Caribbean Star/Caribbean Sun
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Caribbean Star/Caribbean Sun
Here at Westjet we have just signed interline deals with Caribbean Star/Caribbean Sun Airlines.
I read on another forum that these two outfits are at best in the throes of a merger with LIAT and at worst about to shut down.
Would anyone care to elaborate a little so that perhaps one could adjust ones travel plans acordingly?
McDoo.
I read on another forum that these two outfits are at best in the throes of a merger with LIAT and at worst about to shut down.
Would anyone care to elaborate a little so that perhaps one could adjust ones travel plans acordingly?
McDoo.
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There is no way that Sun/Star will be shutting down. they are actually expanding at a good rate, so much that they are having trouble keeping up with demand. Word around the campfire is they are in negotiations with Liat, but it's because of Liat's dependency on the gov't (AC's only reason for still existing) not the other way around. Would you be able to jump on one of the blue team's charter flights to San Juan or Santo Domingo then onto sun or star from there or would ride down with one of the American airlines? Either way hope to see you down here soon.
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McDoo, the situation is not as simple as VFRSTAR states. All Dash8 operations in the Eastern Caribbean are in a state of flux. All indications, including advisories to staff, are that both LIAT and Star (and possibly Sun) will cease operations on Dec31st, to be replaced with a new company that will combine their services/fleets/schedules/staff.
I have been reliably informed that Star has told its staff that they cease operations on Dec31st 2006. LIAT staff have been told by the CEO that they will be shutting down and a new company will startup, with all staff having to re-apply - just about the same as BeeWee is doing.
We,re all keeping our fingers crossed down here.
I have been reliably informed that Star has told its staff that they cease operations on Dec31st 2006. LIAT staff have been told by the CEO that they will be shutting down and a new company will startup, with all staff having to re-apply - just about the same as BeeWee is doing.
We,re all keeping our fingers crossed down here.
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For the record you're wholly inaccurate about the situation down here. Sun's AOC has technically been sold though Stanford, Sun's present owner, says he is looking for investors as it "costs money to lock down an airline". He has billions and has had enough. In terms of star/LIAT merger. Neither will be locking down come Dec 31 this year. LIAT is skint, no money at all, and can't afford to meet the wage bill this month. Star has bled out money since day one and the way forward is for the two to merge. This will undoubtedly lead to job losses, indeed four brand new 300s are up for sale from Star as of Jan 15. Times are uncertain here but Dec 31 isn't right.
All the best for the new year.
All the best for the new year.
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Rumflier, please note the date of my last post. In the 2 months since, things have changed considerably. As you stated, the Sun AOC has been sold. Ongoing negotiations between Stanford (Star) and the governments that are the shareholders in LIAT continue (haven't heard anything about Sun being in the deal).
The last that I have heard - and I STRESS that this is all "under the wing" (unofficial) is that Star will be absorbed into LIAT with the govt. shareholders and Stanford becoming the new shareholders in LIAT.
There may very well be no new company due to route rights, re-certification and other associated problems, problems that would not occur if the new company in fact is LIAT with new shareholders. Whichever way this goes, ther will be job losses. The 2 airlines currently operate about 24 Dash 8s. The "new company" will operate somewhere between 16 to 18 Dash 8s. By my estimation, unless the operation is looking at some kind of RJ operation (that also is being talked about under the wing), we will have at least 6 x 8 pilots out of work.
On of the flies in the pot is the talk by Caribbean Airlines (formerly BeeWee) starting a Dash 8 feeder operation. All in all, the only certainty here is that there will be pilots out of work and major changes in the aviation scene in the Caribbean.
Despite the grim scene here, I'd like to wish all a Happy Christmas and my hope for the New Year is that some stability returns to the region and job losses are kept to a minimum, preferably none.
P.S. LIAT met the wage bill this month and will continue to do so, even if by means of shareholder subsidies.
The last that I have heard - and I STRESS that this is all "under the wing" (unofficial) is that Star will be absorbed into LIAT with the govt. shareholders and Stanford becoming the new shareholders in LIAT.
There may very well be no new company due to route rights, re-certification and other associated problems, problems that would not occur if the new company in fact is LIAT with new shareholders. Whichever way this goes, ther will be job losses. The 2 airlines currently operate about 24 Dash 8s. The "new company" will operate somewhere between 16 to 18 Dash 8s. By my estimation, unless the operation is looking at some kind of RJ operation (that also is being talked about under the wing), we will have at least 6 x 8 pilots out of work.
