ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA 10 October 2005 Regional air carriers Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun have announced new management appointments as the airlines spread their wings into further stages of development.
William "Skip" Barnette, President and Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun Airlines, has appointed Frankie Francois as General Manager and Chief of Operations for Caribbean Star, and Edward Gilkes will assume the newly created position of Director Government, Civic, Travel and Tourism Affairs for both Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun. These appointments are effective 15 October 2005.
Both senior managers have been with the two airlines for a number of years. Frankie Francois is presently General Manager, Engineering and Maintenance, at Caribbean Star and will now have overall responsibility for all aspects of the daily operations and activities of Caribbean Star.
Edward Gilkes is presently the Chief Operating Officer of Caribbean Star but has assumed the responsibility to work closely with Mr. Barnette to ensure that Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun are appropriately and strategically placed within the regional community in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, Gilkes will be responsible for all of the airlines activities in relation to World Cup 2007.
In congratulating his new appointees, Barnette noted that Francois and Gilkes are well qualified to assume their expanded roles, having worked with Caribbean Star for the past five years.
"With the invaluable experience, commitment, continued efforts and support of all our team members, I am confident we will be successful in our efforts to build the Caribbean's most respected and admired airlines, he added.
Acknowledging his promotion as General Manager and Chief of Operations for Caribbean Star, Frankie Francois stated: "I am very excited about this appointment and the opportunities it offers me to make a significant contribution towards the growth and success of Caribbean Star Airlines. Safety is paramount and uppermost in my mind." Francois added that he will continue to promote the wonderful values that exemplify the Stanford Group of Companies " values of excellent service, hard work and customer satisfaction.
Supporting Francois comments, new Director Edward Gilkes said: "In a relatively short time, Caribbean Star Airlines was able to stamp its identity in the Caribbean through combined team effort. As we advance into an enhanced corporate image and develop closer ties within the regional community, we will demonstrate that this airline and Caribbean Sun Airlines are the preferred choices for all travelers in the Caribbean."
About Caribbean Star Airlines Limited Privately held Caribbean Star Airlines Limited was incorporated in Antigua in January 2000. Its sister airline Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, launched its maiden flight in January 2003. Currently, together the airlines serve 17 Caribbean destinations, with the 15 November launch of the St. Eustatius route being the 18th, and transport over 80,000 passengers a month throughout the region. More information about Caribbean Sun Airlines and Caribbean Star Airlines is available at their respective websites, www.flycsa.com and www.flycaribbeanstar.com.
Caribbean Star Airlines Limited and Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc. are affiliated but separate companies. The air service provided by each carrier is operated independently of the other, and the rules applicable to travel on each airline may be different.
