The Editor, Sir:

This letter is in response to the gentleman that has vowed to never fly Air Jamaica again. Yes, Air Jamaica is government owned. Is it the Government's fault that Air Jamaica is not profitable? Of course any reasonable traveller knows that revenue is generated from the consumer that pays for services rendered.

I recently visited family in St Catherine. We flew Air Jamaica out of John F. Kennedy in New York. Our aircraft out of New York was a leased plane. It was a little disappointing that it was not a safe Air Jamaica plane. However, you get over that when you consider that you will arrive to a beautiful island nation for relaxation.

Delayed flight

Once our vacation was over, we arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport early Saturday morning only to find out that our flight was delayed for three hours. We were upset that we were not notified. In Air Jamaica's defence, they contacted all the passengers to inform them of the delay. We were not contacted because we had not left a call-back number for where we were staying in St Catherine. So of course the airlines called the only number on file which was a Connecticut telephone number.

There are times when the airlines are at fault one hundred percent. However, there are circumstances in which the traveller is at fault as well. Had we provided the airlines with a local number then we would have known not to arrive at Norman Manley at 5:30 AM.

I must say because we were one of the first ones to check-in for our flight, and we waited patiently in the airport for our plane, our ticket check-in agent had upgraded our seats to first class. I would guess that was because she knew that we were not contacted and we were not belligerent about the situation.

Our aircraft from Kingston to New York was an Air Jamaica plane. The flight staff was excellent in ensuring that we were comfortable. And our plane landed safely in New York without a hitch. I say kudos to Air Jamaica for providing outstanding service.

One must understand that airlines globally are being challenged with the high cost of rising petrol; and Air Jamaica is not an exception. I travel extensively for professional and personal reasons. And I would say that Air Jamaica is the safest and best when it comes to being a world-class air carrier. Please be mindful and look at where Air Jamaica started and to the level the airline has reached.

Support

The best way to save a national carrier is not to abandon it; there must be support! And if the people of Jamaica do not support Air Jamaica, then why should the travelling public living abroad show support? The time will pass when Air Jamaica's current fiscal problems will be at a minimum. I will continue to support the national carrier for the land that I love. Having the peace of mind to know that you will arrive at your destination with a safe airline gives peace and solace, even if you arrive late.

Thank you, Air Jamaica for doing the best job given the resources and challenges that you face daily in order for the world to arrive safely to the beautiful island of Jamaica, Land We Love!

I am, etc.,

TODD-MICHAEL BROWN

todd_michael_brown@s

Charlotte, NC

Via Go-Jamaica