Jump Seat April 2018

The Caribbean Airline

CARIBSKY LAUNCHED TO MAKE CARIBBEAN TRAVEL EASIER DOMINICA SAYS THANKS

DEAR LIAT

ANNIVERSARIES

LIAT NEWS

Please E-mail you Jump Seat content or suggestion to the Editor - Shavar Maloney at this address: MaloneyS@liat.com

JUMP SEAT

ISSUE 173

CARIBSKY LAUNCHED TO MAKE CARIBBEAN TRAVEL EASIER LIAT, Air Antilles and WINAIR signed documents on Tuesday 17th April to launch the CARIBSKY Project. The signing which took place in Gosier, Guadeloupe is aimed at making Caribbean travel easier.

Chief Executive Officer of LIAT, Julie Reifer-Jones, in her presentation noted the Left to Right: Dutch Representative Chris Johnson, CEO of in the launch following the WINNAIR Michael Cleaver, CEO of LIAT Julie Reifer-Jones, delay CEO of Air Antilles Serge Tsygalnitzky and Minister of devastation of the 2017 hurricane Tourism St. Maarten Cornelius De Weever. season.She stated that the company was excited to be a part of this project as it strengthens regional travel and cooperation between the airlines.

Chief Executive Officer of Air Antilles, which is the project lead, Serge Tsygalnitzky, acknowledged that no one carrier could solve the problem of connectivity in the Caribbean and through the cooperation of these three carriers, seamless travel would be there for regional travellers. He explained the project objectives and projections including a combined offering of 32 destinations served by a fleet of 25 aircraft.

WINAIR, the other participant in the project, was represented by Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cleaver, who noted that with the changes in regional travel and the connections from outside of the region, such an agreement among carriers would open travel for even more persons.

The CARIBSKY project is intended to especially improve air transportation between the French and English-speaking Caribbean. The project is partly funded by Interreg Caribbean under the PAIRE project. At the end of the two-year project it is expected that Caribbean travellers will have improved access to an air transport network that is more convenient and robust. This in turn should lead to an increase in economic activity and air travel.

The launch of CARIBSKY took place at the Creole Beach Hotel in Guadeloupe and was attended by government officials, airline staff and the media from across the Caribbean.

Left: CEO Julie Reifer-Jones makes her presentation on LIAT. Right: Siging of the MOU by the CEOs of the three companies and Hon. Marie-Luce Penchard representing Interreg

How’s Business?

ON-TIME PERFORMANCE MARCH 2017

2018

3 MINS

50.1%

70.2%

15 MINS

67.1%

83.0%

INDUSTRY STANDARD 85%

ON TIME PERFORMANCE

RELIABILTY

DOMINICA SAYS THANKS

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE

GOOD MORNING LIAT PROMO IN MARTINIQUE LIAT hosted its Good Morning LIAT Promo in Martinique during the week of 19th to 23rd March. The promotion was done in conjunction with Radio Caribbean International. The week had games each day with winners qualifying to win the grand prize of tickets for two to any LIAT destination. On Friday 23rd March, the LIAT Airport Ticketing Office opened at 4 am with a special promo and free breakfast for passengers.

The event was hailed as a success by the Commercial Team. Area Manager, Martinique Odile Jean-Marie thanked the LIAT Team for support, RCI and the Management of the Aime Ceasaire International Airport.

Above: Members of the LIAT Team.

Right: Passengers getting their promo tickets at LIAT Martinique Airport Ticketing Office.

LIAT TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING LIAT will host its first town hall for 2018 on Thursday 10th May, 2018 at Bismarck. This is a part of the company’s effort to continue our open dialogue with our staff. The meeting will be with Mrs. Julie Reifer-Jones, Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Management Team from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

All staff members are welcomed to attend. Staff who are unable to attend may ask a colleague to ask on their behalf or submit their questions to improvement@liat.com

Dear LIAT In this issue we share some of the complimentary letters we receive. To all who go above and beyond to represent LIAT we say thank you and let us work to help improve in areas where we can!

Dear Mr. Isaac, It was a pleasure meeting with you.

