| Date: Mon 21-Nov-1994 Paper Page: 2A Paper Page: Daily Nation Author: Terry Ally LIAT'S FLEET of British Aerospace Avro 748s aircraft has been grounded as part of the airline's restructuring. The airline's Barbados Manager, Keith Scott, told the DAILY NATION the four-aircraft fleet was officially grounded on November 1 and replaced with two Dash 8s. He said that since November 1 the Barbados-based crews who operated Avros were undergoing ground training here. This is to be followed by a second phase of training in Antigua where the 28 crew members will be relocated. The replacement of the four Avros by two Dash 8s means there will be a reduction in the total number of aircraft seats as well as baggage and cargo capacity. But Scott said that the level of service would not be compromised. "The Avros never operated at 100 per cent," he explained. "Not every day were (they) leaving full." Scott further explained that the airline was doing advanced checks and during peak periods the number of flights would be increased. As a result of the change the total seating capacity of the airline will be reduced by 102 and cargo capacity by 7 218 kgs. |