Air Jamaica Discontinues Travel TO/FROM.....

[SerenitysPhoenix 0]

F.Y.I. - AIR JAMAICA IS DISCONTINUING SERVICE FROM MIAMI, ATLANTA, LOS ANGELES, GRAND CAYMAN, BARBADOS AND GRENADA. READ MORE IN DEPTH STORY BELOW.

My apologies if this topic has alredy been posted.

Air Jamaica ends 40-year Miami service

Air Jamaica is stopping its money-losing flights to Miami International Airport -- but will keep its Fort Lauderdale service.

BY INA PAIVA CORDLE

icordle@MiamiHerald.com

Air Jamaica, which has flown to Miami since its founding in 1969, will exit the airport in late February as it suspends unprofitable routes amid the global economic downturn.

The government-owned carrier will continue its service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where nearly four times as many of its South Florida passengers already fly, said Air Jamaica Chief Executive Bruce Nobles.

''Will we ever come back to Miami? I can't say,'' Nobles said Wednesday. ``The economy right now is not in very good shape. Not many people are going on vacation and we are trying to put our resources in the places where we have the most strengths and where we can make money.''

Air Jamaica carries 275,000 passengers in and out of Fort Lauderdale a year, versus 75,000 to and from Miami, Nobles said.

About 18 Miami employees will be laid off, unless there are job openings in Fort Lauderdale, he said.

BIG COMPETITION

At Miami International Airport, where Air Jamaica operates two daily flights that connect between Montego Bay and Kingston, the carrier faces steep competition from American Airlines, the dominant carrier at MIA. American flies six daily flights, three each to Kingston and Montego Bay.

By contrast, in Fort Lauderdale, Air Jamaica flies four daily flights, as the main carrier to Jamaica, competing only with Spirit Airlines.

Some Jamaicans were surprised at the move.

Joe Rhoden, who operates a Caribbean freight company and travels to Jamaica at least once a month on business trips, says the news is ``not good, not good at all.''

For an upcoming trip in March, he ended up booking a flight out of MIA on American.

''Driving to Fort Lauderdale is not convenient for me. I live in Kendall,'' he said, noting that his office is only five minutes away from MIA. ``It's a great disappointment, seeing that this was a pioneering route for Air Jamaica. I thought they should have given it further consideration before pulling the plug . . . even keeping on one flight a day.''

In addition to ending service to Miami on Feb. 26, Air Jamaica also will stop flying to Atlanta, Los Angeles and Grand Cayman.

Air Jamaica also will discontinue service between Jamaica and Barbados, and Jamaica and Grenada.

The airline will keep its Orlando route.

For the airline in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale is profitable, while Miami is ''losing money -- a lot,'' Nobles said.

''In Fort Lauderdale, we're the dominant carrier [to Jamaica] and the airports are 30 miles apart,'' he said. ``And the vast majority of our traffic are Jamaicans who live in both places and go back and forth.''

U.S. Census figures for 2000 show that 71,766 Jamaicans live in Broward, and 41,576 live in Miami-Dade.

Airport costs per passenger are also much lower in Fort Lauderdale -- $5.22 per passenger, versus $15.82 at MIA.

''[Air Jamaica have] been very successful operating here for 14 years and have been one of our oldest international carriers,'' said Steve Belleme, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood's business development manager. ``So their chances are better of being profitable here because the costs are much lower.''

In fact, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood's cost advantage has helped attract and retain low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Spirit, which do not operate out of MIA.

But as the economic downturn has deepened, Fort Lauderdale lost 11 percent of its seats in December, according to airline analysts OAG Worldwide, in line with the industry's domestic capacity cutbacks.

MIA, however, added 1 percent, which came mostly from American's growth. American, which bases its Latin American and Caribbean hub at MIA, had 2.8 percent more passengers in 2008 than 2007. The carrier commands 65 percent of MIA's traffic and poses a difficult competitor, observers say.

FOR SALE

Air Jamaica's route cuts are designed to stem its financial losses and make it more attractive to potential buyers. The Jamaican government is trying to sell the airline. The deadline is the end of March, and conversations are being held with several potential buyers, Nobles said.

