Caribbean Airlines

Caribbean Airlines was established on September 27, 2006 by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago as the successor to BWIA West Indies Airways — once the pride of Caribbean aviation — following the collapse of union negotiations that made BWIA's continued operation unviable. BWIA, which had been operating for over 70 years as one of the Caribbean's pioneering carriers, was formally closed with Caribbean Airlines taking over its assets, routes, and many of its staff. The new carrier launched on January 1, 2007 with an inaugural fleet of five Boeing 737-800 aircraft serving 10 destinations — a modest beginning that nonetheless represented a lifeline for Caribbean connectivity. A pivotal moment in Caribbean Airlines' development came in May 2010 when the airline acquired Air Jamaica — the Jamaican flag carrier that had struggled financially for years — bringing its route network, fleet, and Kingston hub into the Caribbean Airlines family and instantly making it the largest airline in the Caribbean.

The airline pioneered simplified one-way fare pricing inclusive of all taxes and fees, giving Caribbean travelers greater flexibility and transparency compared to legacy pricing models. From 2011, Caribbean Airlines added ATR 72-600 regional turboprops to its fleet, enabling service to smaller island airports that jet aircraft cannot access. In 2018, the airline introduced Caribbean Plus premium economy on mainline routes. The comprehensive corporate rebrand of 2020 modernized the airline's identity while retaining its Caribbean cultural symbols.

From 2021 through 2023, Caribbean Airlines took delivery of twelve Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft — the most modern narrowbody in production — completely replacing its older 737-800 fleet and significantly improving fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and in-flight entertainment through the new Caribbean View streaming service.