TT charters CAL’s 737 for US$85,000

TIMES INT'L

To facilitate an almost 40-member delegation on a five-day visit to Brazil, government has chartered one of Caribbean Airlines’ 737s—which can seat 154 people—at a cost of US$85,000.

Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner confirmed that CAL would have been flying the TT delegation to Brazil Monday but he was unaware of the specific details.

In turn, CAL has had to wet-lease another aircraft, for substantially more money, to facilitate its travel agenda for the high-traffic Easter period.

The Guardian understands that the wet-leased cost, during peak travel season and on short notice, can range from US$7500 to US$10,000 an hour. However, while it covers the cost of the aircraft, the crew, maintenance and insurance, it does not cover the cost of fuel. If CAL’s 737 is out of circulation for more than ten hours, the cost will be higher than what was paid to charter it, leaving CAL to absorb the loss, the Guardian was told. One industry insider has criticised the decision to use a 737 as “wastage.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

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