Trinidad and Tobago’s ambitions to become a major Caribbean transport hub received a significant boost on Sunday as interCaribbean Airways launched its new service, linking Trinidad and Barbados.
This comes just a month after Winair inaugurated its route between Trinidad and Tobago and St Maarten.
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Eli Zakour, says the expanded routes will strengthen regional connectivity and believes the new route reflects growing investor confidence in the national economy.
He noted that interCaribbean already links more than 20 destinations throughout the region.
“Just over a month ago we gathered here to welcome another airline to our shores with the launch of a new regional air service to Trinidad and Tobago. Today’s event continues that positive momentum and reflects the growing confidence in our country as a gateway for Caribbean travel and connectivity.”
Founder and Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, Lyndon Gardiner, stressed the importance of the Barbados–Trinidad and Tobago route to the airline.
“Trinidad and Tobago is the largest economy in the English-speaking Caribbean. The largest oil and gas producer in the region. A financial centre with an educated, professional workforce that moves constantly across the Caribbean on business: energy executives, financial services professionals, engineers, lawyers, consultants – these are not leisure travellers with flexible schedules. These are professionals who need frequency and connectivity.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Satyakama Maharaj, highlighted the tourism gains expected from the introduction of these new airlines.
“Increased inter-Caribbean airlift is especially important for Trinidad and Tobago because it strengthens our position as a high-value, experience-rich destination. With easier regional access, more Caribbean travellers can discover the depth of what we offer: our world-class festivals, our unmatched culinary landscape, our thriving creative sector and our expanding portfolio of medical tourism, sports tourism, eco-visits, and food culture experiences.”
interCaribbean Airways began its Trinidad–Barbados service on Sunday and is scheduled to operate four flights weekly.