JMCfalls behind rivals after Gatwick problems

Airline fails to match predecessors in first season

JMCfalls behind rivals after Gatwick problems

Report by STEVEJONES

Charter carrier JMC Airlines is lagging behind its rivals in on-time performance at Gatwick airport after a summer of delays.

While all charter carriers are believed to have seen a decline in performance during the year, sources at Gatwick said JMC has struggled the most.

It is a further blow for the operator, which has endured a mixed first year, after claiming it will set new standards in package holidays.

And the decline in its airline performance is all the more surprising as Flying Colours and Caledonian – which merged to form JMC Airlines – regularly outstripped rivals.

A JMC spokesman confirmed its performance had deteriorated. It blamed the decline on external as well as internal matters.

“We are well aware we have not performed as well as planned, particularly when compared to the previous successes of Flying Colours and Caledonian,” said the spokesman.

“Our punctuality has been affected by a variety of factors both internal and external.

“A tremendous amount of work has been undertaken to merge the two fleets.”

However, the airline said the closure of one of Gatwick’s runways, the collapse of the National Air Traffic Services computer, poor weather and the baggage handlers’ strike in Tenerife had also led to significant problems.

“It all had a detrimental effect on the punctuality performance, although we recognise it was the same for all carriers,” said the spokesman.

“However, we are confident the majority of these factors have now been resolved. We are aiming to get back to the number one position in the next 12 months.”