TCA Handling

VII BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 popular, and by offering rooms, apartments, and houses through private owners, tourists can enjoy a more affordable and comfortable experience. “This has been an important (trend) because it really alleviates the stress on our local hospitality industry,” Roberts says. “Having these options offered by (residents) really works to our advantage.” This is welcome information because 2020-2021 in particular were “very difficult years for Turks and Caicos” when travel was virtually non-existent, Roberts says. Not only was tourism limited at best, which reduced revenue opportunities and eliminated jobs for many residents, but supply chain issues and inflation made the cost of living even more difficult for the island, and TCA Handling’s employees. “I don’t even want to tell you what we pay for gas here,” Roberts says with a laugh, although prices are no joking matter. An online review of Caribbean news outlets suggests a gallon of gas costs between $6 to $7.50 per gallon based on historical prices in 2022-23. That means the company needs to become even more creative in managing its costs and is looking to electric and “green” solutions for its equipment, so it does not need to rely on gas-powered machines for handling baggage and transporting employees for services. These “green solutions” that use alternative sources of fuel will be important to help TCA Handling remain competitive in the years to come. TCA Handling is the longest-serving ground handling company in the Turks and Caicos Islands and operates in accordance with the regulations of the country’s Standard ground handling agreement. The company owns and operates equipment to adequately service narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Ground services include clearance of aircraft documents in accordance with government regulations, load control and communications, passenger service, and ramp and baggage handling. TCA Handling provides aircraft towing and pushback services, cleans and clears aircraft at the end of a flight. Roberts JUDELIA GARDINER - GENERAL MANAGER ALBRAY BUTTERFIELD JR - CEO