As summer rolls in, interCaribbean Airways is soaring higher with the acquisition of seven additional ATR-42s, a strategic move that promises to expand the airline’s capacity and enhance the flying experience for travellers within the region. This crucial development strengthens the airline’s ambitious drive to boost regional connectivity, particularly in the eastern Caribbean.
Sourced from TAROM, S.A., a longstanding Romanian flag network airline, the acquisition bolsters interCaribbean’s fleet of ATRs to a total of ten. This signals a transition towards more sizeable, efficient aircraft as part of the airline’s modernisation plan, which includes phasing out its Embraer 120 aircraft by the end of the year.
For Vincentians, this represents an exciting development. interCaribbean has been a vital artery for many of us, offering non-stop daily flights from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Barbados, Grenada, and St Lucia, along with connections to 24 other cities across the Caribbean. The addition of ATR-42s is set to enhance these services, expanding our reach within the Caribbean and tackling issues of flight delays and cancellations.
Lyndon Gardiner, the Chairman and founder of interCaribbean Airways, expressed satisfaction at meeting commitments to the Caribbean governments and their citizens, stating, “These aircraft will allow us to implement our commitments to expand in under-served markets, especially in the eastern Caribbean.”
This latest acquisition follows a successful first quarter for interCaribbean. With a newly established hub in Barbados, the airline reported an 83 percent increase in flight numbers and an exceptional 109 percent growth in seating capacity across its routes. The addition of new aircraft is expected to further fuel this growth trajectory, enabling the airline to meet the rising demand for its services.
interCaribbean’s expansion during the challenging times of a pandemic underscores the resilience and adaptability of this Caribbean-owned business. As the region’s largest privately-owned airline, interCaribbean has responded to the increasing demand for regional travel. This latest expansion is a testament to that commitment.
To put it into perspective, even at its peak, LIAT operated eight ATRs. Today, interCaribbean soars higher, with a fleet of ten ATRs. This significant achievement for the Turks and Caicos-based airline underscores its strength, depth, and potential in regional aviation.
Whether we are based at home or living abroad, we Vincentians will watch with keen interest as interCaribbean takes flight with its new ATR-42s.
The increased capacity and enhanced connectivity are set to positively influence the tourism industry and offer more convenient travel options for locals and our diaspora. Fasten your seatbelts, Vincentians; the sky is the limit with interCaribbean’s bold growth strategy.