Posted by Caribbean Hotel Association on October 05, 2001 at 10:50:37:
SPECIAL INDUSTRY UPDATE FROM THE CHA
USA
Air marshals
Most, if not all, U.S. commercial flights would have armed federal
marshals on board.
Airport security screening
No full federal takeover of security checkpoints, but federal
standards, training and testing for security workers. New federal
duties would include supervising passenger and baggage security,
performing background checks and training screeners and other
security personnel. Other duties would include purchase and control
of all equipment and oversight of security patrols.
Cockpit security
Stronger, more secure cockpit doors would be installed. Pilots would
not be allowed to carry handguns. The FAA already has ordered
immediate cockpit security improvements, and the administration's
proposal envisions additional short-term steps, such as security
bars and other access barriers, during the phase-in period for the
fortified doors.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday began allowing curbside baggage checkin
at some airports. Airlines including UA, CO and US are able to check bags at curbside
provided they meet stricter security guidelines, but the situation differs by airport.
UK
British Airways will transfer service from Gatwick to Heathrow for its routes to Nassau,
Grand Cayman, and Turks and Caicos. Service to the United States will be reduced
significantly, with the reduction of one daily service London Heathrow-New York JFK and the
suspension of the daily London Gatwick-New York JFK service, among other route changes.
Caribbean
Air Jamaica flights are now operating as scheduled to all destinations in the Caribbean,
North America and Europe. The airline has advised that due to increased security
internationally, all flights require passengers to check-in three hours prior to departure.
The Government of Jamaica announced a relief package for Air Jamaica, as the carrier
tries to grapple with the fall-out from the terrorist attacks on the United States.
Princess and Norwegian Re-deploy Cruises to Caribbean for 2002 as a result of the
Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The re-deployments were made to "accommodate the anticipated
reduction in demand from North American passengers for cruises in the Indian Ocean,
Middle East and Africa region," according to a company statement. The changes are also
aimed at "[taking] advantage of our strength in the local Californian market." Meanwhile,
Renaissance Cruises has ceased all operations, citing “the severe, unexpected drop in
leisure travel following the terrorist attacks on the United States”- an indication of how fast a
sudden downturn can push companies.