Caribbean Sun Airlines has officially unveiled plans to re-launch service by the end of the year, using Boeing 737 narrowbodies.

The privately-held airline, headquartered in Miramar, Florida, previously operated Bombardier Dash 8 turboprops from a San Juan, Puerto Rico hub; it ended service in January of this year.

In a statement today Caribbean Sun confirms it will reinstate service by year-end, pending regulatory approvals from the US DOT and FAA.

It also says it is “significantly upgrading its fleet and service capabilities” and that recruitment efforts toward hiring new pilots will begin in the coming weeks.

Caribbean Sun is also introducing a new brand identity. Developed by design firm Aerobrand, the carrier’s new design centers on the stylized image of a pineapple when viewed from overhead.

“A universal symbol of hospitality espousing Caribbean Sun’s commitment to superior customer service, the pineapple illustrated from the overhead perspective also embodies the image of the sun, providing a fresh spin on the airline’s original corporate identity,” says Caribbean Sun.

Details concerning Caribbean Sun’s corporate leadership, new route structure and other operational issues will be disclosed following receipt of all government regulatory approvals.

In early August, ATI, flightglobal.com's sister premium online news service, exclusively reported that Caribbean Sun is looking to offer service by late 2007 with 737s.

Caribbean Sun is the US sister of Antigua-based Caribbean Star Airlines, which is poised to be acquired by Antigua’s Liat under the latest restructuring of the two carriers’ proposed tie-up.


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Source: FlightGlobal.com