I would like to commend Mr. Glenroy Linton who was the officer at LIAT’s counter in Dominica when I checked in on flight 362 to Antigua on the 24th March 2018.

Also Mr. James Hunkins who provided assistance to me and gave me his contact numbers so that I could follow up with him. I have never experienced this in my lifetime travelling with LIAT. Kudos to these two gentlemen and please maintain that level of quality service.God’s many blessings to you all .

Kindest regards V. Shillingford

Please recognise Mr Warren from St Vincent and Mr Akini John from Trinidad with their patience and helpful service this morning with our LIAT delayed flight,from St Vincent to Trinidad.

Douglas Jack

Taireen Warren

Akini John

Many times we are quick to bash this airline for one reason or the next but never remember to give compliments or praise when we should. I try to be fair and give credit where it is due.

I have to and must big up LIAT! My group trip to St Lucia travel was smooth and stress free over the Easter Holidays.

No delays, no misplace of luggage and ALL flights including the connections were on time! Check in process went smoothly. I couldn't complain. I was very impressed.

LIAT, take a forward, you made me proud. I had few travellers that were skeptical when they heard I chose your airline for our travel but you didn't disappoint. We had a couple persons suitcases damaged during transit but no other issue. It was indeed nice doing business with you and Thank You a mil!!!!

Additionally, I want to big up Nadege Augustin in Groups.

She did an excellent job ensuring all was ok with the group. Thank you Nadege and keep up the excellent service.

Carlzee Questelles (via Facebook)

Dear Sir/Madam It was on 12th April that my husband, Dr Milton Munroe and I flew to Ogle from London Gatwick via Barbados. It was during the transfer process that we had the privilege of meeting Jaquan Best, your staff member. Jaquan is truly customer focused. There was no evidence of any desire to take advantage of the unsuspecting visitor as was experienced when we benefitted from assisted support in transferring from the aircraft. It was an absolute breath of fresh air to meet him. He has empathy and the ability to handle what might be a difficult situation. He understands the rules and requirements of his job and executes them with much professional ease. He has people skills, a requirement of good customer care. On our return from Guyana on 5 May where we celebrated our 53rd wedding anniversary, we ran into Jaquan as we were outward bound. It was a brief meeting. However, it was like running into an old friend. He quickly got our cases - four into the checkin desk, wished us a safe journey and was on his way.

He is a credit not only to himself but most of all to LIAT. LIAT is privileged to have Jaquan Best as a member of the team and our wish is that Jaquan is rewarded appropriately. We do look forward to flying LIAT in the near future. Thank you LIAT. Yours faithfully

Waveney Munroe (Mrs)

Thank you @liatairline for your superior service. We often complain about poor situations but you rocked it on my just completed trip with the airline, and I wish to publicly acknowledge that. I forgot my duty free box at the departure gate and did not realise until we were in the air. It was the last flight to St Lucia that day. The flight attendant spoke to the pilot who spoke to Barbados staff. You located the box and got it on flight the next day. Ms Daniel, the supervisor in St Lucia was very accommodating and followed up. The airport staff in St Lucia called as soon as it arrived the next day and facilitated me through customs.

Mr Murray in Barbados advised that the package was on the flight.

Ms Daniel who was the supervisor on duty in St Lucia when I arrived was working today when I left and enquired about the package as I boarded as she recognised my name on boarding pass. The flight attendant who was on the flight when I left remembered me today on the flight back and asked if I got the package. Also, you were on time on both ends of my trip. So tonight I want to say a huge THANK YOU to LIAT for the impressive customer service on this trip. You demonstrated that you cared and that meant a great deal to me. Well done!

Averil Byer (via Facebook)

Send us your feedback at

improvement@liat.com

Anniversaries MAY 2018 35 YEARS Deborah James Ila Southwell 10 YEARS Johnathan Hoyte Roderick Mohammed

Antigua Antigua

Rotables Clerk Purchasing Supervisor

Barbados Trinidad

First Officer Aircraft Mechanic

Thank you for your hard work and commitment.

