Caribbean Airlines (CA), the replacement carrier for BWIA, was officially launched in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Monday, marking the beginning of the end for BWIA which will fade away at yearend.

"Caribbean Airlines style of service will be professional but not distant, personable, not pushy, genuine, not contrived, very natural and easy," said Peter Davies, chief executive officer of BWIA, quoted in a media release posted on the airline's website.

Financially strong carrier

The release also promised that CA would be a 'financially strong carrier', unlike BWIA which was virtually bankrupt.

"Today is the start of a very exciting phase in aviation in the Caribbean," said Davies.

BWIA West Indies Airways, a 66-year-old airline, has faced turbulence in its operations, frequently requiring government assistance to keep it afloat.

It was last reported this year that Trinidad plans to inject another TT$250 million into the restructured carrier.

The first Caribbean Airlines (www.caribbean-airlines.com) flight takes off on January 1.

"Tickets purchased for travel on BWIA will be honoured on Caribbean Airlines; frequent flyer miles and membership in Club BWEE will be automatically transferred, guaran-teeing contin-uity and confidence for all customers," said the airline. It is now in the process of recruiting "hundreds" of staff.

Caribbean Airlines will continue to fly BWIA routes to United Kingdom, United States, Canada and the Caribbean.