American Eagle’s exit from San Juan leaves gap in small intra-Caribbean markets

American Eagle appears closer to ending a 41-year era with the planned phase-out of its base in San Juan as part of a network overhaul in the Chapter 11 restructuring of its parent American Airlines. Closing San Juan was becoming more apparent as the fleet supporting its operations in the Caribbean - the ATR 72 - is being phased out at the end of next year. But other carriers could capitalise on American's exit either through backfilling the flights or forging partnerships to feed the islands.

The carrier has sent out a announcement to employees in San Juan explaining the base would be closing during a phase-out period ending in March 2013, CAPA has learned.

The cuts are only being applied to American Eagle's operations in San Juan, not American's mainline operations.