''The business plan we have filed, which resizes the airline, is consistent with that plan [to sell the airline] and makes it more attractive,'' he said.

Don Daly, a popular South Florida Jamaica radio and TV personality who lives near The Falls in South Miami-Dade, takes the 7 a.m. flight to Jamaica out of Fort Lauderdale when he visits home three times a year.

''From down south, it would take someone 40 to 45 minutes to get to Fort Lauderdale,'' he said. ``Symbolically, one looks at it as a loss because of the sentiments attached to it. Miami was one of its original routes.''

Miami Herald staff writer Jacqueline Charles contributed to this report.

[SerenitysPhoenix 0]

On the bright side, I checked to see if they had an alternative out of Atlanta and it was Delta. However, while there is a choice of two to three early arrival non stop flights going to Jamaica, there weren't any return flights late afternoon or evening which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I guess it could be worse, I might have to drive to Ft. Lauderdale to get a flight or worse take Spirit Airlines a.k.a. Soul Plane so I won't complain but so much. However, each and every time I flew to and from the plane was packed so I dont know how they can justify ATL not being a lucrative hub.

Oh well sign of the time... first it was Newark, New Jersey now this... they say they are trying to sell the airline... wonder in this day and time who has the money to buy it!

[*JG* 2]

On the bright side, I checked to see if they had an alternative out of Atlanta and it was Delta. However, while there is a choice of two to three early arrival non stop flights going to Jamaica, there weren't any return flights late afternoon or evening which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I guess it could be worse, I might have to drive to Ft. Lauderdale to get a flight or worse take Spirit Airlines a.k.a. Soul Plane so I won't complain but so much. However, each and every time I flew to and from the plane was packed so I dont know how they can justify ATL not being a lucrative hub.

Oh well sign of the time... first it was Newark, New Jersey now this... they say they are trying to sell the airline... wonder in this day and time who has the money to buy it!

Delta packs you on those JUMBO jets like cattle. I've had good luck with them, though.

[sus 70]

I have had really good luck with Delta - Even when they broke my suitcase, they sent me a check, no issues -

I would expect to see Jet Blue pick up more routes once they see how the NY to MBJ one goes.

[Marie876 0]

AN EMAIL I RECEIVED TODAY FROM AIR JA:

Air Jamaica announces the discontinuation of service from Atlanta on February 23, 2009 and from Los Angeles and Miami on February 25, 2009. We regret that this decision was necessary and understand the inconvenience to our passengers traveling to and from these cities.

In appreciation of your loyalty and support over the years, we offer you special web sale fares on the remainder of our scheduled flights. These special fares are effective January 31 thru February 25, 2009 (Atlanta, thru February 23) for travel in Lovebird Executive and Economy class and exclusively for purchase online at www.AirJamaica.com. Be sure to take advantage of these fantastic savings!

We look forward to seeing you on board very soon.

Between Miami (1/31-2/6) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $119 Economy $69

Between Miami (2/7-2/13) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $1019 Economy $59

Between Miami (2/14-2/20) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $99 Economy $49

Between Miami (2/21-2/25) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $89 Economy $39

Between Atlana and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $109 Economy $59

Between Los Angeles and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $164 Economy $84

Between Barbados, Grenade and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $99 Economy $49

Edited February 2, 2009 by Marie87

[SerenitysPhoenix 0]

thanks Marie87 It's a great deal, I was wondering if they were going to try and make amends in some sort of a discount. Well i'm not going in February so I can't take advantage.

My sadness is purely selfish! I really wanted to bring hunny home on Air Jamaica with Champagne. It would be his first flight anywhere and I wanted it to be comfy. Again, at the end of the day, all that matters is I dont have to swim to JA from ATL.

I fear Delta will pack us in even closer than ever and when your the only game in town, the service gets worse!! Can you say... "STOCK UP ON THE AIRBORNE"

AN EMAIL I RECEIVED TODAY FROM AIR JA:

Air Jamaica announces the discontinuation of service from Atlanta on February 23, 2009 and from Los Angeles and Miami on February 25, 2009. We regret that this decision was necessary and understand the inconvenience to our passengers traveling to and from these cities.

