WHEN LOW COST AIRLINE REDjet finally touched down at Piarco International Airport last Thursday afternoon, opinion on the ground and indicated Trinidadians were welcoming an alternative choice for Caribbean travel.
Marketing manager of the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, Emmanuel Baah, told the SUNDAY SUN:
“The people of Trinidad and Tobago, I believe, are looking forward to the commencement service from REDjet. So this is a landmark day in Trinidad and Tobago and for the CARICOM region, because what could be achieved now through REDjet is what the CARICOM heads have been talking about for a long time – increased travel throughout the region.”
Baah said this would now be achieved “through private sector initiative as opposed to an initiative which would have involved taxpayers’ money, so I think this is something that is welcome and I look forward to seeing REDjet in the market for a long time”.
He joined protocol facilitation coordinator for the Airports Authority Joan Brammer in welcoming REDjet executives as they alighted from the inaugural flight.
Several airport employees huddled in groups on the tarmac to witness the aircraft’s arrival. Steven Boodeo, an estate sergeant in the airport security team, said it was a great opportunity to open the market and give more chances to Trinidadians to travel.
“We will be travelling REDjet for sure,” he said enthusiastically.
Another airport worker remarked: “Seeing REDjet land this morning is a fantastic experience. It means more throughput of passengers at Piarco and it is a welcome thing for the airport.”Jacquline Phillips expressed happiness and excitement that the Barbados-based low cost airline’s operation was finally a reality in her country.
“I am proud just to have more variety and I hope more Trinidadians will use REDjet,” she said.
Following a Press conference which he attended at the airport, Dr Lincoln Douglas, Minister in the Ministry of the People and Social Development, said.
“I am certainly interested in a cheap flight, but . . . I am interested in first of all the Caribbean people getting together, and anything that helps with that is a tremendous asset.”
“I am interested in people getting to move around the Caribbean in a simple and easy fashion and if this helps with that, I would be delighted.”
