Caribbean Airlines was incorporated in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on 27 September 2006, beginning flight operations on 01 January 2007 with 128 weekly departures to 10 markets operating five Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Caribbean Airlines initiated simplified one-way fares inclusive of taxes and fees that provided flexible fare combinations and extended stay options. The new fare program also featured a permanent discounted fare, senior citizen discounts and no change fees for students. We launched a Web check-in feature allowing passengers to check in for flights and print boarding passes from the comfort of their homes, offices or anywhere with an internet connection.
Setting the pace for its future, Caribbean Airlines operated 93.9% of its flights on time during its begin operational phase through February 2007, surpassing the aviation industry on-time performance standard of 85% and the airline’s January 2007 average of 92%. Caribbean Airlines also exceeded industry standards with an impressive lost baggage rate of 0.7 for January (less than one bag lost per thousand passengers) and 1 bag per thousand for February 2007.
Caribbean Airlines’ codeshare with British Airways took effect with a codeshare flight between Port of Spain, Trinidad and London Gatwick International Airport in March 2007. The codeshare allowed Caribbean Airlines to continue to sell London connections to our passengers. To meet increased travel demand for major regional events during March and April (including Cricket World Cup and Tobago Jazz Festival), Caribbean Airlines added a Boeing 737-800 aircraft and 100 extra flights to its schedule. The enhanced schedule included special charters to St. Kitts, Bermuda and Grenada, and exemplified Caribbean Airlines’ commitment to its customers.
To unite the staff around the new Caribbean Airlines brand and customer service standards, the airline launched Caribbean Airlines Brand Camp. Employees appointed as Brand Ambassadors carried messages of superior service elements that make Caribbean Airlines unique and admired.