In appreciation of your loyalty and support over the years, we offer you special web sale fares on the remainder of our scheduled flights. These special fares are effective January 31 thru February 25, 2009 (Atlanta, thru February 23) for travel in Lovebird Executive and Economy class and exclusively for purchase online at www.AirJamaica.com. Be sure to take advantage of these fantastic savings!

We look forward to seeing you on board very soon.

Between Miami (1/31-2/6) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $119 Economy $69

Between Miami (2/7-2/13) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $1019 Economy $59

Between Miami (2/14-2/20) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $99 Economy $49

Between Miami (2/21-2/25) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $89 Economy $39

Between Atlana and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $109 Economy $59

Between Los Angeles and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $164 Economy $84

Between Barbados, Grenade and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $99 Economy $49

[*JG* 2]

AN EMAIL I RECEIVED TODAY FROM AIR JA:

Air Jamaica announces the discontinuation of service from Atlanta on February 23, 2009 and from Los Angeles and Miami on February 25, 2009. We regret that this decision was necessary and understand the inconvenience to our passengers traveling to and from these cities.

In appreciation of your loyalty and support over the years, we offer you special web sale fares on the remainder of our scheduled flights. These special fares are effective January 31 thru February 25, 2009 (Atlanta, thru February 23) for travel in Lovebird Executive and Economy class and exclusively for purchase online at www.AirJamaica.com. Be sure to take advantage of these fantastic savings!

We look forward to seeing you on board very soon.

Between Miami (1/31-2/6) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $119 Economy $69

Between Miami (2/7-2/13) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $1019 Economy $59

Between Miami (2/14-2/20) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $99 Economy $49

Between Miami (2/21-2/25) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $89 Economy $39

Between Atlana and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $109 Economy $59

Between Los Angeles and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $164 Economy $84

Between Barbados, Grenade and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $99 Economy $49

Marie is that highlighted one above true? Seems a little high compared to the others.

[Marie876 0]

Thanks for pointing that out to me JG...It was a typo

AN EMAIL I RECEIVED TODAY FROM AIR JA:

Air Jamaica announces the discontinuation of service from Atlanta on February 23, 2009 and from Los Angeles and Miami on February 25, 2009. We regret that this decision was necessary and understand the inconvenience to our passengers traveling to and from these cities.

In appreciation of your loyalty and support over the years, we offer you special web sale fares on the remainder of our scheduled flights. These special fares are effective January 31 thru February 25, 2009 (Atlanta, thru February 23) for travel in Lovebird Executive and Economy class and exclusively for purchase online at www.AirJamaica.com. Be sure to take advantage of these fantastic savings!

We look forward to seeing you on board very soon.

Between Miami (1/31-2/6) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $119 Economy $69

Between Miami (2/7-2/13) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $109 Economy $59

Between Miami (2/14-2/20) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $99 Economy $49

Between Miami (2/21-2/25) and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $89 Economy $39

Between Atlana and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $109 Economy $59

Between Los Angeles and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $164 Economy $84

Between Barbados, Grenade and Kingston, Montego Bay - Business $99 Economy $49

[*JG* 2]

Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between business and economy? Business isn't first class, is it?

[sus 70]

Pretty much -

[phillyfashionista 8]

F.Y.I. - AIR JAMAICA IS DISCONTINUING SERVICE FROM MIAMI, ATLANTA, LOS ANGELES, GRAND CAYMAN, BARBADOS AND GRENADA. READ MORE IN DEPTH STORY BELOW.

My apologies if this topic has alredy been posted.

Air Jamaica ends 40-year Miami service

Air Jamaica is stopping its money-losing flights to Miami International Airport -- but will keep its Fort Lauderdale service.

BY INA PAIVA CORDLE

icordle@MiamiHerald.com

Air Jamaica, which has flown to Miami since its founding in 1969, will exit the airport in late February as it suspends unprofitable routes amid the global economic downturn.

The government-owned carrier will continue its service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where nearly four times as many of its South Florida passengers already fly, said Air Jamaica Chief Executive Bruce Nobles.

