Chamber supports BWIA

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce is calling on Government to help out cash strapped airline BWIA.

In a relaease yesterday, the Chamber said other airlines, like Air Jamaica, Air Canada and American Airlines, have received support from their governments. “We believe the unprecedented state of the airline industry worldwide needs to be taken into careful consideration as BWIA has been affected like all other airlines,” the Chamber said. “We think the best laid plans can change quickly given the unusual dynamics of the airline environment at the present time.”

BWIA’s management presented a survival plan to Government on Tuesday. Prime Minister Patrick Manning has said Government would allow the airline to fold if it cannot could not come up with a viable plan. It is now up to the Government to decide whether the plan merits financial help. The Chamber noted that BWIA had three profitable years before the terrorist attacks in 2001 and that it contributes to the local economy, spending over $460 million annually. It also noted that BWIA is a net earner of foreign exchange since 80 percent of total gross revenue is earned outside Trinidad and Tobago. The Chamber also said BWIA is important as a national carrier. “We cannot leave our airlift up to foreign carriers that can come and go at their pleasure and at prices that will suit them,” the Chamber said.