24-hour airport not a good idea, says WilsonIt will be uneconomical to open the ANR Robinson International Airport 24/7 as proposed by Transport Minister Devant Maharaj, Senior Tourism Consultant to the THA Division of Tourism and Transportation Neil Wilson has said. He recalled that while he was Secretary in the Division he was approached by the diving industry to have the airport opened late at nights to accommodate their clients arriving at Piarco International Airport on Continental, Delta and American airlines. As a result he had requested Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to operate late night flights between Tobago and Trinidad on a trial basis for three to four months. He said it was done that way because to operate the service 24/7 would have meant it becoming a permanent fixture which would have gotten the unions involved and a new shift introduced. "It would have been infeasible to try to do that given the cost that was likely to be incurred, one, and two, the possibility that the loads would not justify the expenditure and therefore it was decided to do it on a trial basis," Wilson said. According to Wilson, the airline operated the late service for part of the period and stopped it without informing the Assembly because it said it was proving to be uneconomical. He said the airline had to pay overtime and subsistence to their staff while the Assembly took up the overtime payments to the air traffic controllers. Wilson explained that data provided by CAL showed that during the extended hours there was an average of 2.53 passengers per flight from Tobago and between 11 and 12 passengers from Piarco. "No airline can operate with that kind of load factor and hope to even break even. That was going to cost us millions of dollars to keep that flight on, given the loads that it generated," he said. Referring to the announcement by Maharaj that the government would be spending $50 million on improving the airport's facilities, Wilson recalled that because of the number of flights coming to Tobago international and domestically in 2005 and 2006 the Assembly built a new domestic terminal resulting in more space being opened up for immigration and customs; expanded the customs arrival hall, installed a new baggage conveyor belt costing between $1 and $2 million and a new administrative building for the Airports Authority. He said recognising there was need to expand the airport, the Assembly had designs drawn up during the PNM's time in office and as recent as last year the then Minister of Works and Transport Jack Warner indicated at a meeting that construction would begin by last December. He even said so in the presence of the Prime Minister in his address to the renaming of the airport. "I don't know what has happened since then but the fact that they are going to spend $50 million now to provide additional space at the airport sends the signal that they have no intention of doing the expansion works and that is tragic," Wilson said. Wilson said in the same way Virgin Atlantic Airlines had talked about the Magdalena Hotel as critical to the tourism industry and critical to their services the airline has also made certain demands about the airport that have got to be met. "In 2005 that was one of the conditions under which they came to Tobago, that the airport was going to be expanded within 18 months, it wasn't done in our time and it is still one of their priorities. I think a number of airlines operating to Tobago are not happy with the conditions as they exist at the airport and that has to be done, so I don't know what the situation is with this current government whether they propose to do anything regarding the expansion of the airport but if nothing happens that is going to be a disaster," Wilson said. |
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Bless said on Thursday, Feb 23 at 12:28 PM
Sat Maharaj cannot be trusted after listening o His Radio and hearing all these hindu people call in and talk about "Burning All|\|iggers" "|\|iggers are no good" and the program commentators don't even try tell the callers to not use that language but rather encourage this hate talk !! And on the None-hindu radio station the commentator will tell the callers to cool out or cut them-off altogether. This hate was burning deep and now we see the true colours of these (Some) Hindus. But that doesn't mean the Devant Maharaj is extreme like that. Remember the Hindu religion is all about helping Hindus at all cost even at the expense of other religions at least that's how it was explained to me.
82023474MikeinTO. said on Tuesday, Feb 21 at 10:41 AM
I believe the Transport Minister is on the right track.Aggressively and decisively.Like I do,he apparently has no uses for myopics and doomsayers........Quote from "Virginian" I wonder why an afro person from Tobago would support a well known Indian Hindu fundamentalist racist like Sat Maharaj's sidekick Devant Maharaj who just happens to be Sat's son in law? Alyuh Indian feel alyuh could fool everyone all the time with the constant lies I'd bet he likes talking about "Tobago Independence etc" and the Afro fools in here ready to take the bait from these Indo trouble makers some of whom are Guyanese Indians paid to post propaganda on T&T blogs etc. Wake up!
