Pressure from the Trinidad government on BWIA West Indies Airways is believed to have been the impetus for president and chief executive Conrad Aleong's resignation last week.
The government is understood to have held out on supplying another bail-out to BWIA - this time to the tune of $18.5 million - until a management shake-up took place.
BWIA has suffered financial crises for years. In the aftermath of 11 September, Aleong cut costs by rationalising the carrier's fleet, trimming its schedule, reaching concessionary agreements with employees and reducing staff numbers.
Despite these efforts, BWIA has sunk deep into debt, reportedly owing creditors $100 million. Aleong announced his resignation shortly after the Trinidad government stepped in to save two of the carrier's Boeing 737-800s from being permanently repossessed by International Lease Finance.
It is not yet clear who will replace Aleong, or if the government will again take control of the carrier. The new chief executive will be tasked with spearheading a major restructuring at the airline, which is expected to include a plan to merge BWIA and Antigua-based regional Liat under a new holding company by the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
