We just returned from a 2-week trip to the Island and took AJ from Atlanta. This was our 13th visit and first on AJ. In the past we flew A/A with ff miles or ALM. We were always reluctant to try AJ because of the many problems we read about. This trip was flawless. AJ was on time and it was great to get to Bonaire in the afternoon and leave in the afternoon. We feel like we added a day to our vacation.

A side note about AJ. They are planning to upgrade their fleet with new Boeing planes to replace the old A321's. No timetable was proffered but I assume it will be soon.

We go on AJ in November-hope it's done by then!

We have flown AJ since 2001. I know a few years back when they were restructuring they sold off quite a few plans. It's DUE time for new equipment IMHO.

No doubt. I flew Spirit to Fla. last year with their new planes-unbelivable comfort. The eco class was almost as good as first class-plenty of leg room, butt room, and leather seats. It was wonderful.

LOL...Mary! I'm with ya on the butt room Can't ever have enough of that. I am spoiled and always demand first class; I am a brat..my poor husband ;) AJ had some nice planes way back and hopefully they're back on the menu soon.

Hi
I may be missing something and I would welcome any different opinion. Everything I read indicates AJ is struggling to stay alive. I woundn't expect any big improvements in service.
Mick

The article I read indicated that AJ is still loosing money but to become competitive it must upgrade its fleet. There was no indication of when this will occur. Further, Airbus is still trying to get a contract for planes with AJ.

I may be wrong but I have gotten the impression that AJ was going to acquire (or lease) older, previously owned Boeing 737s, not new ones, as a way of reducing the costs they now pay to lease their Airbuses (A321s and A320s). Older 737s are not as fuel efficient as the A321s/A320s and hold fewer passengers. In addition, I believe the A32x aircraft are slightly wider than the 737s so the "new" aircraft will seem a little more cramped width-wise, and maybe legroom as well depending on the pitch AJ uses for its seats. Finally, AJ will have to retrain their cockpit crews because usually A32x-certified pilots are not also certified in 737s (unless the carrier flys both types of aircraft, which AJ doesn;t). I personally fail to see where AJ comes out ahead with the switch, unless the lease costs are significantly lower to offset the higher operating costs, fewer passengers and cost of retraining their flight crews. I don't know how AJ expects to come out ahead.

Hi
Dr. your impression is exactly the same as mine. I don't think AJ has made any money in God knows how many years.
Mick

Dr. Director, I read the article quickly and may have missed the lease part. That makes sense since they have been in the red, however, I agree that I don't see how it will generate more income for AJ.

Yep...they plan to lease 737's which are indeed smaller and less comfortable. I also just flew AJ, out of JFK. I missed the connection last year and it wasn't pretty ( I ended up putting the trip off for a week). Right now the plane that leaves JFK is the same one that goes to Bonaire after the stop in Jamaica so that is good. If you miss your connection in Jamaica you will need 2 days to get to Bonaire.

We had 4 on time flights this year so I wish every luck like we had.

ILFC leases all over the world & I'm sure AJ is a customer. Shame AJ doesn't appear to have a clear and defined path to their future. I'll still give them my first class ticket business despite the 5" we'll loose in cabin floor width if and when that change happens. If they'd run their fleet like Southwest they'd make money hand over fist as SW has made profit for decades.

We've entertained chartering a flight from VA to Bon but need more folks to make it economical.

Yorkie's Mom: What are your thoughts for the charter. Several of the dive shops from Northern Virginia run trips a few times a year, plus many of us go independently, so charters could be attractive.

Separately, I have been asking United to consider a once-a-week flight to BON from Dulles like they run to Aruba, but so far no traction.

FYI, the alliance between Delta and AJ is scheduled to end May 1, 2007. After that, no more use of Delta FF miles for trips on AJ. We just tried to book a trip on AJ using Delta miles and no available FF seats for any of our projected dates in March 2007. The gal at the Delta Partner Travel Rewards desk was really persistent in her tries with the AJ computer system when we called.

"Good day Mr. Robert West,

Thank you for choosing the services of Air Jamaica.

Effective May 1, 2007 Air Jamaica (JM) and Delta Airlines (DL) will no longer have a reciprocal codeshare agreement, whereby a marketing airline (e.g. DL) may sell seats on a flight operated by Air Jamaica, yet the tickets are issued as Delta. This is the agreement which has been progressively modified since October 2006 and to be fully revoked by May1, 2007.

However our Frequent Flyer partnership agreement, through which one may earn and redeem frequent flyer miles is still in effect at this time. This Frequent Flyer partnership is still displayed on both websites as noted in your email below.

Please feel free to contact Delta SkyMiles directly for further details on redeeming award ticket on Air Jamaica. Normal tickets involving connections on both carriers may be booked by contact the Reservations Departments directly using the appropriate number listed below

We look forward to having you onboard with us.

Best regards

Alecia Campbell ( Mrs.)
air Jamaica Reservations "

(Message edited by rj_west on February 5, 2007)