Caribbean Airlines
Caribbean Airlines is the state-owned flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, linking the Caribbean with North and South American destinations.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Caribbean Airlines Limited is a state-owned Caribbean airline headquartered at Iere House near Piarco International Airport in Trinidad. It serves as the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago and, following its assumption of selected Air Jamaica operations, also became Jamaica's national airline presence. The carrier's network is centered on the Caribbean, with additional services to the United States, Canada and parts of South America. Its principal hub is Piarco International Airport, while Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has served as an important Jamaican base. The airline was incorporated on 27 September 2006 after the Trinidad and Tobago government concluded that BWIA West Indies Airways could not continue under its existing labor and operating arrangements. Caribbean Airlines began flying on 1 January 2007, taking over the remaining operations of BWIA. Its initial fleet consisted mainly of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, supplemented by an Airbus A340 used for a short-lived London service. The start-up preserved a substantial portion of BWIA's workforce and retained the country's international flag-carrier role under a new corporate structure. During its early years, Caribbean Airlines expanded across the southern Caribbean, North America and northern South America. It introduced services to Caracas and Fort Lauderdale, maintained important links to Miami, New York and Toronto, and used regional turboprops for shorter routes. In 2007 it also acquired Tobago Express, its domestic and regional affiliate, with the intention of modernizing the operation and connecting Tobago more effectively to the wider network. The airline used leases and temporary wet-lease arrangements at different points to manage seasonal demand and fleet availability. A major turning point came with the restructuring of Air Jamaica. In 2010 and 2011, Caribbean Airlines took over selected Air Jamaica routes, aircraft and employees, and established a stronger base in Kingston. The final shareholding agreement gave the Jamaican government a 16 percent interest in Caribbean Airlines. The transaction made Caribbean Airlines one of the largest carriers in the region, although it also increased the complexity of its network, fleet and financial obligations. The airline later streamlined its operation. It returned Boeing 767 aircraft to its lessor and ended its London Gatwick service in 2016, concentrating on routes with stronger regional or North American relevance. Persistent reliability problems with its ATR 72-600 fleet also prompted management to examine replacement turboprops. Caribbean Airlines subsequently pursued fleet modernization through an order for Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and additional ATR aircraft. The MAX deliveries began in late 2021 after the type returned to service globally, and the airline progressively retired its Boeing 737-800 fleet by 2023. Caribbean Airlines has developed a service identity built around Caribbean hospitality, with the slogan “The Warmth of the Islands.” Its visual identity uses a hummingbird and a blue, green and purple color palette. A rebranding launched in 2020 introduced a refreshed logo, livery and cabin presentation. The carrier has also offered differentiated onboard products such as Caribbean Plus, an extra-legroom economy option, Caribbean Café buy-on-board service, and Caribbean View streaming entertainment. Following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline restored or introduced several routes, including services involving Dominica, Fort Lauderdale and Caracas. It also announced a wider Eastern Caribbean expansion involving destinations such as Tortola, San Juan, Basseterre, Martinique and Guadeloupe. Caribbean Airlines remains a strategically important state-owned carrier whose role extends beyond commercial aviation: it supports regional connectivity, tourism, trade and the international presence of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. The airline has employed more than…
History
Caribbean Airlines was incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago on 27 September 2006 after the government approved a successor to BWIA West Indies Airways. BWIA was being wound down following unsuccessful negotiations between management and unions. In preparation for the transition, BWIA reduced its route network, fleet and workforce. Many former BWIA employees continued working for the new carrier under revised arrangements. Caribbean Airlines began operations on 1 January 2007 from Piarco International Airport. It inherited a core network and initially operated six Boeing 737-800 aircraft together with an Airbus A340 for the London Heathrow route. The Airbus was withdrawn from service on the European route within the first few months, and the airline thereafter focused increasingly on the Caribbean, North America and northern South America. Peter Davies, who had helped develop the new airline while serving at BWIA, became its first chief executive and later remained as an adviser. In October 2007, Philip Saunders became chief executive. The airline expanded its regional role by acquiring Tobago Express and investing in its domestic and short-haul capabilities. New services to Caracas and Fort Lauderdale were added in 2008, while existing links to Miami, New York and Toronto were maintained or increased. Temporary leased aircraft, including a wet-leased Boeing 737-800, were used to meet peak-period demand and support the schedule during fleet transitions. The most consequential strategic development was the assumption of Air Jamaica operations. Caribbean Airlines and the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica negotiated a transition under which Caribbean Airlines would continue selected Air Jamaica