P&O Cruises boss hints at changing airline partner following customer feedback
The boss of P&O Cruises has hinted the line will soon announce a new airline partner after customers complained about one of the current carriers operating Caribbean flights for the line.
Last year P&O Cruises agreed a deal with the Maltese air carrier Maleth Aero to fly passengers from Gatwick and Manchester to Barbados and Antigua this winter.
However, Maleth Aero does not offer premium seating or inflight entertainment, which led to some customers raising complaints with travel agents.
Agents have told TTG that passengers have held off booking P&O Cruises’ Caribbean cruises to avoid flying with Maleth Aero.
In a video posted on 20 February, Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises, confirmed that Tui Airways would operate some Caribbean flights going forward – but stopped short of naming a second airline partner.
Ludlow said: “I know that we’ve had some flight issues this season and for anyone who has been impacted by those, we are so sorry.
“We are delighted to be partnering again with Tui next season and we are also confirming our airline partner and will update you as soon as possible.”
A P&O Cruises spokesperson said customers had been informed that Tui remained an airline partner, adding that agents and guests would be told of the other airline “in due course”.
“The majority of P&O Cruises air sourcing for the Winter 24/25 Caribbean season for 14-night turnarounds from Barbados has been completed with Tui,” the spokesperson told TTG.
“We will have confirmation on the details for the remaining flights, including the Antigua departures, in due course.”
TTG has contacted Maleth Aero for a comment.
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