The Editor, Sir:

news that Air Jamaica is to slim down its services and cut a number of routes is the last straw. My advice is to close the airline down. It has become nothing more than a lame duck and a huge embarrassment to our island. We cannot go on wasting taxpayers' money like this with the Government continually bailing out the airline.

Get rid of all the aircraft! Sack all the staff! Hopefully, some rich consortium of business people will come forward with a new package. Yes, a new Air Jamaica, but one that is well managed and structured in such a manner that it will not make the same mistakes of our present national carrier. Even a new name, Pan Jamaican Airways, perhaps?

Fully functional

Any new Air Jamaica must ensure that the right type of aircraft is utilised and that they are utilised to their full capacity. Aircraft are made for flying, not for sitting around on the tarmac. Second, choose routes which are going to pay their way and not because they look great on a map.

Every one would need to work as a team (in every sense of the word).

Yes, management would have to be prepared to roll up its sleeves and help load up the aircraft. Flight attendants would need to realise that the 'glamour days' have long gone, so much so that they may well be expected to clean the aircraft after each flight. These are not completely new ideas as a number of 'low-cost' airlines around the world have implemented these policies and not surprisingly, these are the ones doing well financially.

As Jamaicans, we must have faith in ourselves as a people and stop relying on foreigners to take up 'key' positions. There are many capable Jamaicans out there!

Finally, it is important to note that the Caribbean has no airline serving Europe. Both Air Jamaica and BWIA have ceased flying to this continent. Caribbean Airways has taken the place of the latter but this is a shadow of its predecessor. Perhaps now is the time for us to show solidarity with the other islands in the West Indies and have one regional airline rather than everybody trying to do their own thing and making a mockery of the airline industry.

Pride cometh before a fall and boy, has our national airline had a big fall, considering what it was capable of in the past.

I have worked for three major airlines in the United Kingdom and they are all still thriving today. I put this down to loyalty, dedication, commitment, unity and great teamwork. Basically, a willingness to succeed!

I am, etc.,

ROBERT DELFOSSE

5 Sheldon Court

Ashton-Under-Lyne, England