Oh, how I miss Air Jamaica
Dear Editor,
This is an open letter to Air Jamaica.
It is with deep regret that I put pen to paper. As Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary you will not be here to share it with us.
Now and again I see a picture of your name with the lovebird on the Boeing 737 aircraft. However, this has turned out to be short-lived, as your name will now have to be removed as directed by the Trinidad Civil Aviation Authority because Caribbean Airlines (CAL) does not have permission to operate two brands, CAL and Air J.
I search hard to find you daily. I must admit that I saw you in a rather precarious position in Guyana and it broke my heart. However, I am very happy that everything turned out fairly okay, as it could have been more catastrophic.
Air J, I know you are burning to ask the most asked question of the day: “How has the transition been?” I will say that we are still having job losses and uncertainty still looms.
I miss you, Air J. I am sad you had to go. Every so often passengers ask for you. You were their friend. From the moment they boarded the aircraft they felt as if they were home. You were “the little part of Jamaica that flies”. Whenever you were spotted anywhere in the world, for the most part passengers felt a sense of warmth and they could identify with you.
Air J, it would be so breathtaking if in the midst of the 50th year of Jamaica’s Independence celebrations, on Independence Day or any day when there is a gathering at the National Stadium, for example, you could fly over and salute the people of Jamaica.
Air J, can you imagine what it would be like if you were around and operating London flights to take our athletes to the Olympics to defend their numerous titles? One little island like Jamaica and the world is waiting to see our performance! Imagine the marketing campaign we would have been able to pull off with the slogan “Bolt-ing to London for Olympics 2012”. Again, Air J, it’s just one of those things. Take care, my friend. Walk good!
Milan Henry
milanconcepts@hotmail.com