CARIBBEAN Airlines (CAL) says safety remains “the foundation and number one priority of its operations” and, as such, rejects any suggestion that safety is being compromised.

The State-owned airline issued this statement yesterday, seeking to reassure the traveling public following what it described as “entirely reckless” assertions by the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) regarding the emergency landing of flight BW 1541 on Monday.

“Caribbean Airlines operates in strict compliance with local and international aviation safety regulations and is subject to rigorous oversight from multiple independent local and international regulatory bodies,” the release stated.

Caribbean Airlines released what they called “key facts” about the incident:

• Adherence to International Standards: Caribbean Airlines complies fully with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), both of which are globally recognised for ensuring the highest levels of airline safety and operational excellence.

• Independent Audits and Regulatory Compliance: The airline has consistently passed all required audits, and importantly, it is an approved FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) repair station in accordance with the specified FAA capability listing, meaning that its maintenance and engineering department has been certified by the FAA as having the technical expertise to perform repairs, inspections, and alterations on aircraft and aircraft components, meeting strict international aviation standards.

• Ongoing Investigations: In line with the industry’s best practices and regulatory requirements, following the emergency landing on January 27, Caribbean Airlines has fully activated its operational response protocols, including:

—Immediately removing all relevant personnel from active duty pending the outcome of investigations.

—Cooperating fully with the authorities to conduct comprehensive internal and external investigations.

“The airline considers TTALPA’s assertions to be entirely reckless, and in no way in the best interest of the airline, its stakeholders, and the valued customers it serves,” it stated.

“Caribbean Airlines assures that it remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of aviation safety, as demonstrated by its strong safety record and ongoing commitment to regulatory excellence,” Caribbean Airlines stated.

On Tuesday the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) industrial relations representative Timothy Bailey said the association was “deeply concerned” about the incident.

Bailey said:

“TTALPA is deeply concerned by the recent incidents, most recent being the night of January 27, 2025, involving flight BW1541, and would advise that over the last decade it has raised multiple safety concerns with CAL over the ATR aircraft.

“Although it would be premature to comment on what caused the incident as an investigation is ongoing, we note that in recent months, similar CAL aircraft have had multiple safety-related near misses.

“TTALPA, its chairman and council is committed to urgently meeting with CAL and all concerned stakeholders to avoid any future reoccurrence of this incident as the safety and comfort of the travelling public, our members and staff is its utmost priority.”

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