Harmonisation of aviation legislation, combined with the refusal to work together, is one of the main problems in Caribbean aviation. A reason for this lack of co-operation is national pride, as mentioned in your article "Trouble in paradise" (Flight International, 8-14 April).
Most island governments would rather not see other Caribbean national carriers penetrate into their own (domestic) markets. The "I am the boss" mentality will not permit it.
This may not be a good thing, but it can be explained. The Caribbean islands are small compared to mainland countries. Their markets are small and most islands don't have a healthy economy. This explains why the governments are over-protective of their own markets.
Competition only makes it harder to increase the domestic income of the islands. Most Caribbean airlines are government owned. In some cases such government-owned airlines are seen as a social workplace rather than a competitive business-oriented company.
In some Caribbean regions there are too many small airlines. An example is the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles, all trying to start separate airlines. Privatisation and/or forming one larger airline might help to make these smaller airlines emulate Dutch Caribbean Airlines of Cura‡ao, formed after the bankruptcy of Air ALM, and now making a small profit.
Roger Cannegieter Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Source: Flight International