Caribbean Airlines achieves operating profit

Caribbean Airlines reported a summary of its unaudited financial results, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, which show the airline has moved into an operating profit and is net income positive for the year-to-date.

The unaudited accounts for the nine months to September 30, 2018 show Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) of positive TT$96 million.

This is comprised of TT$118 million on international and other operations and negative TT$22 million on the domestic air bridge.

The airline’s total net income of TT$48 million is comprised of TT$83 million on international and other operations and a loss of TT$35 million on the air bridge.

Year- to- date total revenues showed a 15 per cent year-on-year improvement of TT$291 million.  Fuel of TT$450.4 million was a major expenditure for the same period, compared to TT$345.5 million in 2017 resulting in a year-on-year increase of TT$104.9 million.

Caribbean Airlines’ improved performance has been achieved despite the aforementioned losses on the air bridge which continue to occur.

Since 2005, the adult fare on the air bridge has been fixed at $150 one way, irrespective of rising fuel costs, for which the airline receives no subsidy. The actual breakeven fare on the air bridge is $300 one-way. Of that sum, the passenger currently pays $150, the Government subsidy to the adult passenger only is $50 (children receive no subsidy from the Government) and Caribbean Airlines absorbs the loss for the remaining $100 or $150 depending on if the passenger is a child but occupying a seat.

“This success is testimony to the commitment of our employees and to the loyalty of our customers, who support us throughout the network,” Garvin Medera, Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Airlines said.

“There is still more to do to build on this foundation, particularly as we enter a traditionally challenging time of year.”