Relief coming for Tobago airbridge

Referring to problems which occurred on the airbridge over the weekend when Tobago Express pilots called in sick and BWIA was called on to assist stranded passengers at the Piarco and Crown Point International Airports, the Chief Secretary told Newsday that all options must now be thoroughly explored in order to bring relief to the travelling public.

London said at the last meeting of the Cabinet’s sub-committee on tourism, the airlift committee was given a mandate to present a report on short, medium and long-term solutions to problems on the airbridge within the next two weeks. He declined to give any specifics but hinted that it may involve bringing in foreign airlifts to the sister isle.

Stating that the airbridge and its stakeholders have been "burnt sufficiently" by past and recent events, London said the time had come to lay all options on the table and come up with workable solutions for the airbridge. The Chief Secretary added that while the airbridge was hindered by certain constraints in the past, the current situation was unacceptable and solutions must be found to address it.

Earlier this year, the airbridge received invaluable assistance from two ATR-72 aircraft which were wetleased from Danish airline Cimba Air. However, there have been problems on the airbridge since the wetlease ended, and the domestic seabridge has had to increase sailings of its various ferries to assist the airbridge. Concerning the proposed solutions, which could involve an increase in the domestic airfare from $200 to $500, London said he was pragmatic and knew that it may be difficult to encourage private enterprise to get involved in the domestic airbridge if such enterprises do not see the possibility of making a profit or at the very least, minimise their losses.

However, the Chief Secretary made it clear that he does not support an increase in the domestic airfare if the level of service on the airbridge does not improve. London said it made no sense to raise the airfare if the level of service does not improve simultaneously. The Chief Secretary said he has been having discussions with Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert about the airbridge and was optimistic that "firm options" for the airbridge would soon be laid on the table.