On of the flies in the pot is the talk by Caribbean Airlines (formerly BeeWee) starting a Dash 8 feeder operation. All in all, the only certainty here is that there will be pilots out of work and major changes in the aviation scene in the Caribbean.
Despite the grim scene here, I'd like to wish all a Happy Christmas and my hope for the New Year is that some stability returns to the region and job losses are kept to a minimum, preferably none.
P.S. LIAT met the wage bill this month and will continue to do so, even if by means of shareholder subsidies.
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So what do you think the future looks like for any pilot who may be seeking employment with these airlines within 2 years or so???? I mean with so many other highly qualified staff on the streets, the chance for newbees to come on stream seems a little gleam to me. Then again I could be wrong. We have to weigh both sides of the scale here. With a merger, we have less competition to contend with, but on the other hand we also have to reevaluate each airlines' past policy and come to some compromise that will satisfy all parties involved. I guess we just have to sit back as someone else said with our fingers crossed and hope for the best...
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Young Pilot, your guess is as good as mine. Remember that late last year and early this year both airlines were recruiting pilots - in fact the final batch's line training was only completed by the middle of this year.
Quite a few pilots have had it with the conditions and instability here and are moving on - there does seem to be a shortage of qualified, experienced Dash 8 pilots worldwide. Depending on the number who leave, the operating plan of the "new" airline, expansion, etc. there might be vacancies by middle next year - be warned, there could just as easily be retrenchment.
All in all, no one has any idea. If you want to fly, go for it and keep your fingers crossed that things work out here.
Quite a few pilots have had it with the conditions and instability here and are moving on - there does seem to be a shortage of qualified, experienced Dash 8 pilots worldwide. Depending on the number who leave, the operating plan of the "new" airline, expansion, etc. there might be vacancies by middle next year - be warned, there could just as easily be retrenchment.
All in all, no one has any idea. If you want to fly, go for it and keep your fingers crossed that things work out here.
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star/sun
Hey young pilot when I finished flight school and conversions,ec express closed down and then sept 11th.....was looking very grim but then a job offer..rest is history....race is not always for the swift...stick with it...literally...
best for 2007
camprax
best for 2007
camprax
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That I do plan to do. It's a lot of hard work, and it's a challenge to keep pushing forward after listening to a number of old guys make statements like "the industry isn't what it used to be, and that it may be wiser to go down another route". But this is what I've always wanted to do so I'm not giving it up.
Now concerning those conversion exams, I spoke with a guy last night who used to fly and he said that he studied with some guy in Antigua who charged about EC$3000. I guess it was too tough for him and he gave up the dream, but I just wanted to know whether it would be wise to save up that much money prior to me returning to the region soon.
I know I may be getting ahead of my game a little, but I just want to make sure I put my best foot forward, and who better to learn from but guys who are already there like many on here. Whatever advice I receive is always appreciated and cherished. Thanks...
Now concerning those conversion exams, I spoke with a guy last night who used to fly and he said that he studied with some guy in Antigua who charged about EC$3000. I guess it was too tough for him and he gave up the dream, but I just wanted to know whether it would be wise to save up that much money prior to me returning to the region soon.
I know I may be getting ahead of my game a little, but I just want to make sure I put my best foot forward, and who better to learn from but guys who are already there like many on here. Whatever advice I receive is always appreciated and cherished. Thanks...
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merger
Well the newspapers are reporting that a MOU has been signed between Liat and Star and the merger date is Feb 1st.ALso says severance will be paid to all employees,new name will be LIAT THE STAR OF THE CARIBBEAN.No idea as yet what is going to happen in terms of employment and lay-offs...will keep you posted
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Carib Star/LIAT update
This appeared in Stanford's paper in Antigua today. So much for a merger, he's selling out.
Sir Allen gives 'new' LIAT financial fillip
Thursday January 11 2007
Antigua Sun
by Patricia Campbell
Sir Allen Stanford is to be a financier of the region's newest airline with
a US$35 million loan to help clear LIAT debt and set the airline's
successor, called "LIAT, the Star of the Caribbean" on a sound financial
footing.
The loan will be guaranteed by LIAT's shareholder governments, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Barbados, in proportion to their financial interest in the airline.
The bulk of that loan, US$25 million will be guaranteed by Barbados, while Antigua & Barbuda will guarantee US$8 million and St. Vincent & the
Grenadines US$2 million.
Sir Allen will not be a shareholder in the new airline, but will be repaid
after LIAT, the Star of the Caribbean, is placed on the public markets.
