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AIR JAMAICA ACQUISITION GROUP OBJECTS TO GRANTING OF WAIVER UNDER THE OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT BETWEEN JAMAICA AND THE UNITED STATES

KINGSTON, JAMAICA…February 26, 2010: The Air Jamaica Staff Acquisition Group (AJSAG), has been reliably informed that the Government of Jamaica, in pursuit of the privatization of Air Jamaica to Caribbean Airlines, has recently filed a request with the United States (US) authorities seeking a waiver of certain requirements under the Open Skies Agreement between Jamaica and the United States, which stipulates that airlines designated by either party under the Open Skies Agreement must be substantially owned and operated by nationals of the requesting party.

The AJSAG understands that the granting of the waiver of the nationality requirement is a pre-condition for the successful conclusion of the negotiations.
Based on the information received, AJSAG understands further, that the government is considering the designation of Caribbean Airlines as the exclusive national carrier of Jamaica. AJSAG objects to any such grant of exclusivity or waiver of the nationality requirements as this would exclude the possibility of any Jamaican entity operating service under the U.S/Jamaica Bilateral Air Transport Agreement.
The Group takes this opportunity to serve notice on the Government of Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines that it intends to take legal action to protect Jamaica’s national interest under the Open Skies Agreement, as well as the interest of all employees.

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