81798764Desuperman said on Saturday, Feb 18 at 8:23 PM
Sometimes you just have to ignore this "fresh water yankee" from Virginia. He claims to live in the GREAT U.S of A fuh 45yrs, and that where he has been making his contributions, THERE! What the hell has he contributed to TOBAGO, NOT ONE SH#T! But every blasted week the man is imposing some kinda "intellectual chauvinism" on readers. There's always this boasting of his "expertise" and "training". If he feels so darm good about his "expertise" and "training" then he should pack up shop and come home and make a valuable contribution to Tobago and put he money where he darm mouth is. Or identify your "proud self". Hell man!
81591924D Mouse said on Friday, Feb 17 at 12:00 PM
@Heg: Seek Help !
81522749heg said on Friday, Feb 17 at 10:15 AM
The money will come from countries you continue to take from , hand outs , UK continues to send financial aid, where has that money gone,one such recent loan , london stated not sure where we will put this hand out, money sent to you would be better used in helping Greece and europe , not a country that has no loyalty to any country that continues to give, believe me loosers this will stop , manage your finances make do with what you generate, the sale of oil alone should be sufficent, if not sink into the sea.
81516827D Mouse said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 2:01 PM
Were is the money going to come from? The air bridge will never be profitable and cannot operate without government assistance. A private carrier would either gouge the traveler or give terrible service which they tried before in the late 80's. Airline business is very difficult to be profitable because its directly influenced by economic outlook. This I believe would be another rabbit hole... it's a service for Tax payers payed for by tax payers maybe this is the silver lining?
81474687the virginian said on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 7:15 PM
Citylimer,its patently obvious that the airline wouldn't be "parading" as a brand new carrier but the modification to its engagement would be sufficiently significant to be classified a start-up.And thanks for your sympathy,though not necessary,but every bit helps,as you know. In this forum,it's not my place to question the extent of your formal training nor your practical professional experience in government or private industry except to affirm,as you might already know,the nomenclature that you heave,is more associated with Econ 101.But what the heck,in your case and for the purposes of this discourse,that's enough for you to wrap your head around.Right?
81437004citylimer said on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 5:42 PM
Virgin-I am sorry for you but I will not attempt to be insulting.It would appear that you cannot distinguish between the expansion of an existing business and the start up of a completely new business which never existed.You should register a startup airline to run extra flights in the night alone between 10pm and 5am,hire new staff,ground crew,new planes the whole works.Your professors and your university should disown you for making such idiotic statements on elementary financial matters.You would burst or buss as we say-a parlour even if you are given all the cakes and soft drinks free.SLEEP WALKERS WOULD BE BUYING.You seem oblivious of the concept/reality of incremental revenues versus incremental cost as the justification for the expansion of any existing venture.Worst yet you have an airline operating a route for donkey years and you talking about start up.CAL parading as a new Airline that is only to hide the debts and losses of Old BWIA which dumped it all on us to pay. DEJAVU
81431134the virginian said on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 1:51 PM
Citylimer,any venture not heretofore in existence is a start-up.Consequently,any meaningful airbridge endeavor extra the current is by definition a start-up regardless of the carrier's prior existence or route engagements.Btw,I've earned advanced degrees in business management and economics and have practised and sharpened my skills for more than 30 yrs in private industry and municipal government and even in your local central and commercial banking systems.Thus my vocabulary,that seems to challenge you, is consistent with my formal training,practise and expertise. Finally,you continue to display your apparent inability to look and see beyond your limited playground.Well,after all,we can't escape our DNA.Can we?So your position,though neither uplifting nor progressive,is yet understandable but unacceptable. Nonetheless,I hope the Transport Minister continues to avoid the twin paralyses of cowardice and fear and embrace his entrepreneurial spirit inspite of the wet blanketers.
