Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to JALPA.

Since the Government has refused to entertain your bid, why don’t you start your own airline?

There are numerous Jamaicans, I am sure, both in the diaspora and at home who would willingly travel on this airline. The equity that you have identified could be invested into a local carrier to build it into an international one, or you could start from scratch with your own and reopen the routes that have been cut as seasonal routes, as so many airlines do.

To reduce the chance of losses, look at varying the fleet: Embraer 175 or Embraer 190 aircraft could be used on low-yield routes. These include Havana, Nassau and even Cayman. Fort Lauderdale, New York and Toronto — once popular routes — could be serviced by these, or the A319/A320.

Jamaica is a signatory to the Petro-Caribe accord, so you could utilise this agreement for fuel hedging if necessary. The Government would like to see Jamaicans invest in the country to create jobs, jobs, and more jobs. Be proactive and show them how a simple idea and proactive people can lead to a successful business.

Teach the Government, Opposition and members of the private sector how to run a business successfully. All it takes is the necessary investment to start. You will need resources, so recruit the best and the brightest staff who work at Air Jamaica.

Work with the unions to make them understand what the rules will be, and start anew. Air Montego, Jamaican, Reggae Bird, Jamaica Express… there are many names to choose from. White aircraft with black, green and gold stripes from the tip of the nose to the tail of the aircraft would signify pride. The tail could have a Jamaican flag ‘blowing in the wind’ as its logo.

Think smart and stop pleading with people who don’t have your interest at heart. Pick yourself up,dust yourself off and hit the ground running. The world is run by an open skies agreement now, take to the sky and retain your legacy, after all, we know the crew of Air Jamaica is one of the best in the business.

Iva Rolle

iva_rolle@yahoo.com