Stabroek News
May 17, 2001

GA 2000 staff faced upset customers at the Main Street, Georgetown office yesterday, following the suspension of operations by the company over the weekend.

According to GA 2000 communications consultant, Kit Nascimento, the company was continuing to take care of its passengers as promised, and a comprehensive statement regarding the future of the airline was likely to be issued today.

However, many customers at the Main Street office were dissatisfied with the service they had received, complaining that they were not greeted with an apology on arrival and many were left unsure of their flight arrangements.

Canadian and erstwhile volunteer worker at the Drop-In Centre for Street Children on Main Street, Gina McCausland, expressed her disappointment. "If there was some routine in the line to be served, that would be something," she said. "But they have shown no apology for the inconvenience. That's what really annoys people, there is no common courtesy."

She explained that she had received guarantees three times from staff, confirming she would be placed on a BWIA flight today, in line with her previous booking. However, the flight could not be confirmed until yesterday afternoon.

Several customers had been dealt with satisfactorily. One such customer told Stabroek News that a group of friends had travelled as scheduled yesterday.

"Yes, they returned safely and on time," he said. "If I had contacted them earlier, I could have gone today [Wednesday]. I have been given the option of flying with BWIA on Friday and I am satisfied with that."

However, the general feeling yesterday at GA 2000 was one of dissatisfaction. Several passengers complained that they risked losing their jobs abroad because of the delay.

"I booked my flight last Friday and was assured I would be flying," one remarked. "They shouldn't be booking in passengers when they know they can't fly. I feel like I've been robbed!"

"It's nonsense," remarked Leonora resident, Joseph Rampadarath. "What if the other airlines are full? GA 2000 is stuck with my money in their pockets. They won't refund."

Tension grew in the crowded waiting area on the top floor of the Main Street office throughout the morning as a small number of staff did their best to accommodate the customers.

The confusion has resulted from several months of uncertainty at GA 2000 over the aircraft lease arrangement with Ansett Worldwide. GA 2000 was forced to reduce its schedule last week and suspended operations over the weekend following a delay in concluding a new deal with a potential investor.

Nascimento confirmed last week that the arrangement with Ansett would be unreconcilable without a new investor.