81417897citylimer said on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 12:18 PM
A lot of bloggers espouse a lot of loose economic jargon about startup cost and profitabilty within a certain time frame.The truth is the Air Bridge is not a start up operation. It has been going for donkey years at a subsidized rate. All this hogwash about breakeven is just claptrap to pull wool over peoples eyes. The Air Bridge will never never break even.Your basis for viability is the incremental revenues versus the OVERALL COST TO BOTH THE Airline and the government and ultimately the tax payer.In any travell discussion we must look at the options for travel to Tobago and the least cost option prevails. Thatis the option which will move the greatest amount of people to and from the two islands at the least cost.Any incremental losses on the Airbridge must be justified by the hard benefits which will accrue from 24/7 operations without putting additonal strain on the treasury which has to prop up CAL.This PP/TOP cabal only care about VOTES AT ALL COST.Force Feed the fowls with corn
81412454Desuperman said on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 9:09 AM
If this 24hr thing is ever introduced, one of two things could happen. One is that the airfare may increase to accommodate this thoughtless decision or they will leave it suffer tremendous loses. Now why will Caribbean Airlines want to wait a whole two years before a profit is realized, when the airfare is already heavily subsidized? Many times we make comments from the top of the surface without giving them any real, deep thoughts. I think the comments of "Citylimer" are always very logical and reasonable, but certainly, there are those who will be dismissive, but keep at it "Limer".
81402516the virginian said on Tuesday, Feb 14 at 7:14 PM
Citylimer,don't know if you've ever managed a significant start-up endeavor involving meaningful investment of human and physical capital--money and material.But if you did you'd know that during the first year or two of operation,profitability is almost never achieved in a preponderance of all cases.Could the business be viable?Could the business be sustainable?If both questions are positively answered then you proceed, assess and take corrective action as necessary. Case in point,we have a new start-up low-fare airline which will begin to operate in our market late spring or early summer and managment's profitability forecast is 18 months.They further said they didn't anticipate break-even until early year two. I believe the Transport Minister is on the right track.Aggressively and decisively.Like I do,he apparently has no uses for myopics and doomsayers.
81381292the virginian said on Tuesday, Feb 14 at 6:20 PM
Yes D Mouse,you're right.Last week,Us Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer was robbed of USD$1000 by a machete-weilding buglar while at his Nevis vacation home.And yes,you're right again that crime is worldwide.But some countries aren't sufficiently aggressive in the pursuit and apprehension of the perps and that is the problem.The Nevis authorities,though,didn't hesitate to call on the resources of the US Marshall and FBI to help track and apprehend the criminal,perhaps because of the nature and sensitivity of this occurrence. Of course crime is bad but the citizenry's perception that it's out of control and the perps are allowed to continue with impunity is worse.
81378742D Mouse said on Tuesday, Feb 14 at 4:54 PM
If you People can Google " USA Supreme Court Judge Robbed by Machete Wielding bandit in Nevis" He and friends at his vacation home in Nevis.....CRIME IS EVERYWHERE !!
81374051citylimer said on Tuesday, Feb 14 at 3:49 PM
Two (2) late flights should be good for the peak season - carnival, easter, august, december- that is going to Tobago. Coming from Tobago the payload factor would most likely be uneconomical. Low season late flights may not have an economic payload. Purchase another fast ferry carrying 800 hundred people plus cars and some goods vehicle and purchase a large fast cargo boat - about 4 hours sailing time- with more accommodation for passengers. This proposition seems more of a feasible longterm option which will greatly assist both passengers and cargo transport.24 hours means 24 hours for both domestic and foreign travellers. Is there the hard demand for this excess seat capacity. Lies again about 24hrs. The incremental income will be insufficient to cover the incremental overall cost. Thus a profit will not be made thus leaving any funds for the CHILDRENS FUND AND THE PAYMENT OF FUEL. Probably the LIMOUSINE HELICOPTER AND THE BATTIMAMZELLE WOULD BE FLYING 24/7.
81370169answer desuperman said on Tuesday, Feb 14 at 11:19 AM
you asked what happened to lower tourism from the lofty hights of 2002-06 , answer simple Crime and death of visitors , Do I really need to name them ,one in particular the Bacolet attack 2009, on sleeping seniors , what has been achieved, NOTHING, the case has gone cold NO justice for any who have felt the pain or loss,this person who did these crimes walks free , snubs his nose at every one ,Am I angry ,you betcha, will any of us forgive tobago NEVER,but a little justice would be nice.
