Calling CAL:Help Tourism, Reduce Airfares
Dear Sir,
I am writing concerning my total disbeliefin regards to airfares to Cayman. Today I set out to book an airlineflight to George Town on March 30, returning to the states April6. What I found out totally shocked me. The airfare for 2 adultsand 2 children from Louisville, Kentucky was over $6,000 (US).Yes over $1,500 per person!
When I question why, I received the sameresponse each and every time. The rates are set by Cayman Airwaysand no carrier is allowed to undercut their rate.
If this is so, free enterprise is not working.
I have been coming to the Caymans for over11 years, own property there and conduct business on the islandas well. I find it amazing I can send a container full of goodsto the island for far less money than flying there.
In looking at the rate I did a study andfound out I could fly my family of four to the Bahamas for theprice of one ticket to the Caymans. I could fly my family of fourto Europe for 60 per cent less than Cayman. Keep in mind the Europeanflight is almost 3 times the distance.
In the past I have read articles regardingthe financial burden Cayman Airways places on the budget. Howlong will it take before it becomes clear that the high airfaresand cost associated with running your own airline is a burdenupon the Caymans? Of course I can only assume you already knowthis but no one is willing to stand up and do what is needed.
The Caymans doesn't need a national airline!Even the United States doesn't have a national airline and, becauseof it competition reigns and airfares are competitive. Look atSouthwest Airlines, who remained profitable even after September11 and is one of the lowest cost operators in the U.S. while beinghighly rated.
If the cost of airfare were more competitivethis would lead to an increase in tourism. The increase wouldmake up for any lost jobs in the airline. I feel confident commercialcarriers would pick up some of the furloughed employees to helpwith their increase in traffic as well.
As many in business understand you cannotover burden (tax) your customers or they will quit doing businesswith you.
I struggle to find any destination withrates as high as those to the Caymans. Help tourism, make airfarescompetitive regardless of what you need to do to accomplish this!
Adam Burckle
Louisville, Kentucky (USA)