Caribbean Airlines CEO Garvin Medera said the arrangement is "an exciting step forward in connecting our Caribbean home with the world and offering our passengers unprecedented access to Europe." Marc Rochet, President of Air Caraibes, stated: “Partnering with Caribbean Airlines allows us to extend our reach into the vibrant southern Caribbean markets. This agreement not only expands our network but also fosters stronger ties between French and English-speaking communities, driving tourism and economic growth for all involved.”
The codeshare is reciprocal; both airlines can sell seats on each other’s flights under their respective codes. Connections will be facilitated through Fort-de-France in Guadeloupe and Pointe-à-Pitre in Martinique. Travelers can now book one ticket that combines regional segments operated by Caribbean Airlines with transatlantic legs by Air Caraïbes or vice versa.
Caribbean Airlines flights that will carry Air Caraïbes’ code include several ATR 72-operated routes such as Fort-de-France–Bridgetown, Fort-de-France–Port of Spain, Pointe-a-Pitre–Bridgetown, Pointe-a-Pitre–St Lucia, Port of Spain–Bridgetown (also served by 737 MAX 8), and Port of Spain–St Lucia (also served by 737 MAX 8).
Air Caraïbes flights that will carry Caribbean Airlines’ code include Fort-de-France–Paris Orly (A350-1000), Pointe-a-Pitre–Fort-de-France (ATR 72), Pointe-a-Pitre–Paris Orly (A350-1000), and Pointe-a-Pitre–St Martin (ATR 72).
The partnership is part of both airlines' strategic plans to expand market reach while avoiding significant investments in new routes or additional aircraft. For Caribbean Airlines, this means entry into Europe—a key market for tourism and diaspora travel—without operating its own long-haul fleet. In recent years, the airline has increased its presence in Martinique and Guadeloupe.
For Air Caraïbes, collaborating with Caribbean Airlines opens up southern English-speaking Caribbean destinations previously underserved by its network. By leveraging these routes, Air Caraïbes can bring more passengers onto its transatlantic services to Paris.
Caribbean Airlines has grown rapidly since its founding in Trinidad and Tobago in 2006; it acquired Air Jamaica in 2011 and now serves as the national carrier for Guyana and Jamaica as well. It began operations with five Boeing 737-800s serving ten destinations but now flies to cities including New York JFK from Georgetown, Kingston, Port of Spain, Saint Vincent, Tobago; Fort Lauderdale from Kingston, Montego Bay, Port of Spain; Miami from Port of Spain; Orlando from Port of Spain.
Today the airline operates a fleet comprising ten ATR 72 turboprops for regional routes alongside nine Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets for longer services—plus a single Boeing 737-800—with three more MAX 8s pending delivery. This mix supports both high-frequency short hops within the region as well as medium-haul international links.