81354782SKG said on Monday, Feb 13 at 8:32 PM
wonder what is Dr A. London's ( an economist of world repute)opinion regards economic viability on the topic.How do we equate subsidies for social reasons and the hard core economic decisions!
81332324Desuperman said on Monday, Feb 13 at 8:11 PM
What a lot of you are ignoring is that there was a 3 month trial of the 24hr operation and it failed.You all just hate to see a comment from a member of the THA and not attack,because of the aggressive culture of politics you know.Anyone sleeping in Piarco has to do with Caribbean Airlines inefficiency,all they had to do is increase the number of flights.I will endorse Wilson or anyone else who believe the 24 hr period will NOT work and it is NOT economical either. This is just laced with stupid politics with the Minister and Assworth.There is ABSOLUTELY no thought behind this move, but a move with the hope to help the PP and by extension the TOP.If the airport is to open later to midnight or 1 am,sounds a lot more realistic and sensible.We just attack for attacking sake and as going as low as to call Neil Wilson a geriatric.Those of you who use this word to describe Mr.Wilson I'm sure would not describe their parents or Grandparents as a geriatric.
81331554Desuperman said on Monday, Feb 13 at 5:50 PM
I sure ah hear madam Caruth saying last night that Assworth is the one to take Tobago to the "promise land". So wuh yuh worrying about? But on a serious note, where were you during the yrs 2002-'06 when Tobago recorded it's highest tourist arrivals, by both air and sea, during the tenure of Neil Wilson? Never have there been the amount of cruise ship arrivals on the island. The jetty had to be extended to accommodate the large vessels that used to dock outside, even after the "gracious deep-water harbour" was built under Robbie. There were the Condor, Monarch, BA and Virgin Atlantic coming here and bringing thousands of tourists. And all this was during Wilson's tenure. One of the main reasons for the decline in tourist arrivals was the economic situation affecting most of the European countries during the last few yrs. Nothing to do with opening hrs at the airport. Everyone has a role to play in tourism development, including YOU.
81325579Prophetic..... said on Monday, Feb 13 at 4:20 PM
First of all, why is the division of Tourism paying a consultant. What the hell are the doing? Tourism in Tobago is almost dead, shouldn't the fee the consultant is charging be used to revitalize the industry. There is so much that could be done in regards to tourism in Tobago. These politicians don't want any form of progress. Tobago has enough smart and intelligent people is be in the condition it is in. THE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED THE PEOPLE, THE POLITICIANS HAVE FAIELD THE PEOPLE. A 24/7 airport is progress, because I have slept many night in Piarco because there were no flights. These people are idiots, morons, and probably greasing their pockets with tax payers money and should not be in their positions. They are hindrance to progress and not leaving or preparing a Tobago or its people to fully embrace to 21st century. This is the generation that will die in the wilderness and not enter the promised land, a brighter future. Let them leave politics quickly or let them DIE
81321019bagodude said on Monday, Feb 13 at 10:02 AM
as usual desuppersinger your blog about neil wilson being d best tourism secretary is not in synch with d raw figures as compiled by the very tourism division of the tha where ah 60% decline in arrivals have been recorded over his stint as secretary then us paid consultant!!!
81297669Desuperman said on Monday, Feb 13 at 12:51 AM
Imagine an ole-quenk like "virginain" who has NOT lived in Tobago fuh 45 YEARS and who claimed that he went to school with Ozy Williams is calling on the very HONOURABLE Neil Wilson to make way for the "young brash". But HE wants to manipulate this page EVERY BLASTED WEEK with hog-s**t because he believes that living in Virginia makes him brighter or smarter than the average Tobagonian. Unlike him Neil Wilson has made a VALUABLE contribution to Tobago by being the BEST Tourism Secretary in the history of the THA and any fool could try to challenge this. Wilson spoke of the 3 month trail run of a 24hr service that DIDN'T WORK! So why does "virginian" or Devil Maharaj or any other naive shallow thinking idiot think it will today? During the "busiest" of seasons, trips are half empty at anytime from one way or the other, during the Easter Holidays you may be able to go to Trini but may not be guaranteed to return without a confirmed booking, since travel to Tobago increases twofold.
