Cole Bay: -- Managing Director of WINAIR Edwin Hodge said at a press conference yesterday as promised in his last press conference they have launched their newsletter which is aimed at informing their employees and the travelling public.
The first issue was released this month which has already been distributed. Management and staff received Wednesday evening and Thursday. Copies of the magazine was also distributed to the media, it will be placed at the Airports, government agencies as well as on the aircraft.
The company also plans to focus on health related matters in the near future which would serve to inform the travelling public on communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Also in the making for WINAIR is an addition of another aircraft to the current fleet, that aircraft is another twin otter says Hodge. The new aircraft is expected to begin flights on December 1 which would enable the company to handle more passengers during the holiday season. Hodge said while he would not elaborate on the plans of the company he strongly believes that their passengers would be more comfortable with the services they intend to offer in 2009. However he is calling on the travelling public to communicate with them since they plan to improve their service to the community.
Hodge said currently two of their six aircraft in the hanger undergoing servicing as they seek to better and ensure their passenger's safety. Due to this fact the Airline is operating under immense challenges as they seek to continue with their normal schedule with the same level services.
The company was able to secure their long awaited letter of comfort from Central government despite they are not able to get their long lease from the island government. He said management is reviewing their options at the moment and a decision will be taken on taking the island government to court. Asked why the company is rejecting the option given by the island government who wants to give the parcel of land to PJIAE Holding who would in turn lease the land to WINAIR. Hodge said they are still engaged in negotiations with the island government in the hope they could avoid having to deal with the PJIAE. He said should they follow the options given by the island government would be more costly to the ailing company as well as an inflexibility when it comes to financing.
Hodge acknowledge the current impasse between the island government and the company is an impasse when it comes to them expanding and exploring more business opportunities.
The Managing Director also acknowledged they are having financial difficulties and are busy re-negotiating with their creditors. He said to help soften the crunch they would be re-negotiating the purchase of their fuel. He said they are expecting to buy fuel cheaper based on the amount the purchase.
One of the effects that are affecting the company is the amount of monies they have to pay for operational cost. Hodge said passengers often time thinks that the WINAIR tickets are expensive but the truth to the matter is they have to in-cooperate the Airport tax and other surcharges for these tickets.
