Should they close down Air Jamaica?

Question

The airline isnt making any profit. It costs taxpayers money every year. Should we close it down or keep our flagship flying? Why? Why not?

Answer 1

I do not think Air Ja shoudl close down because of the simple fact that it is the best airline to the Carribean.It is the best that we have. When I fly Air Jamaica I feel at home and treated good. Taxpayers pay for a lot of bullsh**t so why not air Jamaica. That is the national airline of Jamaica that would not be good for the country.

Answer 2

No they shouldn't close it down but try and find a rich investor or company willing to buy a very large portion (say 80%) and keep the name and routes.

Answer 3

I didn't realize that Air Jamaica was being subsidized by the Jamaican taxpayer.  Being a U.S. citizen I guess that's a subject that I can't comment about.

We always used A.J. when we traveled there.  A few years ago they stopped flying from Boston therefore, to avoid changing planes in New York, we've been using U.S. Air.  That was really too bad because we enjoyed the airline so much.  Always on time and very friendly.  We were even upgraded to first class a few times which was very enjoyable.  

If their service is still as good as it was then, it certainly would be a great way to show the tourists some of the friendly, capable, fun-loving ways of your beautiful island.

Answer 4

Well if a me a pay fah and from me born me neva go pon plane yet dem fi shut it dung.

lol

Economically I think it is a waste, the only excuse to not shutting it down would be to restructure it's management and operations totally and see whether any good profit may be made.

Answer 5

I dont think Air Jamaica should be shut down. I would rather Air Jamaica to have its own identity because its the national carrier of Jamaica. If the management of Air Jamaica  have no other choices, I do think they should merge with other airlines in the caribbean such as Caribbean Airlines and Cayman Airways and become one major caribbean airline.

Another method is that Air Jamaica can become a low-cost no frills airline. The cheaper the airfare the most likely people would travel. They can cut out  meal services to save money but still give complementary beverages. I travel to Jamaica 3 to 4 times a year from NY because of Spirit Airlines low fares. I bypass Air Jamaica because I simply cannot afford them even though Air Jamaica is still my first choice.

Answer 6

i believe AJ is starting the process of trying to sell the airline to private investors.  the PM was speaking about it during his resent trip to the UK.

Answer 7

I dont think so but the last time I flew I had to take American Airlines b/c Air Jamaica was charging almost double the fare. They need to find a way to subsidize the fare and also a way to make profit.

Answer 8

No, What they should do is try to make the airline better and stop messing up everything.

Answer 9

NOPE, not all atall.

I perfer flying Air Jamaica, and almost only fly AirJ exclusively. I had taken American Airlines to Jamaica and it was the ABSOLUTE WORST plane ride ever.

I would always spend more to travel on them because:

1. its our National carrier

(and WE JAMAICANS FULL OF NATIONAL PRIDE)

2. its only about $20.00-$30.00 mre than Spirit except when they have one of those off the wall fares, i.e. 5 centes fare, $9.00 fare etc...but, kinda works out the same anyway after paying to check on luggage and the taxes

3.you dont pay for LUGGAGE to be chceked on UNLESS its overweight

4.you get champagne and REAL FOOD, not cheese trix and a half can of soda....(depending on what time you fly...outta fll to kin on 7am flight u get full breakfast)

5.shorter flight time, cause they can fly over cuba and not around it

6.they offer SAFE AND SMOOTH LANDINGS>>>besides anything JAMAICAN MI SPONSER

Answer 10

Not at all.  Air Jamaica is more than just an airline...it is our national airline and a very good one at that.  Our safety record rivals and/or surpasses most and (besides operating on true Jamaican time) our service is often professional and friendly.  It is highly regarded and favoured by travellers - both local and international.

What they NEED is to take politics and cronyism out of the management of the airline and put it in competent hands.  Until then we'll continue to subsidize it.....

Ms. Unique - Just because we pay for other B/S doesn't mean that we should pay for one more.  We should work toward stop paying for ALL B/S and not reason that if wi pay fi one den one more should'n matta.  Right now, the way Air Jamaica is being managed is indeed B/S and no B/S should be paid for; but some B/S can be reformed, whereas others just need to be eradicated.