Caribbean Airlines' regional leadership has vaporised; control issues and instability persist

Caribbean Airlines has made moves during the last year that seemed to indicate its desire to create a path to sustainability, including cutting ill-advised long haul flights to London, and the declaration of its intent to achieve a break-even financial performance in 2017.

Top management upheaval continues at the airline, yet Caribbean's strategy of attaining profitability does seem clear-cut. It faces ample competition on its long haul routes to North America from airlines that have much more brand recognition and financial wherewithal.

Caribbean appears stuck in a rut as it continually pledges change but never seems to deliver on its promises. One obvious remedy would be for the government of Trinidad and Tobago to relinquish control of the airline, but that is unlikely to happen, resulting in the Caribbean region continuing to lack a true flag carrier.