Challenges Continue for Phoenix Airways

Phoenix Airways, now in its first month of operations in St Kitts, is encouraging passengers to stand by the airline even as complaints mount about poor service and the airline by its own admission is having difficulties with passenger loads.

On Saturday, close to 20 passengers were unable to board flights at the Robert L Bradshaw International Airport and complained that they could not get any customer service from the airline. In a press release issued Saturday, Phoenix blamed its poor service on inadequate passenger load but did not speak directly to the passenger concerns.

Phoenix said poor passenger loads have led to cancellation over the past two weeks and insufficient passenger load made it difficult to operate the Boeing 737 service. Passengers were advised to book early until the situation was resolved. Phoenix Airways launched its St Kitts service July 16 and promised to serve destinations such as Aruba, Barbados, Antigua, Nevis, St Maarten, Anguilla, Tortola and Santo Domingo.

The airline promised to begin operations to St Thomas, St Croix and Puerto Rico in October this year and to Miami and New York in January. Phoenix Airways says it has a fleet of four aircraft -- a King Air (8-9) seats, a Beech 1900 (19 seats), an Embraer 120ER (30 seats) and a Boeing 737 (141 seats). Phoenix Airways at its launch here promised superior service at cheaper rates with on-time travel, no delays and a reputation as one of the best services in the region.

Source: Caribbean News Now