By Sue- Ann Wayow
MORE than 60 international and domestic flights had to be cancelled by Caribbean Airlines (CAL) as a result of the sick-out action by pilots on Sunday.
Caribbean Airlines issued a media release and a public statement on its flight situation on Monday at 4.34 pm apologising for the inconvenience to the hundreds of passengers stranded in and out of Trinidad and Tobago.
“The events over the past few days have put a significant damper on what have been very positive developments for Caribbean Airlines, and that is a shame,” the airline said, adding that it did not foresee nor prepared for the action taken by pilots.
It has accepted there was a significant setback in customer relations.
An injunction by the Industrial Court that was applied for by the airline was granted on Monday which instructs pilots to report for duty immediately as rostered and required.
Caribbean Airlines said it sought the support of the Industrial Court after receiving calls from 93 pilots between Friday and Sunday, each indicating they were unwell and unable to report for duty making it impossible to recover immediately.
Each of those calls was received around three hours before the scheduled departure times of the respective flights, it stated.
“The actions by these pilots to call in sick directly caused the airline to cancel over 60 international and domestic flights,” the release stated.
Caribbean Airlines then moved quickly to recover by pursuing alternatives and leased charters to transport the displaced passengers on the international and regional routes.
The Port of Port of Spain also assisted the airline’s domestic operations, by adding a special ferry sailing which took passengers to and from Tobago.
Caribbean Airlines said at significant cost, it immediately wet-leased two aircraft, obtained accommodation for stranded passengers and took legal advice.
Caribbean Airlines said, “We extend our very sincere apologies for the recent disruptions to our flight operations. We fully understand the frustration and extreme disappointment that such unexpected cancellations can bring, especially when many of you were eagerly anticipating long-awaited vacations, and crucial academic journeys.”
The airline stated, “Like you, we are very saddened by these developments. Over the years, we have been witnessing with great pride the significant strides the airline has made, thanks in no small part to the unwavering support of the taxpayers of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Everyone besides the pilots were on board to ensure smooth flights including the ground staff, front-end personnel, cabin crew, reservations call centres, maintenance and management and Caribbean Airlines thanked its team for their continued commitment during the difficult period.
The airline is promising to restore trust.
“We are resolute in our commitment to restoring the trust and affection upon which this most valuable relationship is based, and in so doing, ensure that your future travel experiences are as smooth and pleasant as you rightfully expect,” Caribbean Airlines said.
The airline is still experiencing a high volume of calls and advises customers to update their contact information online at the airline’s website.