81288097D Mouse said on Sunday, Feb 12 at 1:47 AM
As Scrunter says "Only Time Will Tell !"
81247757the virginian said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 6:45 PM
Hey!Just finished Trinidad Guardian blogging and saw where the T&T Transport Minister is prceeding with alacrity on implementation of the 24hr ANR airport initiative.Great! All those naysayers--Citylimer,Neil Wilson,et al--should be rolled-over or pushed aside,whichever is more convenient,should they be in the critical path to realization.Thank you Mr.Minister but don't be surprised or even show one scintilla of concern should the THA and its cadre of cry-babies holler "disrespect."So what!Remember you're in the big league while those who want to hamper Tobago's progress are still playing sandlot baseball with "training wheels," not even in the minors yet. As the saying goes,"lean forward" Tobago.
81235036the virginian said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 2:09 PM
Tobagoboy,you're so darn right.He's just another superanuated retread standing in the way of the progressive.Regrettably,some of us just don't know when to take a bow and leave graciously.Therein lies the heart of Tobago's problems.At this critical stage of her life,she needs a heavy dose of young,brash, aggressive but calculated thinkers.Yes,some movers and shakers with deep pockets too.The old school mantra was that you must creep before you walk.Today,we know that wasn't true then and not so now.Get up and "walk," if you slip,get up again and "walk."If the ultimate objective is to "walk," prior mastery of "creeping" by no means gurantees it. My assessment from driving around the island,with some strategic stops,last November is that she needs a well-managed capital infusion in the magnitude of USD$1billion solely for economic development to move that island towards the 21st century.Yes,only towards but not yet into.
81226354tobagoboy said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 1:13 PM
Neil Wilson, you are such a looser!!! Since you have been involved in Tobago tourism the sector has gone to hell in a wastebasket!! Let your pal Orville give you another few million Dollars in cash and then go home and leave the industry to people that understand it.What will it take to make you go away???
81223969Anonymous said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 11:45 AM
No 24/7 opening without a feasability study being done. Who will be travelling during these off hours. Even busier airports in NY are closed for several hours. BTW is Piarco staffed for arrivals and departures 24/7. Just asking.
81220874the virginian said on Friday, Feb 10 at 7:05 PM
We live in a global village,think accordingly Tobagonians.Be service oriented.Regarding service,I'm yet to see where any consumer there gets the biggest bang for his buck.Change your game-plans.To be magnanimous,they're anachronistic,geriatic and moribund.I'm obfuscated when locals aren't sufficiently astute and perspicacious to grab the bull by the horns,assess and fine-tune as you proceed.What's wrong with revisiting the 24/7 initiative?For this purpose,airport services availabilty 24/7 shouldn't necessarily mean availabilty for 1440 minutes per day each day.Beyond what T&T folks consider"normal"hours,airport services could be scaled accordingly--skeleton staffing,one attendant handling more than one job simultaneously,realizing economies of scale--for off-peak with the capacity to ramp-up within a relatively short window especially since flights are usually pre-scheduled. Folks,spare the negative comments,not helpful,but share why and how this service could be implemented.
81196219Long Mango said on Friday, Feb 10 at 2:37 PM
Desuperman how long before you read my blog.It is about time for a response since you have consulted one of the Geriatric.
81181719Tobago Mother said on Friday, Feb 10 at 1:54 PM
skg has a point. What we Tobago people do ? Why we have to ketch we tail for modern permanent health system ? Those who concerned about economics have to understand that is not everbody who does fail a test. Other people may be able to succeed.Is only a bunch og geriatrics who keeping back Tobago.
