About Caribbean Airlines
A Quick Overview of Caribbean Airlines
Caribbean Airlines Limited is the state-owned flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago, with a secondary hub in Jamaica, serving as the largest airline in the Caribbean. Headquartered at Iere House in Piarco, Trinidad, the airline operates from its primary hub at Piarco International Airport (POS) and a secondary hub at Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, Jamaica. Founded on September 27, 2006, and commencing operations on January 1, 2007, Caribbean Airlines succeeded BWIA West Indies Airways to provide essential air connectivity across the Caribbean, North America, and South America. Employing over 1,600 people, the airline operates more than 600 weekly flights to over 20 destinations, embodying its slogan, “The Warmth of the Islands,” through a focus on Caribbean hospitality, customer service, and cultural vibrancy.
History
Caribbean Airlines was established in 2006 following the closure of its predecessor, BWIA West Indies Airways, due to failed union-management negotiations. Approved by the Trinidad and Tobago government in September 2006, the airline was incorporated to maintain regional connectivity after BWIA’s shutdown was announced on September 8, 2006. Operations began on January 1, 2007, with a scaled-down network and a fleet of six Boeing 737-800s, retrofitted with winglets, and one Airbus A340-313, initially serving routes to Miami, Toronto, New York, Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, and London Heathrow (until May 2007). The transition included capital to settle BWIA’s operations and retain most of its staff.
Key milestones include:
- 2007: Acquired Tobago Express, its domestic arm, for $24 million, operating five Bombardier Dash 8 Q300s for the Trinidad-Tobago airbridge. Philip Saunders became CEO in October, succeeding Peter Davies.
- 2008: Expanded with a seventh Boeing 737-800 and launched daily service to Caracas, Venezuela, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, increasing frequencies to meet demand. Transavia Airlines provided a wet-leased Boeing 737-800 for peak periods.
- 2009: Added 10 weekly flights to Caracas using Dash 8s and appointed Ian Brunton as CEO after Saunders’ resignation. Established a codeshare with British Airways for London routes.
- 2010–2011: Acquired Air Jamaica, integrating its operations and adding Kingston as a hub, expanding routes to Nassau and Montego Bay.
- 2018: Ordered 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to replace older 737-800s, with deliveries starting in 2023.
- 2020–2021: Suspended operations briefly due to COVID-19, operating “Sealed Flights” for repatriation. Resumed services with enhanced health protocols, earning APEX Health Safety Platinum certification.
- 2023: Reported a $24 million operating profit, introduced new uniforms, and announced routes to Puerto Rico (SJU), Martinique (FDF), and the British Virgin Islands (EIS).
- 2024: Launched flights to Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Puerto Rico, and resumed Fort Lauderdale service. Plans for French Caribbean connectivity were announced.
Operations
Caribbean Airlines operates over 600 weekly flights to 22 destinations across the Caribbean, North America, and South America, with a focus on leisure and business travel. Its network includes:
Domestic Destinations (Trinidad and Tobago):
- Port of Spain (POS) to Tobago (TAB) with 616 monthly flights, known as the “airbridge.”
International Destinations:
- Caribbean: Antigua (ANU), Barbados (BGI), Grenada (GND), Jamaica (KIN, MBJ), Nassau (NAS), St. Lucia (SLU), St. Maarten (SXM), Puerto Rico (SJU), Martinique (FDF), Guadeloupe (PTP), British Virgin Islands (EIS).
- North America: Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), New York (JFK), Toronto (YYZ), Orlando (MCO).
- South America: Georgetown (GEO), Paramaribo (PBM), Caracas (CCS).
- Central America: San José, Costa Rica (SJO, planned).
Services:
- Scheduled Flights: High-frequency routes include POS–TAB (616 monthly), POS–GEO (52 monthly), and daily services to MIA, FLL, JFK, and YYZ.
- Charter Services: Supports events like the Tobago Jazz Festival and Cricket World Cup, with special charters to St. Kitts, Bermuda, and Grenada.
- Cargo: Transports perishables and goods, with strict packaging rules (e.g., no dry ice).
- Interline Agreements: Partners with American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, Air India, British Airways, Copa Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, Korean Air, and KLM for global connectivity.
- Hubs: Piarco International Airport (POS) and Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).
