return, numbers must be right

BRITISH AIRWAYS will  resume  direct flights to Trinidad, but only if the numbers are right. “When the numbers tell us it is a wise economic decision, we would certainly be willing to do so,” said the airline’s South Caribbean manager Elvin Sealy at the launch of British Airways’ “Dusk” Product at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel. The Dusk Product comprises the new Club World and World Traveller Plus services. The Club World service offers passengers a unique “lounge in the sky” environment with a revolutionary seat which expands into a six-foot, fully flat bed at the touch of a button, laptop power point and telephone services.

World Traveller Plus service offers a premium economy cabin for business executives with features such as ergonomically-designed seats, special services for children and 20 percent more personal space than British Airways’ World Traveller service. He said while British Airways currently believe the Gatwick- Crown Point route to be the most efficient way to serve Trinidad and Tobago, “many have expressed the desire for an increase in frequency.” In this context, Sealy said that a return of direct flights to Trinidad is constantly under review.

In the meantime, Sealy said there is growing popularity for British Airways’ service from London to Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados with connecting flights to Port-of-Spain and Tobago. Why? Because of TT’s growing importance within the region as a destination for “two centre holidays”- business in Trinidad and leisure in Tobago. Sealy indicated that  this aspect of tourism has not been actively promoted within the Caribbean.

He gave TT tourism stakeholders the assurance that as British Airways continues to develop its range of products to satisfy the demands of its customers and ensure that such products match the “ever-improving hotel product.” British Airways district manager for TT, Marcelle Joseph, said the completion of the Crown Point Airport extension project will allow British Airways to bring an improved level of service to persons travelling to the sister isle.