Chief Executive Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Caribbean Airlines is the heart of Caribbean aviation. As the national airline of Trinidad and Tobago and the region's largest locally-owned carrier, CAL connects the Caribbean to North America, South America, and the United Kingdom — serving millions of travellers across the diaspora and the business communities that drive this dynamic region forward.

Today, the airline faces the most consequential leadership challenge in its history. Operating costs are up, fuel prices are volatile, and the market is fiercely competitive. The Board of Directors has determined that this moment demands a different kind of CEO — not a caretaker, not an administrator, but a decisive, experienced airline executive who thrives in complex situations, sees clearly through financial pressure, and has the commercial and people leadership skills to turn a strong regional platform into a sustainably profitable airline.

This is one of the most consequential airline leadership roles in the Caribbean. The successful candidate will inherit a business with real assets, a loyal customer base, a dedicated workforce, a route network that spans three continents, and the backing of two CARICOM governments. What it needs is the right leader at the right moment.

WHY THIS ROLE, WHY NOW

Few airline leadership opportunities offer what this one does: the chance to be the person who turns around a beloved Caribbean institution at the most important moment in its history. CAL is not a startup, it is a structurally sound airline with a great brand, a proven network, and a workforce that wants to win — what it needs is leadership worthy of its potential.

The growth in the Southern Caribbean is generating unprecedented interest for air connectivity. CAL is best positioned to be the airline that captures this opportunity for both passenger and freight — with the right CEO leading the charge. New routes, new equity partnerships, new subsidiaries, enhanced technology, and a renewed culture are all within reach. This is not a job for someone who manages decline. This is a job for someone who builds futures.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead and own CAL's financial recovery — delivering break-even performance within (12) months through a combination of cost discipline, revenue optimisation, and commercial innovation.
• Rebuild the senior leadership team from the ground up — recruiting, developing, and aligning the executives who will execute the turnaround alongside you.
• Co-create the airline's three-year strategic plan with the Board — defining the network, commercial, technology, and people strategy that will take CAL from recovery to sustained profitability.
• Prudently expand CAL's strategic footprint in the southern and northern Caribbean and Latin America via direct financially feasible services or codeshare arrangements
• Develop potential new landmark equity partnership for the airlines as well as create subsidiary businesses for new businesses directly related to the airline’s Core service offering (including Handling Services and 3rd Party Maintenance Services).
• Manage relationships with shareholder governments, regulators, unions, and partners with the credibility and confidence of a seasoned aviation executive.
• Represent the Caribbean's airline to the world — with pride, professionalism, and purpose.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Education

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Highly Preferred: Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Desirable: Formal executive development programmes (IATA, INSEAD, Harvard, Wharton, or equivalent); professional qualifications in finance, accounting (e.g., CA, CPA, CFA), or law is advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years' progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years at CEO, COO, CCO, or CFO level of a commercial airline
• Demonstrated experience leading an airline through a financial turnaround or significant restructuring
• Proven and successful track record of building and leading a high-performance senior executive team
• Experience in airline commercial management — revenue management, network planning, pricing, loyalty, and distribution
• Direct experience managing government ownership relationships and state-owned enterprise governance
• Strong working knowledge of Bilateral & Multilateral Air Services Agreements and experience developing airline partnerships, and equity transactions
• Familiarity with Caribbean or Latin American aviation markets
• Experience with IATA standards, ICAO regulations, and regional aviation safety frameworks
• Experience managing unionised workforces in the aviation industry

THE PACKAGE

Caribbean Airlines offers a competitive and transparent compensation package structured to attract exceptional leadership talent while reflecting the public accountability of a state-owned enterprise:

• Competitive Base salary commensurate with experience.
• Housing allowance, executive vehicle, and comprehensive private health insurance for the successful candidate and immediate family.
• Business and First-Class travel privileges on CAL.
• End-of-contract Performance Gratuity payable upon verified achievement of agreed financial recovery and strategic milestones at the end of the three-year contract. No annual bonus — performance is rewarded through outcomes, not promises.
• Relocation support for non-resident appointees.
• This is a three-year fixed-term contract based at Piarco International Airport, Trinidad and Tobago, with significant regional and international travel.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are invited from suitably qualified airline executives worldwide. To apply in confidence, please submit:

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae (maximum 6 pages) detailing your airline leadership experience, key achievements, and relevant qualifications.
• A covering letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing your specific experience with airline financial turnarounds and your leadership approach for a role of this nature.
• The names and contact details of three professional referees (references will not be contacted without prior consent).

Applications should be submitted by May 31, 2026, to: The Vice President of Human Resources, Human Resources Division, Caribbean Airlines Limited. All applications will be treated with strict confidence.

Caribbean Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of nationality, gender, race, religion, or background. Citizens and residents of CARICOM member states are encouraged to apply.

Suitable Applicants will be subject to Pre-employment Medical, including Drug and Alcohol testing and a full Criminal Security and Background Investigation.

Go to www.careers.caribbean-airlines.com and attaching an up-to-date resume and copies of your academic certificates.

Address your application to: “CAL Recruitment: Chief Executive Officer”

Applications not received via the above address will not be acknowledged.

The closing date for receipt of all responses is 31st May 2026 at 11:59 PM