00:00Carl's executive remained tight-lipped on a proposed plan to introduce unsubsidized flights between Trinidad and Tobago,
00:09which could see a round-trip ticket costing roughly $1,000.
00:13Carl's chairman, Reina Kowalessa, told TV6 News the airline has absolutely no comment on the matter at this time.
00:21Meantime, the TNT Airline Pilots Association is lending support.
00:26TALPA, the already recognized majority union, has not been notified of any increase in flights,
00:34in flight frequency to Tobago, or any price increases.
00:38However, TALPA supports any initiative that could increase the profitability and viability of Caribbean airlines,
00:47and also, we are committed to any increased capacity that will bring relief
00:55for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:58We also remain 100% committed to the region and to connecting the wider world.
01:07Now, this initiative, right, if it is brought into effect, it would mean more work for pilots, essentially, right?
01:15Is that something that you can accommodate in terms of the workload?
01:20Anything that is done to increase the, yeah, anything that is done to, that will be instituted to help the
01:26viability of the airline,
01:28we are 100% committed.
01:31TALPA remains committed.
01:32Asked whether TALPA had any concerns with respect to staff shortages, Wickham declined to comment.
01:40Earlier this week, TALPA and Caribbean Airlines signed a collective agreement,
01:44covering the period September 1st, 2020 to August 31st, 2023, bringing an end to prolonged negotiations.
01:53Meantime, plans to have domestic passengers at Piaquo International Airport utilize the same gate as international travelers have been put
02:02on hold.
02:03The measure was due to take effect today, after being announced over the weekend by the airport's authority.
02:10In response, Caribbean Airlines is seeking to assure all domestic passengers that they will continue to be screened and processed
02:18for travel
02:19at the domestic departures area on the ground floor.
02:23KAL says customers are encouraged to proceed as normal for check-in and security screening
02:29and to follow all standard travel guidelines.
02:33Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
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