CARIBBEAN Airlines Limited (CAL) is poised to announce the achievement of two significant milestones for 2014:- the immediate removal of fuel surcharges on all routes between North America and the Caribbean and within the Caribbean, and the provision of signature cocktails featuring El Dorado rums and Nestle Orchard fruit juices.

George Reeleder, Caribbean Airlines’ Vice President of Commercial and Customer Service, said: “This is great news for Caribbean Airlines’ customers.
He said that with the reduction in jet fuel prices, “we have removed the surcharges, as they were only ever planned to be of temporary nature.”

Reeleder explained that the fuel surcharge was introduced to cover additional costs when the price of fuel was over US$100 per barrel. “We never wanted this surcharge to be a permanent feature of our fares,” he noted, as he explained that when the company’s largest expense – fuel – would have been reduced, it would ‘only be fair’ if the customers benefit from this reduction.

“As we approach the Christmas travel season, there could not be a better time to remove this surcharge,” Reeleder said.

In a press statement, the company has expressed elation on the recent developments, adding that passengers flying on Caribbean Airlines would now be able to enjoy signature cocktails featuring El Dorado rums and Nestle Orchard fruit juices as part of a programme of showcasing partnerships with premium Caribbean brands.

Demerara County, Guyana, has been steeped in the history of sugar and rum production since the 17th century. Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) operates the last remaining distillery in Guyana; it is located at Plantation Diamond, East Bank Demerara. DDL has consolidated all the old original stills, marques and traditional skills which make Demerara Rum so distinctive. With its nine different stills, no other rum distillery in the world offers such a variety and range of over twenty different styles of rum.

Starting on December 1, Caribbean Airlines will serve three specially curated cocktails complimentary to all passengers. Stephanie Holt, International Brand Ambassador for El Dorado Rums, designed the three cocktails – “Caribbean Spice”, “Caribbean Vibe” and “Golden Paradise” — incorporating the Nestle Orchard exotic flavours.

Alicia Cabrera, Senior Marketing Manager of Caribbean Airlines Limited, said: “The company is thrilled to be working with the award-winning brand El Dorado to showcase the attributes of what it means to be Caribbean. Elaborating, she said: “Brands like El Dorado serve to create a total lifestyle experience for our guests, and introduces the warmth of the Caribbean throughout the entire flight.”

Brand partnerships have already been rolled out with some of the Caribbean’s best chefs, who have designed signature menus for the airlines’ Business Class. “In the coming months passengers can expect even more of these alliances that celebrate the best of the Caribbean,” Cabrera said.

(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)