ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA 21 October 2005 It was a momentous, five-star celebration for Caribbean Star Airlines on 18 October 2005 when the Antigua-based regional carrier celebrated its Fifth Anniversary.
In noting the airline's outstanding achievement, Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun Airlines President and CEO William E. Skip Barnette said management and staff are to be applauded for this remarkable accomplishment at a time when the worldwide airline industry is in upheaval.
The airline industry currently is very challenging: it is highly competitive, has heavy operational costs and is subject to diverse external factors which can affect sustainability, said Barnette. For an airline like Caribbean Star to have achieved growth and stability in such an environment is more than noteworthy, he stated.
The newly appointed CEO further pointed out: In establishing Caribbean Star, R. Allen Stanford made more than a wise investment. He introduced a whole new altitude. He took the initiative to provide a reliable, quality service and demonstrated his commitment to the people of the Caribbean, the people who are the airline's main passengers and the primary stakeholders who stand to benefit from increased tourism and the ability to transact inter-island commerce.
To mark Caribbean Star's Fifth Anniversary, the airline scheduled a week of celebrations, as well as a series of commemorative activities throughout the Caribbean and, of course, in the skies.
As the celebrations unfolded, the first item on the anniversary agenda was an uplifting ecumenical service on 17 October, held at St. John's Cathedral in Antigua for the airline's immediate staff, staff from Stanford Group Antigua, the business community, the media and other specially invited guests.
A glittering Diamond Pinning cocktail reception was held at The Sticky Wicket Restaurant & Bar's lush gardens on the night of 18 October where the prestigious Stanford diamond eagle shields were presented to loyal employees who have achieved five years of service and contributed to the airline's overall success.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the airline distributed Fifth Anniversary gifts to all passengers traveling on 18 October and special birthday cakes were served in flight throughout the day.
Regional travel agents, members of the tourism industry and the media were treated to luncheons hosted by Caribbean Star at all destinations to acknowledge their support.
One of the week's celebratory highlights was Caribbean Star's Hi 5 Radio Promotion that launched on selected radio stations throughout the islands. The five-minute segment invited the public to call in at 5.00 p.m. for five days 17-21 October. Callers who correctly identified the catch phrase and named five Star destinations won free airline tickets and Caribbean Star Airlines gift bags.
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.