routes, retain approximately 900 employees and establish a Jamaican base at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. A final agreement was signed in April 2010 and the transaction was completed on 27 May 2011. Jamaica received a 16 percent interest in Caribbean Airlines, while Trinidad and Tobago provided financing for the transaction and Jamaica assumed substantial costs associated with Air Jamaica's closure. The Air Jamaica transition expanded Caribbean Airlines' regional footprint but also left the company managing a more complicated operating platform. The carrier subsequently pursued a fleet plan centered on Boeing 737-800 aircraft for longer routes and ATR 72-600 turboprops for regional flying. By 2016, management was considering replacement turboprops because of recurring reliability and aircraft-grounding problems. The company also returned two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft to their lessor and ended its London Gatwick service, a step intended to reduce exposure to routes that were not profitable. Caribbean Airlines introduced service innovations in 2018, including Caribbean Plus, an upgraded economy product with additional seat space, and Caribbean Café, a buy-on-board offering featuring local snacks, drinks and amenities. The airline reported its first profit in 2019. In 2020 it began a broad visual rebrand. The new identity retained the hummingbird associated with the airline but used brighter colors and more fluid graphic elements. Aircraft, uniforms and other customer-facing materials were progressively updated. Fleet modernization accelerated when the airline's Boeing 737 MAX 8 order began producing deliveries in late 2021, following the aircraft's return to commercial service after its worldwide grounding and regulatory review. The new aircraft received the refreshed livery and updated cabins. Caribbean View, the carrier's stream-to-personal-device entertainment platform, was enhanced, including touchscreens for business-class passengers. The Boeing 737 MAX fleet ultimately replaced the carrier's Boeing 737-800s by 2023, while ATR aircraft continued to support shorter regional routes. After the COVID-19 period, Caribbean Airlines restored services to several markets and pursued additional Eastern Caribbean connectivity. Caracas service resumed on a limited basis, and flights involving Dominica and Fort Lauderdale returned. Proposed or announced expansion included Tortola, San Juan, Basseterre, Martinique and Guadeloupe, alongside plans to acquire more aircraft. The carrier began nonstop Port of Spain–San Juan service in July 2024 and announced further services using both nonstop and multi-stop patterns. The airline's current identity combines state ownership, national-flag-carrier responsibilities and a commercially focused regional network. Its brand promise, “The Warmth of the Islands,” emphasizes Caribbean hospitality, while the hummingbird represents movement and regional connection. Caribbean Airlines continues to operate primarily from Trinidad and Jamaica, serving as an important transport link for tourism, business and diaspora travel across the Caribbean and the Americas.
- 2024
San Juan route launches
[1]Caribbean Airlines began nonstop service between Port of Spain and San Juan in July.
- 2021
Boeing 737 MAX 8 deliveries begin
[1]The airline began receiving the first of its ordered Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
- 2020
Visual rebrand begins
[1]A refreshed hummingbird logo and new aircraft livery began entering service.
- 2018
Caribbean Plus and Caribbean Café launch
[1]The airline introduced an extra-legroom economy product and a buy-on-board service.
- 2016
European service is discontinued
[1]The carrier ended its London Gatwick route and returned two Boeing 767 aircraft as part of a streamlining program.
- 2011
Air Jamaica transition is completed
[1]Caribbean Airlines completed the transaction on 27 May and obtained a major Jamaican operating presence.
- 2007
Commercial operations begin
[1]Caribbean Airlines began scheduled flying on 1 January from Piarco International Airport.
- 2007
Tobago Express is acquired
[1]The airline took over its domestic affiliate to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago connectivity and develop regional services.
- 2006
Caribbean Airlines is incorporated
[1]The airline was incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago on 27 September as the intended successor to BWIA West Indies Airways.
Products and positioning
A state-backed Caribbean flag carrier positioned around regional connectivity, reliable links to North and South America, and a hospitality-led brand promise expressed through “The Warmth of the Islands.”
Air transport · 2007
Scheduled passenger network
Caribbean Airlines' core offering is scheduled passenger service linking Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and other Caribbean markets with destinations in the United States, Canada and South America. The network combines hub-based international flying with shorter inter-island services and has been adjusted repeatedly in response to demand, fleet availability and public-service connectivity needs.
Economy seating · 2018
Caribbean Plus
Caribbean Plus is an upgraded economy seating product introduced in 2018. It provides more seat space and legroom than standard economy while retaining the carrier's broader economy-service format. The product is intended for passengers seeking additional comfort without purchasing a premium cabin.
Onboard retail · 2018
Caribbean Café
Caribbean Café is the airline's buy-on-board service, introduced alongside Caribbean Plus. It offers passengers locally associated snacks, drinks and selected travel amenities for purchase during flights.
Inflight entertainment
Caribbean View
Caribbean View is an onboard entertainment platform designed to stream content to passengers' personal devices. Its implementation was enhanced on newer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with personal touchscreens available to business-class passengers.
