The Caribbean’s newest airline, REDjet, which has branded itself as the region’s first low-cost carrier has suffered yet a another setback in its effort to commence operation after one of its planes was involved in a mishap.
An informed source told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the MD82 aircraft was involved in a tail-strike incident during flights tests at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
“During high-speed taxi maneuvers the aircraft sustained damage to its tail and under-section,” the source who spoke with CMC on condition of anonymity said.
Senior management pilots were on-board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
The damaged aircraft has been sent to Costa Rico for repairs and the matter remains under investigation.
In February, REDjet told prospective customers it was ready to fly but pointed to the Barbados government for the delay in commencement of its operations.
REDjet was founded in 2006 when chief executive officer Ian Burns, working in the region at the time, was amazed by the cost of flights within the region and on routes to the United States and Latin America.
Working with his son Robbie, the father and son team built REDjet in conjunction with investors to develop the first Caribbean Low Fares Airline and bring the substantial economic and social benefits of low-cost travel.
REDjet is a privately owned airline with a mixture of international and local backers who share a common vision of lower fares to make travel affordable in the Caribbean. (CMC)
