Until last year, BWIA had exclusive status as the sole designated national carrier of Trinidad and Tobago.
That changed in November, when its local rival, privately owned Air Caribbean, was recognised by the country's government as the second national carrier. "The government has adopted an 'open skies' strategy and the designation gives us access to all the bilaterals," says Air Caribbean executive chairman Leslie Lucky-Samaroo.
Formed in 1993 as a small regional carrier, Air Caribbean launched operations in July of that year with two 60-seat NAMC YS-11 twin turboprops acquired from Japan Air System. The airline initially operated the domestic air bridge between Trinidad and Tobago, which had been abandoned by BWIA, but has gradually expanded operations to encompass Antigua, Barbados, Georgetown (Guyana), Grenada, Jamaica and St Lucia.
The YS-11 fleet has grown steadily, and stands at six aircraft (including a freighter). The first jet, a Boeing 737-200Adv, joined the fleet in March, and three are operated as Air Caribbean prepares to expand services to Venezuela and North America.
"We will take our fourth 737-200 in September, by which time I hope we will have launched our Miami and Caracas services," says Lucky-Samaroo. A fifth 737 will arrive in November, allowing the airline to phase out its YS-11s by the end of the year, he adds.
With expansion funded by financial institutions and shareholders, Air Caribbean is in final negotiations to lease three Boeing 767-200ERs for new long haul destinations. "The first aircraft will be delivered in the fourth quarter, followed by two more in 2000. We will use the 767s to launch services to New York, Toronto and London Gatwick," says Lucky-Samaroo. Meanwhile, Orlando could become the airline's second Florida destination during July-September next year.
BWIA is clearly concerned about the growing threat, having made an objection to the US Department of Transport to block its neighbour's application to operate to Miami. BWIA has also staked its claim for a slice of the domestic market, in which Air Caribbean had held a monopoly since it launched services in 1993. Mutual agreement was reached for Air Caribbean to release 20% of the capacity on the Port of Spain-Tobago services to BWIA.
Source: Flight International
