Caribbean Airlines prepares for reopening of borders

Garvin Medera

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Caribbean Airlines (CAL), says measures are being put in place for the reopening of borders in Trinidad and Tobago, which have been closed since March 22.

The airline, based in the twin island republic, revealed that it has already has social distancing protocols in place for domestic flights that will continue when borders reopen to international flights.

In a statement on Tuesday, the airline said social distancing on flights “will be practised at check-in, on board and other areas once international service resumes”.

The statement said CAL’s cabins are currently being cleaned with chemicals that “meet the requirements of the World Health Organization, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Centre for Disease Control,” as being effective against the COVID-19 virus.

“We assure you that Caribbean Airlines’ aircrafts are sanitised above international standards,” said CEO of the airline Garvin Medera.

He also said the Boeing 737 jet fleet is “equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that capture 99.97 percent of particles”.

He added that high-contact surfaces such as tray tables, seatbelts and armrests are cleaned before every flight and at every station. Passenger loads will also be limited and crews will “operate in full compliance with the instructions of the Public Health and other authorities in the jurisdictions in which the airline operates”.

Another statement issued by the airline said its Barbados ticket office will reopen on Wednesday.

The statement however said that city and airport ticket offices at all other Caribbean Airlines destinations in the United States Canada, the Caribbean and South America will remain closed until further notice