''Will we ever come back to Miami? I can't say,'' Nobles said Wednesday. ``The economy right now is not in very good shape. Not many people are going on vacation and we are trying to put our resources in the places where we have the most strengths and where we can make money.''

Air Jamaica carries 275,000 passengers in and out of Fort Lauderdale a year, versus 75,000 to and from Miami, Nobles said.

About 18 Miami employees will be laid off, unless there are job openings in Fort Lauderdale, he said.

BIG COMPETITION

At Miami International Airport, where Air Jamaica operates two daily flights that connect between Montego Bay and Kingston, the carrier faces steep competition from American Airlines, the dominant carrier at MIA. American flies six daily flights, three each to Kingston and Montego Bay.

By contrast, in Fort Lauderdale, Air Jamaica flies four daily flights, as the main carrier to Jamaica, competing only with Spirit Airlines.

Some Jamaicans were surprised at the move.

Joe Rhoden, who operates a Caribbean freight company and travels to Jamaica at least once a month on business trips, says the news is ``not good, not good at all.''

For an upcoming trip in March, he ended up booking a flight out of MIA on American.

''Driving to Fort Lauderdale is not convenient for me. I live in Kendall,'' he said, noting that his office is only five minutes away from MIA. ``It's a great disappointment, seeing that this was a pioneering route for Air Jamaica. I thought they should have given it further consideration before pulling the plug . . . even keeping on one flight a day.''

In addition to ending service to Miami on Feb. 26, Air Jamaica also will stop flying to Atlanta, Los Angeles and Grand Cayman.

Air Jamaica also will discontinue service between Jamaica and Barbados, and Jamaica and Grenada.

The airline will keep its Orlando route.

For the airline in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale is profitable, while Miami is ''losing money -- a lot,'' Nobles said.

''In Fort Lauderdale, we're the dominant carrier [to Jamaica] and the airports are 30 miles apart,'' he said. ``And the vast majority of our traffic are Jamaicans who live in both places and go back and forth.''

U.S. Census figures for 2000 show that 71,766 Jamaicans live in Broward, and 41,576 live in Miami-Dade.

Airport costs per passenger are also much lower in Fort Lauderdale -- $5.22 per passenger, versus $15.82 at MIA.

''[Air Jamaica have] been very successful operating here for 14 years and have been one of our oldest international carriers,'' said Steve Belleme, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood's business development manager. ``So their chances are better of being profitable here because the costs are much lower.''

In fact, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood's cost advantage has helped attract and retain low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Spirit, which do not operate out of MIA.

But as the economic downturn has deepened, Fort Lauderdale lost 11 percent of its seats in December, according to airline analysts OAG Worldwide, in line with the industry's domestic capacity cutbacks.

MIA, however, added 1 percent, which came mostly from American's growth. American, which bases its Latin American and Caribbean hub at MIA, had 2.8 percent more passengers in 2008 than 2007. The carrier commands 65 percent of MIA's traffic and poses a difficult competitor, observers say.

FOR SALE

Air Jamaica's route cuts are designed to stem its financial losses and make it more attractive to potential buyers. The Jamaican government is trying to sell the airline. The deadline is the end of March, and conversations are being held with several potential buyers, Nobles said.

''The business plan we have filed, which resizes the airline, is consistent with that plan [to sell the airline] and makes it more attractive,'' he said.

Don Daly, a popular South Florida Jamaica radio and TV personality who lives near The Falls in South Miami-Dade, takes the 7 a.m. flight to Jamaica out of Fort Lauderdale when he visits home three times a year.

''From down south, it would take someone 40 to 45 minutes to get to Fort Lauderdale,'' he said. ``Symbolically, one looks at it as a loss because of the sentiments attached to it. Miami was one of its original routes.''

Miami Herald staff writer Jacqueline Charles contributed to this report.

This is truly a sign of the times! I wonder who will buy them??? I travel with Air J several times a year, whoever buys them better recognize my frequent flyer miles because I am only a few hundred miles away from a free flight!

[*JG* 2]

Pretty much -

Damn....that's cheap then.