A new Airbus taking off from Juliana
Air Caraïbes is unveiling its new long-haul aircraft, the Airbus A350-900. The aircraft will be deployed on the route between Paris-Orly and Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten from 15 October 2026.
Faster, more comfortable and more fuel-efficient, the Airbus A350 is establishing itself as Air Caraïbes’ new flagship aircraft. “It is a quieter aircraft with much lower cabin pressure than its predecessor, the A330, which improves the flight experience for passengers,” explains Paul Henri Dubreuil, president of Dubreuil Aero Group. Furthermore, the aircraft is expected to reduce journey time by 20 to 25 minutes on a flight between Paris and Sint Maarten and save 25% on kerosene per leg. These aircraft also offer the potential to increase cargo capacity, from six to nine pallets per aircraft.
Whilst the airline is currently taking a break from its long-haul flight programme, this will resume from October 2026 with “two weekly rotations on Thursdays and Mondays”, explains Paul Henri Dubreuil, before adding, “it is always important to launch a route during an upward phase of the seasonal cycle”.
A service tailored to island constraints
In addition to this long-haul service, Air Caraïbes continues to rely on Grand Case Airport to operate regional routes. Thanks to its fleet of four ATRs, the airline has regained market share previously held by Air Antilles. “We have increased from five to seven daily flights,” emphasises Karen Virapin, Managing Director of Air Caraïbes. A long-term presence in the region and a central role for the airline in ensuring territorial continuity.