81179029citylimer said on Friday, Feb 10 at 1:25 PM
I have always maintained that 24/7 - 365 days per year should not be attempted without a pilot project during peak times and slow times. This is the only way to ascertain the demand vis a vis the available capacity. Empirical evidence is needed especially when different time zones for the foreign carriers are involved. Also the cost benefit analysis will inform the decision making. Historically as indicated by Mr Wilson who was not only Secretary for Tourism but also the Manager of BWIA/TTAS - whatevername it was - in Tobago. TOP/UNC managing by vaps and political expediancy not by way of logical thinking and development planning models. They will always get them selves in a muddle. Off with their political heads for again attempting the people of Tobago. We need seasoned thinkers to run Tobago not reckless experimenters. Every thing this government attempts ends up in disgrace to both Tobago and Trinidad. Case in point University in Louis D'or where you got to take a helicopter.
81177254skg said on Friday, Feb 10 at 12:56 PM
Did'nt realize the economics being of importance to the THA for providing essential services for their own Tobagonians(looking at some other things in operation that are NON ESSENTIAL). May be that can justify not getting services like CT Scans , MRI etc .They obviously WILL be not economical to operate in Tobago . Good thinking we don't need 24 hours airport the Tobagonians can continue to catch their behind till it becomes ECONOMICAL.
81175554Ruth said on Friday, Feb 10 at 12:41 PM
All this money the THA previously spent, what was it for???? Virgin Atlantic is just one airline, what about meeting the international standards for all? We need to spend taxpayers money wisely.
81174547Anonymous said on Friday, Feb 10 at 12:00 PM
the idea of airport open all night is dangerous, for tourists arriving. A strong prescence of policing should be implimented, but of course that would interfer with the cops sleeping ,I make sure that I arrive in day light and leave in day light, as for taxis , beware get fare before you leave, best result is to go else where, which is what our family and friends have done, to much hastle to visit tobago,wgo needs a cutlas in the head,
81171709Long Mango said on Friday, Feb 10 at 11:37 AM
How strange to read what is Mr Wilson's reason against the opening of the ANR Robinson air port 24/7,his argument is on the grounds economics,but the Tourism Secretary only objection is because Mr,Ashwotrh Jack was at the meeting for discussion on the matter.But can you people remember when Mr Jack refused to attend the sitting of the house over the illegal bills brought by the Exc,Council.At that time it was said by the Chief Secretary, inefficient, cannot represent the people,a waste of time(my interpretation)so what is the story at this time,IT IS A PAIN to understand this PNM administration.Tobago people take note of the silence of the chief seretary on this matter and we will treat with this PAINFUL PNM AT THE RIGHT TIME.
81170062bigsnakes said on Friday, Feb 10 at 9:37 AM
the last flight leaving POS to TAB should be scheduled to leave after the last international flight lands and passengers have cleared customs.....no need to open airport 24/7.also have more flights at night...instead of every hour or so
81162987Tobago Mother said on Friday, Feb 10 at 9:25 AM
There is also a need for a more secure taxi system . The places where people board transportation should be on camera and the fares should be arranged at this point.. It is time to have sirport and seasport dispatchers so travellers would not be treated to the whims and fancies of the drivers.
81162309james walker said on Friday, Feb 10 at 9:12 AM
we do not need 24 7 airservise but we need service to cover the late arrivals comming into piarco so travelers heading to Tobago do not loose part of there holiday in trinidad when they are headed for Tobago.
81161692Tobago Mother said on Friday, Feb 10 at 9:05 AM
If the airport cannot open whole night , then, a safe ,comfortable facility must be put in place for travellers to Tobago at Piarco. After clearing customs and immigration most people miss the last flight home. I have had the indignity of sleeping on the floor in the old Piarco airport . I have also felt the indignity of trying to use the Holiday Inn Hotel when their Shuttle stops running at 11 pm. For those who have cooperating relatives and friends in Trinidad ,they have it good. For all others , it is a shamefully disgusting scenario.
81161459that_guy said on Friday, Feb 10 at 8:10 AM
the terminal itself needs to be rebuilt... the gov't should build a temporary terminal nearby and demolish the current structure and build a modern one on the same spot... it would worth it
81159614D Mouse said on Friday, Feb 10 at 3:26 AM
Bingo Was his name-o !!
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