| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/11/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 18 |
| Copyright: Other |
Airlines urged to form closer ties with rivals
CARIBBEAN carriers have been warned to forge closer working relationships or face going to the wall.
BWIA worldwide marketing director Peter Iland predicted a grim future unless carriers put aside their rivalries and begin co-operating.
His comments come as carriers across the world struggle to cope in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Iland said: “The cost base of carriers has to come down. If they don’t, some could be in trouble. Smaller airlines are going to find the next five to 10 years very hard and need to make alliances. I don’t mean some airlines will necessarily be bought out, but market agreements need to be made over buying fuel, aircraft and parts. There needs to be a consortium.”
He predicted deals with Caribbean carriers needed to take place in the next 12 to 18 months. BWIA itself has delayed the purchase of two long-haul aircraft due to the downturn in business following the terrorist attacks.
BWIA was initially looking to take delivery in mid-2002, but is not now expected to upgrade the fleet until late next year at the earliest.
The winter schedule has also been scaled back by 10%.