TAMPA AIRLINES: PROCEED WITH CAUTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 012835

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2014
TAGS: EAIR SNAR CO
SUBJECT: TAMPA AIRLINES: PROCEED WITH CAUTION


Classified By: Ambassador William B. Wood for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).


1. (C) Summary. Post has no objection to Ex-Im Bank's
financing of a Boeing 767-300F cargo aircraft for Tampa
Airlines based on currently available information. Embassy
recommends that Ex-Im proceed with caution, however, based on
results of a recent meeting between DEA and Tampa Airlines
and Tampa's subsequent cooperation. End Summary.


2. (C) Embassy officers have evaluated the progress of Tampa
Airlines as a result of a November 10 meeting between Tampa
Airlines' president, general counsel, U.S. lawyer and
MartinAir Holland's lawyer and DEA and ECON officials.
During that meeting, DEA Bogota outlined major concerns with
Tampa Airlines, specifically Tampa Airline's noncompliance
with Colombian and DEA law enforcement activities. Tampa's
president, Fred Jacobsen, said he was unaware of this
situation but adamantly stated he and Tampa Airlines would
comply with any requirements DEA and the Colombian police
have with Tampa Airlines. Jacobsen acknowledged that Tampa's
executive management control had been disconnected from
Tampa's airport ground control personnel and stated he will
personally monitor ground control operations in the future so
that meaningful improvements will be implemented immediately
to yield positive results in security. DEA responded that
although this new company position was encouraging, future
action would be the final factor in determining meaningful
results.


3. (C) Subsequent to the November 10 meeting, Tampa Airlines
has made marked improvements in cooperating with the
Colombian Anti-Narcotics police as well as with DEA Bogota.
To improve ground control operations, Tampa Airlines has
contracted an outside security firm to analyze its security
operations in Cali in an effort to combat drug smuggling on
Tampa airplanes.


4. (C) It appears that USG scrutiny, especially Ex-Im's
decision to delay financing for Tampa, resulted in Tampa's
new cooperative attitude. Although, at present, Tampa
Airlines is willing to cooperate, Post recommends future
dealings between USG agencies and Tampa Airlines take into
account the continued level of cooperation Tampa Airlines is
providing.
WOOD