No official word from Delta on pullout of Guyana market

Delta Airlines is yet to release a statement about the impending suspension of the airline’s direct New York to Georgetown flight that currently serves the diaspora.

Delta Airlines General Manger of Corporate Communications for Latin America and the Caribbean, Sarah Lora told Guyana Times International that the airline “has not confirmed that there will be suspension”, or an ending of the route indefinitely.
She did, however, state that currently customers attempting to book flights after May 2013 will experience difficulties as those flights are yet to be made available.
Lora noted that Delta will meet to discuss the future of the flight plans and a statement will be made at the appropriate time.
When asked if the Guyana market was still a viable option for Delta Airlines, Lora responded that to say it was or was not would be in lieu of making a direct statement when the company was not, prepared at this time to disclose its assessment of the region and whether Delta would continue to serve Guyana.
Guyana Times International questioned Lora with regards to Air Jamaica’s plans to enter the market as a subsidiary of Caribbean Airlines, and she responded that Delta would make decisions based on the company’s best interest.
This publication also spoke to Delta Guyana Sales Manager Junior Horatio who noted that “persons trying to book after May will experience systemic difficulties”.
Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali was seemingly caught off guard when contacted by this publication on Monday, he simply stated: “I am not aware of any decision by the airline to pull out of Guyana.” He said he would be actively looking into whether the claims were true.
According to a source, while the minister is away on official state business, he will also be reaching out to Delta Airlines. This publication was told by local airline officials that the high cost of fuel and the privilege given to Caribbean Airlines of flag carrier-status could potentially be a reason why Delta is pulling out. While ticket sales have been steady, Delta has reportedly faced losses because of the now defunct EZ jet and its previously cheap fares.
Currently, Delta Airlines is present in 58 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Back in 2008, the airline introduced nonstop flights from New York out of the John F Kennedy International Airport to Georgetown, Guyana.