Right: Cabin Crew Amethyst Phipps-Daley receives her milestone award and gift from In Flight Manager Georgiann Richards.

Area Manager, Guyana Orin Walton was presented with his milestone award certificate by Chief Commercial Officer Audra Walker and his pin by Chief Executive Officer Julie Reifer-Jones.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY Administrative professionals were recognized on Administrative Professionals Day. They received bouquets from their Directors and managers.

CEO Julie Reifer-Jones with Executive Secretary to the CEO Nathasia Whyte

Balynda Barnes, Finance Secretary receives her bouquet from CFO Rojer Inglis.

CATCH UP WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING IN

ZING

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE

Shequela James, Administrative Assistant Flight Ops receives bouquet from Manager Operations Control Dhanash Ramdath. Loraine Mitchell- Gaillard, Personal Assistant to Director Flight Operations receives her bouquet from Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Senhouse.

LIAT NEWS

LIAT CABIN CREW COMES IN FOR HIGH PRAISE

Three Cabin Crew members were given high praise following an incident where a passenger fell ill on a LIAT flight. The three Cabin Crew members: Kemberly Greenaway, Nabia Martin and Euston Dickenson were praised by President of the OECS Bar Association, Thaddeus Antoine. Mr. Antoine, who was a passenger on the flight to Antigua, praised the crew in a Facebook post which quickly went viral. (See post below) All three Cabin Crew members have been nominated for the Customer Service Award for the first quarter of 2018.

IT’S ALMOST HURRICANE SEASON! ARE YOU PREPARED?

We are one month away from the start of the 2018 Hurricane season. Have you started preparations?

AT HOME * Know your Emergency Shelters Contact the National Disaster Office for the closest shelters. * Have disaster supplies on handincluding : Flashlight and extra batteries, a portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.

First aid kit Non-perishable (canned food) and water / Non-electric can opener Essential medicines Cash and credit cards Sturdy shoes * Protect your windows * Trim back branches from trees * Check into your Home and Auto Insurance * Make a contingency plan for your pets. * Develop an emergency communication plan Remember we cannot prevent hurricanes but we can be prepared.

CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING CONTINUES Customer Service Training continues across the LIAT network. The two latest stations to participate in the training were Grenada and St. Vincent.

The team from LIAT Grenada

The team from LIAT St. Vincent

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Above Left: Regional Manager North David Isaac with Cabin Crew member Roweena Wee Tom on a LIAT flight .

Above Right: Future Cabin Crew- Nahra Stowe went to career day at her school as a LIAT Cabin Crew member.

Below First Officer Akeem Osborne and Cabin Crew member Anel Francis were at the Princess Margaret School Career Day.

TRIBUTES FIRST OFFICER MARTIN LAVILLE First Officer Martin Laville passed away on 26th March. F/O Laville was a pilot at LIAT and was well admired by his colleagues. His sudden passing was a shock to many and tributes poured out via social media. Several colleagues were on hand at V.C. Bird International Airport when his body arrived. Many also journeyed to Dominica for his funeral. Martin will be missed. May his soul rest in peace.

FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

David Jardine Martin was a very easy-going guy. Like Ian says he always had time for a chat. Very sad to learn of his sudden passing. Rest In Peace.

Stuart P. Knox Very sad news about Martin. Always had time for a chat. Always had smile on his face and always had a joke to give. One awesome guy. You will be missed by many.

Patricia Rouxelin-Lorde I am still in shock ...still can't believe you left us Martin... always a smile on his face, his jokes and his laughs. You will be missed my friend. Rest in peace until we meet again.

Michael Crawford I am in shock, unable to believe, that we spoke about 2 weeks ago and little did I know you would soon be joining other aviators in heaven. Wow this hurt me. R.I.P my brother, a very humble person, passionate about flying, a true gentleman. Take your rest, Jesus has the controls, he is flying you home. Until we meet again bro.

The aircraft carrying F/O Laville remains received a water salute

Colleagues were at V.C. Bird International Airport when the remain of F/O Laville arrived and did a guard of honour as his casket was transferred to a smaller plane to travel to Dominica.