The new developments in the LIAT and Caribbean Star merger revealed that Caribbean Star is essentially to be absorbed by LIAT, in a deal that would take Sir Allen out of the airline business.
During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, it
was announced that a commercial agreement between the two airlines had been confirmed and a new combined schedule will be put in place from 1 Feb. The full merger is expected to be in place by April.
Caribbean Star will cease to sell its products and all reservations will be
made using LIAT's booking system. Flights after 1 Feb., will use the LI
flight code, a code that is expected to be retained after the creation of
the new, combined airline.
Explaining the new relationship between LIAT and Caribbean Star, Mark Darby LIAT's CEO said, "in essence, Star will operate as a contractor under the LIAT code."
He said the new arrangement was a giant step towards a quick and smooth merger of the airlines and their services.
These announcements came after meetings between Prime Ministers Baldwin Spencer, Owen Arthur, of Barbados and Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent & the Grenadines with Caribbean Star owner Sir Allen Stanford on Tuesday and LIAT top brass on Wednesday.
On the same day that he met with the prime ministers, Sir Allen's other
airline, Caribbean Sun, announced it would cease operations by the end of this month.
Speaking at the press briefing in Antigua, Dr. Gonsalves described the
merger as Caribbean Star "folding into LIAT." He said the new developments are a manifestation of Sir Allen's repeated statements to the three prime ministers that he did not want to stay in the airline business longer than necessary. "Clearly, that statement is supported by these operational decisions," he added.
Decisions on the staffing of the new airline have not yet been made, but
the principals have made it clear that there will not be room in the new
airline for all of the roughly 1,200 workers employed by the two airlines
combined.
While they declined to speculate on how many employees the new airline will need, Darby said there will be no staff cuts during this phase.
Sir Allen gives 'new' LIAT financial fillip
Thursday January 11 2007
Antigua Sun
by Patricia Campbell
Sir Allen Stanford is to be a financier of the region's newest airline with
a US$35 million loan to help clear LIAT debt and set the airline's
successor, called "LIAT, the Star of the Caribbean" on a sound financial
footing.
The loan will be guaranteed by LIAT's shareholder governments, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Barbados, in proportion to their financial interest in the airline.
The bulk of that loan, US$25 million will be guaranteed by Barbados, while Antigua & Barbuda will guarantee US$8 million and St. Vincent & the
Grenadines US$2 million.
Sir Allen will not be a shareholder in the new airline, but will be repaid
after LIAT, the Star of the Caribbean, is placed on the public markets.
The new developments in the LIAT and Caribbean Star merger revealed that Caribbean Star is essentially to be absorbed by LIAT, in a deal that would take Sir Allen out of the airline business.
During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, it
was announced that a commercial agreement between the two airlines had been confirmed and a new combined schedule will be put in place from 1 Feb. The full merger is expected to be in place by April.
Caribbean Star will cease to sell its products and all reservations will be
made using LIAT's booking system. Flights after 1 Feb., will use the LI
flight code, a code that is expected to be retained after the creation of
the new, combined airline.
Explaining the new relationship between LIAT and Caribbean Star, Mark Darby LIAT's CEO said, "in essence, Star will operate as a contractor under the LIAT code."
He said the new arrangement was a giant step towards a quick and smooth merger of the airlines and their services.
These announcements came after meetings between Prime Ministers Baldwin Spencer, Owen Arthur, of Barbados and Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent & the Grenadines with Caribbean Star owner Sir Allen Stanford on Tuesday and LIAT top brass on Wednesday.
On the same day that he met with the prime ministers, Sir Allen's other
airline, Caribbean Sun, announced it would cease operations by the end of this month.
Speaking at the press briefing in Antigua, Dr. Gonsalves described the
merger as Caribbean Star "folding into LIAT." He said the new developments are a manifestation of Sir Allen's repeated statements to the three prime ministers that he did not want to stay in the airline business longer than necessary. "Clearly, that statement is supported by these operational decisions," he added.
Decisions on the staffing of the new airline have not yet been made, but
the principals have made it clear that there will not be room in the new
airline for all of the roughly 1,200 workers employed by the two airlines
combined.
While they declined to speculate on how many employees the new airline will need, Darby said there will be no staff cuts during this phase.
Any Info on Pilot Jobs in Belize?
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LIAT, Caribbean Star Implement Combined Flight Schedule
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070201/20070201005714.html?.v=1
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The much anticipated commercial agreement between LIAT (1974) Ltd. and Caribbean Star Airlines Ltd. that combines the flight operations of both carriers for the first time officially begins today. The commercial agreement and its attendant new schedule, which features improved flight times and connectivity benefiting the traveling public, are key steps toward finalizing a proposed merger of LIAT and Caribbean Star.
