After launching service to Puerto Rico in mid-July, Caribbean Airlines continues its expansion within the Caribbean, this time to Tortola (EIS) in the British Virgin Islands.
Starting October 14, 2024, Caribbean Airlines will pick up the slack left by the now defunct LIAT 1974, operating island-hopping flights with its ATR 72-600 aircraft. These flights will add non-stop service to Tortola from San Juan (SJU), Barbados (BGI) and Antigua (ANU), and will continue onto Port of Spain (POS) in Trinidad as follows:
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What is most interesting is that the Tortola-San Juan segment has a fair share of competition, with four carriers operating the route. Air Sunshine and Cape Air both operate the route with Cessna variants, while Silver Airways and InterCaribbean Airways use larger aircraft. Silver uses an ATR 42-600 while InterCaribbean uses an Embraer EMB 120.
The Tortola-Antigua segment is also serviced by two other carriers, Winair and InterCaribbean. However with Caribbean Airlines’ entry, Barbados will now see non-stop service to Tortola.
Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, said: “Regional connectivity is at the heart of Caribbean Airlines’ mission. Our new service to Tortola is a significant step in our growth strategy, and we are committed to providing seamless travel experiences for our passengers. By the end of this year, Caribbean Airlines will link the Spanish, French, Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean with each other, as well as the North American Diaspora, and business and leisure travelers who wish to explore our vibrant region.”
The soon to be added service now means that those traveling between Trinidad and Puerto Rico will have daily direct flights between the two islands. Unfortunately four of the seven days include two stops along the way. Might be good if you like sight seeing from the air.
Service to Guadeloupe and Martinique still being finalized Caribbean Airlines also plans to fly to Guadeloupe and Martinique, but have not set official launch dates yet as they are still working with the French West Indies authorities to finalize loose ends.
In a statement, they said: “Caribbean Air lines continues to work with stakeholders to connect the French West Indies to the wider Caribbean region.
“There are many factors that impact the start of a new route. Once the launch dates to the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe are confirmed, the airline will issue an official statement with all of the details.”
