The BWIA West Indies Airways was once known as one of the largest airlines in Trinidad and Tobago, serving out of the islands. Connecting the islands with US, UK and Canada, it served more than 14 destinations. Known as "B-Wee" by the locals, the West Indies Airlines ceased to exist from 1st January 2007. While the airlines works from the Piarco International Airport at Port of Spain, there are other sub-centers for the airlines too, namely, Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Grantley Adams International Airport. Though the Airlines worked for many years, it came to an abrupt ending in 2006. The airlines began in 1940 founded by Lowell Yerex, under the name of British West Indian Airways (BWIA). It was in 1980 that the BWIA became an international airlines. This is the time when it merged with Trinidad and Tobago Air Services.
| In the year 2000, the airlines revamped its look to have a more colorful trademark in shades of blue and green. By the year 2003, the airlines had reached its zenith, with 600 flights within the Carribean region and 60 flight to international destinations per week. West Indies Airways carried as many as 1.4 million passengers each year, earning a revenue of US $276. The airlines had 70 flights each week, including both passenger flights and cargo flights. There were as many as 2350 people working in the airlines. The success was combined with good airlines hospitality and entertainment.
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The in flight magazine, known as Carribean Beat, was well known among the regular passengers of the airlines. The different international destinations of West Indies Airways were Toronto Pearson International, Antigua, Barbados, Georgetown, Kingston International Airport, St Lucia, St. Maarten, Paramaribo, London, Heathrow, Manchester Airport and New York JFK, Miami International Airport. It also provided connecting flights to destinations such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, among others.
The West Indies Airways was owned almost 75 per cent by the Government, while the rest was owned by private shareholders. The airlines over the years continued to face losses in business. At the same time, there was much mismanagement in funds, as funds were regularly drained by the Government. It was on September 8 2006 that the company announced the shutting of the airlines. Today, the services of the airlines has been taken over by Carribean Airlines, which became the national carrier of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
Know more about traveling in Trinidad and Tobago at Trinidad and Tobago.
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