Left: Capt. Burke, F/O Nixon, F/O Challenger and Capt. Whitehead were pall bearers at F/O Laville’s funeral.

Right: Director of Human Resources, Ilean Ramsey laid a wreath on behalf of the company.

Left: Members of the LIAT family from across the network who attended.

Right: Capt. Whitehead and F/O Abraham laid wreaths.

Photos compliments LIAT Dominica Staff. Thanks to Tryphena Andrews for sharing.

TRIBUTES TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN FERDI de GANNES Delivered by Capt. Arthur Senhous, Director of Flight Operations Holy Family Cathedral, Thursday 12th April The name Ferdi Degannes is one that will be forever etched in the history of LIAT. By extension the de Gannes family is one that has been with LIAT throughout its history and remains with us today.

Ferdi De Gannes joined LIAT in November 1959 as a co-pilot. He joined under the legendary Sir Frank Delisle, LIAT’s founder whom he fondly referred to as “The Boss”. He credited Sir Frank for doing much more than a job. He stated that “The Boss” had unknowingly been responsible for changing his approach and work ethic to the aviation industry.

Captain de Gannes was more than a pilot. He flew several aircraft types (Heron, Bac 111, Avros, Islanders, Twin Otters and DASH-8s). At LIAT he worked his way up the ranks from first officer to Captain to Training Captain, then Chief Pilot. Out of his love for flying and being tagged for wanting to fly the aircraft more than the desk, he created the Chief Training Captain position allowing him to train and fly. He preferred that his juniors became his bosses. He didn't mind.

He was happy.

His career in LIAT spanned just short of four decades. To fly with the legendary Captain de Gannes was an honour. Any pilot who was able to fly with him or train with him felt honoured by the knowledge that was shared by Captain de Gannes. One could always be assured that you would know part of LIAT’s history after a conversation with him, which always ended with him saying "never bad talk LIAT outside the LIAT family".

From the early days, Captain de Gannes was a mentor. He was the greatest mentor we ever had. His lectures to flight crew was focused on “treating everyone we worked with as equals”; we are simply links in the LIAT chain. He was known to work on his off days loading baggage or being around the hangar. This showed his humility and work ethic which he passed on to all who came in contact with him.

As he stated in the 50th anniversary magazine in his tribute to Sir Frank “It was he that made me realize that no matter how high I flew, I had to come back down to earth. It was a lesson that I would like to think I carried throughout my career.” Captain de Gannes retired in 1997 but still stayed in touch, always enquiring about his beloved LIAT and making time for anyone who needed to talk or obtain an insight to LIAT's history.

Captain de Gannes served as much more than just a pilot to many of us who grew up in LIAT. He was a wonderful colleague, a great friend and someone who always encouraged us to perform our best. It is this part of the de Gannes legacy that will always be remembered.

Having flown the line with him, I realized that DOM was his favorite airport, as he would point out, "Arts boy [while putting on his fingerless riding gloves], you have to look for the coconut trees, where we turn and descend through the valley for landing."

He did it with such precision every time, that I had to ask him how he did it. He replied, " you have to treat the aircraft like you treat your wife – firm, but gentle." I responded, "Capt. I'm not yet married."

He smiled and said, "Well start to learn on the aircraft, so that when you get married you will understand what I'm saying".

He received an award from the government of Antigua and Barbuda for his contribution to aviation and sports. He was an avid cyclist.

Captain de Gannes continues to live on in LIAT through his impact and that of his family. May he continue to soar as he did in his high-flying days and may the fond memories of him live on through us.

To his wife, Angela, his children and his entire family, we at LIAT express our sincere condolences. We have lost one of our own and pray that the Lord will grant him eternal rest.

Capt. Ferdi de Gannes Photo by: Capt. Wade Austin-Mcdonald

The de Gannes family.

Capt. de Gannes in the cockpit

Capt. de Gannes was an avid cyclist and a founding member of the Madonna Wheelers, the oldest cycling club in Trinidad .

Photos from One on One ABS Television

The Caribbean Airline

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