Aircraft fleet · 2021
Boeing 737 MAX 8
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is Caribbean Airlines' modern narrow-body aircraft for medium-haul regional and international services. Deliveries began in late 2021 under an order originally associated with the airline's fleet-renewal strategy. The aircraft received the refreshed livery and a modernized cabin and progressively replaced the Boeing 737-800 fleet.
Aircraft fleet
ATR 72-600
The ATR 72-600 supports shorter regional and inter-island routes. Caribbean Airlines adopted the type as a replacement for earlier Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 aircraft, although recurring reliability concerns later led management to consider alternative turboprops. Additional ATR aircraft have been associated with the carrier's Eastern Caribbean expansion plans.
Controversies
2013
JFK tarmac-delay enforcement action
The U.S. Department of Transportation imposed a fine after passengers on a flight delayed at New York's JFK Airport for more than four hours were not given the required opportunity to leave the aircraft.
2011
Baggage reimbursement enforcement action
The U.S. Department of Transportation fined Caribbean Airlines after finding that its limits for reimbursing passengers for lost, damaged or delayed baggage were below the amounts required under the Montreal Convention.
Marketing campaigns
- 2020Caribbean Airlines rebrand
Trinidad and Tobago · Jamaica · Caribbean · North America · South America
The airline introduced a refreshed logo, aircraft livery and customer-facing visual system. The design retained the hummingbird but used brighter colors and fluid lines intended to evoke Caribbean culture, movement and regional connection.
Outcome. The new livery was rolled out progressively across the fleet, with the ATR fleet reported as fully repainted by 2024.
Brand decisions
2023
Expand post-pandemic Eastern Caribbean connectivityStrategyBackground
The airline sought to rebuild demand after the COVID-19 disruption and strengthen its role as a regional connector.
Action taken
It restarted or introduced services involving Dominica, Fort Lauderdale and Caracas and announced proposed expansion toward Tortola, San Juan, Basseterre and other Eastern Caribbean destinations.
Aftermath
Nonstop Port of Spain–San Juan service began in 2024, while additional routes and aircraft acquisitions remained part of the expansion program.
2018
Launch differentiated economy and onboard retail productsProduct launchBackground
The airline sought to create additional service tiers and ancillary revenue opportunities within its passenger offering.
Action taken
It introduced Caribbean Plus extra-legroom seating and Caribbean Café buy-on-board service.
Aftermath
The products gave passengers a choice between standard economy, additional space and paid onboard amenities.
2018
Order Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraftGeneration changeBackground
Caribbean Airlines needed to replace aging Boeing 737-800 aircraft and modernize its narrow-body fleet.
Action taken
The airline placed an order for Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which was later affected by the worldwide grounding of the type.
Aftermath
Deliveries began in late 2021 after the aircraft returned to service, and the 737-800 fleet was progressively phased out by 2023.
2016
Streamline the network and fleetStrategyBackground
The airline faced route profitability pressure and recurring reliability problems involving its ATR turboprops.
Action taken
It ended London Gatwick service, returned two Boeing 767 aircraft to the lessor and examined replacement turboprops.
Aftermath
The carrier concentrated more heavily on Caribbean and American markets and continued evaluating a more reliable regional fleet.
2010
Proceed with Air Jamaica transitionM&ABackground
Air Jamaica was being divested and wound down as an independent carrier. Caribbean Airlines sought to preserve selected routes, employees and regional connectivity while creating a Jamaican operating base.
Action taken
Caribbean Airlines signed a final agreement with Air Jamaica and assumed selected routes, aircraft and approximately 900 employees, with the transaction completed in 2011.
Aftermath
The move expanded the airline's network and resulted in the Jamaican government receiving a 16 percent stake in Caribbean Airlines.
Recent events
Caribbean Airlines rolls out its REset Expectations campaign[2]
Reported:
Caribbean Airlines rolled out its 2022 REset Expectations marketing campaign. The airline said the campaign would underpin its activities and reinforce its service and brand authenticity.
- Unconfirmed
Caribbean Airlines plans Barbados–New York service[3]
Caribbean Airlines said it would launch service between Barbados and JFK, New York, from April 1, 2021, subject to regulatory approvals.
Caribbean Airlines announces Bridgetown–Dominica service[4]
Reported:
Caribbean Airlines announced that it planned to launch twice-weekly flights between Bridgetown, Barbados, and Marigot’s Douglas-Charles Airport in Dominica on September 19, subject to approval by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Caribbean Airlines Cargo launches loyalty-program miles[5]
Reported:
Caribbean Airlines announced the launch of its Cargo loyalty-program offering, allowing enrolled customers to earn miles when shipping with Caribbean Airlines Cargo.
Sources5 sources
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