Valley: Search continues for BWIA CEO

NOTWITHSTANDING BWIA’s financial woes, the search for a chief executive officer for the national air carrier continues, according to Trade Minister Ken Valley. Asked whether attempts were being made to find a new CEO to replace Conrad Aleong, Valley said that search as not been abandoned. “We have to look at the SH and E  report before we can look for a CEO for the airline. There are a few people in mind, but one wants to have some concept of sustainability before you bring someone on board,” he said. 

Aleong resigned as BWIA CEO last June after enduring relentless criticism about the airline’s performance under his stewardship.  BWIA corporate general manager Nelson Tom Yew has been carrying out Aleong’s functions since then. SH and E International Air Transport Consultancy has been hired by the Government to monitor BWIA’s operations and will deliver a final report by the end of May. 

The Minister said he expects to receive an interim report from SH and E in two weeks.  Valley said SH and E’s advice will be crucial to determining the way forward for BWIA, the proposed BWIA-LIAT merger and Government’s attempts to position Piarco International Airport as an international transit hub into and out of South America. The Minister ruled out Government taking control of BWIA’s operations at this time.