Caribbean Airlines to cut staff and fleet

After posting a significant loss over the first quarter of 2021, Caribbean Airlines has announced it intends to cut its staff with 25%, close down unprofitable routes and reduce its fleet. It's currently unclear how many aircraft are set to be phased-out but it's expected to be at least one or two ATR72s and four B737-800s.

Currently, the airline has a seventeen aircraft strong fleet consisting of seven ATR72s and ten B737-800s. Last year, the airline already returned two of its B737-800s. At the same time Caribbean Airlines is preparing for the arrival of its first B737MAX8s, of which at least two are expected to arrive this year. In total it has secured lease-deals for twelve B737-8s. It's unclear, however, if these deals will be impacted by the intended fleet reduction plans.

Photo by Anton Homma.