35 people to lose their jobs at the airport

MONDAY, JULY 18: Come September, 35 people who work for Aircraft Services Bermuda will be out of a job.

Bermuda Aviation Services Limited announced its subsidiary ASB will be closing operations on in the following sections: commercial aircraft ramp operations, passenger and check-in services and aircraft technical services.

It will cease those services at the close of business on August 31.

A statement by BAS said: “ASB is negotiating the sale of its equipment related to these discontinued business segments.

“After carefully considering the local economy, the financial pressure exerted by commercial airlines as they attempt to contain their costs and most significantly the impacts of competition, it was felt that this was the opportune time to exit from these business segments.

“These are business segments that ASB operated on a thin or sub marginal basis as it was a broader corporate objective to keep Bermudians gainfully employed. Whilst we are appreciative of Government’s intent to encourage competition in the aviation handling service sector, BAS has always held the view that Bermuda, as a jurisdiction, is too small for multiple service providers.

“Thirty-five positions will be made redundant as a consequence of these segment closures.”

BAS Chairman, Michael Darling said, “It has been an emotional and difficult decision as these segments of ASB’s operations have been a part of the legacy upon which BAS has grown to the diversified group of companies that it is today. BAS was born in aviation.

“It is always challenging when one has to separate personal attachment to reach a pragmatic business decision and this is no exception. We are very cognizant and appreciative of the contribution of countless men and women who have been a part of ASB over the last 60 years.”

ASB will still continue operate its cargo customer service division providing cargo clearance and handling services, its garage service providing internal and external vehicular maintenance and the Private Jet Base.