Caribbean Aviation Market: “Chasing the Sun”

By Roger Cannegieter

Sandy beaches, blue waters, clear skies, or isn’t it? Just like the rest of the world the Caribbean is experiencing difficult times because of record high oil prices and a softening economy in the United States. The economic slowdown is impacting the ability for airlines to secure yield improvements. Major cuts have been announced by the major United States based airlines and analysts fear more will follow. As the United States is the most important market to many Caribbean islands, the news of cuts in routes and frequencies by major United States airlines are giving worries to the Caribbean region but is it really that bad? This article will take a look at airline announcements, current developments in the Caribbean market and opportunities that might rise. The article will finalize with my conclusion.