Top executives representing both carriers are present at airports across the region today greeting passengers and providing customer assistance to facilitate the transition. Mark Darby, CEO of LIAT, commemorated the event, stating, "This is a significant day for both airlines. Teams from both LIAT and Caribbean Star have been working feverishly over the past few weeks to ensure that a smooth transition takes place. We're looking forward to the benefits this alliance will bring to our customers, staff and shareholders."
The commercial agreement of LIAT and Caribbean Star means the flights of both airlines will be marketed as LIAT and identified by the "LI" airline designator although some planes will be clearly branded as Caribbean Star Airlines. Both LIAT and Caribbean Star will continue to operate as separate carriers under their own management until the proposed merger of the airlines is implemented.
William "Skip" Barnette, President and CEO of Caribbean Star Airlines noted, "Clearly, we believe that this combined schedule is the best thing for our customers as it will allow us to provide a broader range of services; better timing and improved connections. A lot of thought and planning has gone into this new schedule over the past few months and we are happy to see it finally come to fruition."
Darby and Barnette jointly added, "We understand that there have been some concerns expressed about our fare levels - which we believe are unfounded. The fare structure in use today is the same one that we have been using since early December. We are approaching a very busy time with Cricket World Cup and Easter and the limited seats offered at the lower prices are quickly booked. If our customers can be flexible with their date and time of travel, and book further in advance, cheap fares are available."
Darby continued, "We constantly monitor fares and as promised last week, now that the new schedule has become established and patterns of travel demand have become clear, we have refined our fare program and reintroduced lower fares across the system - you only have to look at our website, call our call center or visit your travel agent to see the great fares that we have on offer. Be on the lookout for special promotions in the near future."
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The much anticipated commercial agreement between LIAT (1974) Ltd. and Caribbean Star Airlines Ltd. that combines the flight operations of both carriers for the first time officially begins today. The commercial agreement and its attendant new schedule, which features improved flight times and connectivity benefiting the traveling public, are key steps toward finalizing a proposed merger of LIAT and Caribbean Star.
Top executives representing both carriers are present at airports across the region today greeting passengers and providing customer assistance to facilitate the transition. Mark Darby, CEO of LIAT, commemorated the event, stating, "This is a significant day for both airlines. Teams from both LIAT and Caribbean Star have been working feverishly over the past few weeks to ensure that a smooth transition takes place. We're looking forward to the benefits this alliance will bring to our customers, staff and shareholders."
The commercial agreement of LIAT and Caribbean Star means the flights of both airlines will be marketed as LIAT and identified by the "LI" airline designator although some planes will be clearly branded as Caribbean Star Airlines. Both LIAT and Caribbean Star will continue to operate as separate carriers under their own management until the proposed merger of the airlines is implemented.
William "Skip" Barnette, President and CEO of Caribbean Star Airlines noted, "Clearly, we believe that this combined schedule is the best thing for our customers as it will allow us to provide a broader range of services; better timing and improved connections. A lot of thought and planning has gone into this new schedule over the past few months and we are happy to see it finally come to fruition."
Darby and Barnette jointly added, "We understand that there have been some concerns expressed about our fare levels - which we believe are unfounded. The fare structure in use today is the same one that we have been using since early December. We are approaching a very busy time with Cricket World Cup and Easter and the limited seats offered at the lower prices are quickly booked. If our customers can be flexible with their date and time of travel, and book further in advance, cheap fares are available."
Darby continued, "We constantly monitor fares and as promised last week, now that the new schedule has become established and patterns of travel demand have become clear, we have refined our fare program and reintroduced lower fares across the system - you only have to look at our website, call our call center or visit your travel agent to see the great fares that we have on offer. Be on the lookout for special promotions in the near future."
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Gday im an australian engineer living in dubai but am desperately trying to get a job in the caribbean as a DHC-8 avionics engineer.
Does anyone think that i have a chance with the recent merger of liat and caribbean star? and does anyone know an engineer working in the region who i could speak to bout jobs and whether they will hire expats or not?
Cheers
Does anyone think that i have a chance with the recent merger of liat and caribbean star? and does anyone know an engineer working in the region who i could speak to bout jobs and whether they will hire expats or not?
Cheers
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not much chance with Liat, I don't think. They're in the process of making their cutbacks now following on from Star's initial 40% reduction. Merger far from complete as it stands
