Wednesday, January 28, 2004

World Airways discontinues charter service to Nigeria

Peachtree City’s World Airways is no longer providing charter service to Lagos, Nigeria.

In May, the company entered into an agreement with Ritetime Aviation to began non-stop flights between Atlanta, and Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa. The flight was the only non-stop service between Atlanta and Africa.

Earlier this year, World Airways released a letter to ticketholders outlining possible remedies.

“Much to our regret, charter flight services between the United States and Lagos, Nigeria, provided through Ritetime Aviation and Travel Service, Inc. (Ritetime) have been discontinued.

Not only did the contract for services expire on December 31, 2003, but Ritetime also has not made its payments to World Airways.

Out of consideration for those passengers who are traveling to and from the United States, we want to give you a clear and straightforward explanation of the recent events surrounding the Ritetime Aviation flight program operated by World Airways and the reason for the discontinuation of service.

Ritetime contracted World Airways to commence air services to Lagos, Nigeria, from New York (JFK), Atlanta, Georgia, and Houston, Texas, in May 2003. The services have been operated under a charter program established by Ritetime Aviation. RITETIME AVIATION IS THE CONTRACTOR AND SOLE MARKETING AGENT FOR THESE AIR SERVICES. CONSEQUENTLY, WORLD AIRWAYS HAS NO CONTROL OVER RITETIME’S TICKET SALES OR RESERVATIONS.

As required by U.S. law, Ritetime Aviation and Travel Service, Inc. filed its passenger flight program between the United States and Lagos with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). The filing of such a program with the DOT carries strict requirements, including that Ritetime Aviation and Travel Services be responsible for passenger payments as well as flight payments to World Airways.

Unfortunately, Ritetime Aviation and Travel Service, Inc. has failed to adhere to the DOT-mandated schedule for payments to World Airways for the Ritetime flights. Given the lack of timely payments and the non-compliance with DOT regulations, World Airways had no alternative but to discontinue the Ritetime air services.

For more than 55 years, World Airways has operated as a U.S. certificated air carrier with the singular focus to provide safe and efficient air transportation service.

Although the disruption of passenger travel schedules was unavoidable, we wish to convey our genuine apologies for any inconvenience.

We had hoped to resolve the payment issues with Ritetime, and we did everything possible within our means to help Ritetime avoid an interruption of air services. However, we cannot continue to provide services without being paid for the flights we have already flown.

It is important for you to know that World Airways operated a cargo flight from JFK to Lagos on Christmas Eve, in order to transport excess baggage that could not be accommodated on earlier Ritetime flights due to sheer volume. World Airways management made the decision to operate this cargo flight to ensure that those Ritetime passengers carrying holiday gifts to their families, friends and relatives in Nigeria would not be disappointed.

More than 1,200 pieces of excess checked luggage were transported on this single flight, and it should be noted that World Airways did not receive any of the excess baggage charges collected by Ritetime Aviation for transport of this baggage.

Hopefully, you will understand that there is a limit as to what can reasonably be expected from any charter airline under these circumstances.

Regrettably, World Airways cannot assist you with your existing reservations, ticketing, or other administrative issues. Please address all of these enquiries directly to Ritetime Aviation and Travel Services.

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