Suggestionfor Cayman Airways
Dear Sir:
Cayman has been blessed and its people areGod-fearing.
As a visiting U.S. businessman of 15 years,I too care about this precious gem.
When I read about Cayman Airways and itsreal loses- I mean money- I asked myself, what would be the bestmethod of -
1. keeping our National Airline,
2. breaking even or even a tiny profit, and
3. staying away from another "monopoly" situation?
As a spiritual person, I refer to my bible,as the handbook for life like my spiritual boy scouts guidebook.I believe it is in Proverbs that say only a fool tries to solvehis own problem, the wise man seeks two three counsellors.
I will be bold enough to throw out my solution.
Looking around, I say to myself and to youyes you.
I read where each 'Cayman resident' is saying$1,000 per person to keep the big flying birds 'afloat' each year.Anyway, besides money, I look around.
In the year 2000, a lot of the big U.S Airlineslost money but there was one exception, Southwest.
So I say to myself: Self, why nothire the guys who made money in a tough market to help me (Cayman)?Then all these questions arise:
· will they fire my best friend,
· will they be fair,
· will they keep my national flag on the plane,
4. will they, will they?
I say: Self- be quiet- shut up! Just approachSouthwest with our 2-3 simple needs. You (Southwest) run our airlineswith 5 rules:
· Cayman stays on the planes,
· Cayman will subsidise the business for two years andthen the subsidy decreases 1/3 per year,
· Southwest gets 80% of any profit made profit hasto be calculated using reserves for maintenance, training, etc.
· all Cayman and Southwest personnel must turn in writtenevaluations for their entire booking, boarding and service commentsfor each flight,
· this will be a 6-year contract with a rolling six yearsclause subject not to review but subject to four objective standardsor tests.
My idea is to keep the arrangement simple.Let Southeast do their thing. Cayman air will be a friendly planeto fly with peanuts, popcorn and, oh yes, the rum punch is a mandatoryno-change item.
So perhaps this idea does not agree withyou then - get creative and rise to a better level of honestyand integrity- sort out a better alternative. Be. Do somethingthat is democratic, trustful and will serve all of Cayman's bestinterest.
Bart Munroe
PS: The real questionis not will you hire Southwest, but will Southwest agree to takeon the task? If not, then seek then advice, a wise person seeks,finds, questions and makes truthful changes. Is Cayman up to truthfulchanges?