jabird
8th Apr 2012, 01:44
I last used NEV about 5 years ago, and it really isn't looking too good today:
* Security scanner not working (is this even legal?) Manual checks of cabin bags.
* AA Eagle long gone - afaik was twice daily ATR 42 to SJU. Now route operated by mere 9 seat Cape Air.
* WM SXM down from upto 5 daily otters to just a single service leaving SXM early evening and then overnighting. Apparently govt subsidises HOTAC - would it not be cheaper to run twice daily with lighter loads?
*LIAT providing connections with ANU for VS pax only - timing doesn't work with BA, even though their LGW-ANU is daily.
*Consequently far too much dependence on SKB via ferry, so SKB also take departure taxes. BA continue to SKB twice weekly from ANU.
* Mile for mile flights between Caribbean islands amongst most expensive in world - numerous taxes and charges compounded by local departure tax paid on top of other handling fees (Mr Osbourne please don't get any ideas).
* Local political infighting makes Australia look cordial - in an island with a population of just 10,000. Allegedly party in office doesn't want to support airport as it is named after rival former premier - can you really get that petty?
So what's the answer? The island, like any other in the region needs the tourism and has some wonderful plantation hotels, together with the vast Four Seasons resort.
These problems are on top of rising fuel costs and the challenge of UK APD, which is now £82 for Caribbean sectors.
This may be percieved as a luxury market, but there is also significant VFR in both directions, so it can actually be very price sensitive.
At just 1218m, 10/28 is not suitable for jet ops to the USA mainland or beyond. An extension has been previously proposed but there is local opposition due to the effect this would have on a nearby beach, not to mention the question of funding.
The region recently saw the launch and rapid demise of RedJet - an attempt at a budget carrier, who had also planned to serve SKB. Hypothetically, a low cost regional operator using ATRs or Q400s might be able to serve NEV, but for now the phrase "low cost" and Caribbean are not going to be heard in the same sentence.
* Security scanner not working (is this even legal?) Manual checks of cabin bags.
* AA Eagle long gone - afaik was twice daily ATR 42 to SJU. Now route operated by mere 9 seat Cape Air.
* WM SXM down from upto 5 daily otters to just a single service leaving SXM early evening and then overnighting. Apparently govt subsidises HOTAC - would it not be cheaper to run twice daily with lighter loads?
*LIAT providing connections with ANU for VS pax only - timing doesn't work with BA, even though their LGW-ANU is daily.
*Consequently far too much dependence on SKB via ferry, so SKB also take departure taxes. BA continue to SKB twice weekly from ANU.
* Mile for mile flights between Caribbean islands amongst most expensive in world - numerous taxes and charges compounded by local departure tax paid on top of other handling fees (Mr Osbourne please don't get any ideas).
* Local political infighting makes Australia look cordial - in an island with a population of just 10,000. Allegedly party in office doesn't want to support airport as it is named after rival former premier - can you really get that petty?
So what's the answer? The island, like any other in the region needs the tourism and has some wonderful plantation hotels, together with the vast Four Seasons resort.
These problems are on top of rising fuel costs and the challenge of UK APD, which is now £82 for Caribbean sectors.
This may be percieved as a luxury market, but there is also significant VFR in both directions, so it can actually be very price sensitive.
At just 1218m, 10/28 is not suitable for jet ops to the USA mainland or beyond. An extension has been previously proposed but there is local opposition due to the effect this would have on a nearby beach, not to mention the question of funding.
The region recently saw the launch and rapid demise of RedJet - an attempt at a budget carrier, who had also planned to serve SKB. Hypothetically, a low cost regional operator using ATRs or Q400s might be able to serve NEV, but for now the phrase "low cost" and Caribbean are not going to be heard in the same sentence.