Tobago Express calls for good sense to prevail

Tobago Express airline yesterday acknowledged a continuing problem to its flight schedules as a result of its pilots calling in sick yesterday. The action by the pilots has resulted in cancellation of most scheduled flights, in that only eight of 42 flights operated. It was noted that this was the second time in recent times that Tobago Express has been confronted by this kind of action by its cockpit crew. As a result the airline yesterday said it sincerely apologised to the travelling public for the inconvenience. Meantime, the airline’s management said it was continuing discussions with the Trinidad and Tobago Airlines Pilots Association (TALPA) and the Tobago Express pilots group.

There are two major issues involved:
Implementation of a recently agreed salary that will allow pilots to receive 13 months salaries in a year. That agreement will officially take effect from October 8, 2005. Both TALPA and Tobago Express pilots have agreed to the new payment schedule. It was also stated that the terms of changing from contract employment to one of permanent employment are currently being considered by the airline’s Board of Directors. The board expects to make a determination on the matter in the near future. According to the airline’s board, the consolidated action taken by the pilots not only impacts negatively on the travelling public, but also affects the viability of the company as well.

Similar action on August 21 resulted in an estimated loss of revenue amounting to $330,000. The Board also noted that since August 1 Tobago Express has incurred additional fuel cost of approximately (US)$70,000 weekly. By pilots not observing the instrument flight rules for approaches and departures, there was an increase in normal flying times from an average of 25 minutes to 38 minutes, the board said. It also said that this critically affects the integrity of the flight schedules leading to cancellations. Tobago Express said it was calling on its pilots to cease this action which is adversely affecting “the lives of our citizens and other stakeholders as the board continues discussions with TALPA and the Tobago Express pilots group in an effort to resolve the issues and for a return to normal operation.”