Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter

The leasing company that seized an aeroplane belonging to Air Jamaica's fleet has returned it after reaching an agreement for the repayment of debt owed by the island's national carrier.

International Lease Financing Corporation (ILFC) had seized the plane at Miami International Airport about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, leaving passengers stranded. This after the lessor which leases half of Air Jamaica's 16-plane fleet reportedly became concerned about the carrier's ability to repay debt amid talks of downsizing and a failure to return one jet due several weeks ago. That aeroplane is still undergoing safety testing.

Mike Conway, president and chief executive officer at Air Jamaica, declined to reveal how much was owed but told The Gleaner that it was less than the US$7 million mentioned in previous reports but that it still ran into millions of US dollars.

Referring to the move as a "shot across the bows" Mr. Conway said the lessor had taken similar action against other indebted airlines in the past.

Up to last night, ILFC had not answered questions emailed by this newspaper.

"It has irked the lessor a little bit and they weren't very happy to read statements about the company's downsizing due to the number of planes they have with us. Things came to a head and they wanted a definitive answer and we have worked things out," said Mr. Conway.

Unlikely to recur

Apologising to passengers, he said such an event would be unlikely to recur. Some passengers flew back with other carriers on Wednesday while the rest flew back with Air Jamaica yesterday.

Horace Peterkin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA), said tourist interests had accepted Air Jamaica's explanation.

"I wouldn't say at the moment that we are worried (about a recurrence)," said Mr. Peterkin. "We would definitely be concerned if there was some fallout but, based on what we heard from the Air Jamaica Chairman, O.K. Melhado, on the radio, I am prepared to accept that this was a hiccup, a knee-jerk reaction and that the issue has been resolved."

Government last week ordered Air Jamaica to focus on downsizing and cutting unprofitable routes after rejecting a new business plan submitted by the carrier.