Computer glitch delays GA 2000 flights
A malfunctioning computer which had delayed Guyana Airways 2000 flights since Tuesday has been fixed and one is expected to depart at 1000 hrs today for Toronto. Irate passengers crowded the GA 2000 office, Main Street yesterday complaining that they had been inconvenienced as a result of the delay. Some passengers from Corentyne, Berbice declared that it was difficult for them to keep checking for a new departure time and date and they were worried that when the rescheduled time was announced they might not make it back in time to get on the flight. Some passengers also complained that their jobs might be in jeopardy because of the prolonged delay. A press statement from GA 2000 yesterday said engineers from Nordstress arrived in the country on Wednesday to effect repairs and the flight was rescheduled to depart at 1900 hrs on Wednesday. However, the statement said, the repairs were more complex than anticipated and the rescheduled departure was cancelled. Additional parts arrived in the country yesterday afternoon and the aircraft was fixed. GA 2000 spokesperson Kit Nascimento said yesterday afternoon that the aircraft had been repaired and was scheduled to depart at 1000 hrs today. According to reports, passengers had already boarded the aircraft on Tuesday and the flight was about to leave when the final check of the main computer readings revealed that all was not well. The GA 2000 statement said passengers deplaned at 1015 hrs and were provided with a meal and arrangements made for them to return home. A source told Stabroek News that even if the aircraft was fixed there would be a backlog of passengers to and from New York and Toronto. GA 2000 officials, according to the source, have spoken with BWIA and other companies to secure an emergency charter to transport the additional passengers. The company said arrangements were made for a number of its passengers who were scheduled to depart New York at 0930 hrs on Wednesday, to fly with BWIA, while the remaining passengers are on standby. GA 2000 said it was making every possible effort to effect alternative arrangements for passengers who were scheduled to depart from Toronto yesterday afternoon at 1630 hrs. The statement said passengers were being kept informed. GA 2000 management apologised for the inconveniences caused to its passengers by the unexpected delays. The airline which is experiencing financial turbulence has seen a few delays over recent months.
|