Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre says there are initiatives currently being undertaken in regard to regional air travel.
He states ever since the Covid-19 pandemic air travel has become not only a regional issue but worldwide as well with shortages of airlines and pilots.
In addition, he says regional travel causes great strain on airlines, as it is very expensive to run airlines in the region because of the closeness of the islands.
“Air travel is an issue not only in the region it is a worldwide issue. Since the situation regarding Covid air travel has been an issue. There are shortages of pilots, there are shortages of machines, pilots have to be retrained it’s a big issue. In the region, it’s even deeper because we do not have the number of airlines to provide the service that we need. Further in the region the situation is compounded because the islands are very close to each other so it’s very expensive to run airlines in region.” Pierre disclosed at a Monday morning briefing.
The minister says it is currently a work in progress and there are initiatives being taken to improve the current air travel issue.
He says by July 1st, 2023 announcements in regards to air travel can be expected.
“We are working with it, we have to understand that air transportation is a public goods, people need to travel between the regions they have to travel. Our tourism suffered because of lack of transportation. But again it’s a work in progress, but I think they have a very successful initiative being undertaken.. I think by July the first we should have some very good announcements to make as far as air travel is concerned.” he stated.
He added that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will be hosting its conference in Saint Lucia within the coming weeks thus more information about air transportation will be shared.
“We working on it, the CDB in fact have their conference in Saint Lucia next week or week after and I’m sure we’re going to get to hear some more about air transportation.” he said.
Photo: Saint Vincent Times
