Caribbean Airlines beginning cargo ops in Curacao

Caribbean Airlines is expanding its cargo network on Friday, commencing operations to and from Curacao International Airport (CUR). Maduro Air Freight Services will be the General Sales and Supervision Agent (GSSA) for the cargo service into and ex-CUR.

In a statement on the new service, Caribbean Airlines Cargo said it will use its twice-weekly scheduled passenger services currently operating between CUR and Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport (POS). For shipments to destinations beyond Trinidad, the carrier will utilize its dedicated freighter, operating five-times-weekly from Miami (MIA), as well as interline partnerships. Caribbean Airlines’ has interline agreements with major international carriers including American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Korean Air, Hainan Airlines and Qantas Airways, among others.

“This new service will improve connectivity and increase opportunities for trade and the movement of cargo between Curacao, the wider Caribbean and the world,” said Garvin Medera, Caribbean Airlines’ CEO, on the launch. “Caribbean Airlines is experienced in shipping a range of commodities including general cargo, perishable goods and live animals.”

A spokesperson for the airline told Air Cargo World that “market research along with information from customers and other stakeholders indicated that there is capacity in the market.” From Curacao, the airline estimates average cargo capacity per flight at 2.5 tonnes.