CubaPLUS Magazine

interCaribbean Airways has introduced a new Embraer E170, the first of its kind in its fleet. Named the "Spirit of Turks and Caicos," the aircraft prominently features the territory’s coat of arms on its tail.

Registered as VQ-TCI, the aircraft will be based in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands—the birthplace and headquarters of the airline. This home base gives the aircraft unique significance within the fleet, flying as a symbol of the carrier's origins and home.

During the unveiling ceremony—attended by the Honorable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, alongside interCaribbean Airways Chairman Lyndon Gardiner and CEO Trevor Sadler—the aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute. The event brought together government officials, tourism and aviation executives, and distinguished local guests.

"By dedicating the 'Spirit of Turks and Caicos,' we reach the most personal milestone in our fleet," Gardiner noted during his address.

"We have named aircraft in honor of various destinations across our network, but this one carries the flag of the islands where interCaribbean was born and which we still call home. Every time it takes off, it carries the pride of these islands and our promise to connect the Turks and Caicos with the wider Caribbean through its culture, community, and cuisine," he expressed.

This aircraft joins a growing family of regional flag-tailed planes, which includes the Spirit of Grenada, Spirit of St. Kitts and Nevis, Spirit of Guyana, and Spirit of Barbados.

The ceremony celebrated interCaribbean's deep roots in the Turks and Caicos Islands and its pivotal role in connecting the territory to the region. The "Spirit of Turks and Caicos" will operate routes across the airline’s entire network, serving as an airborne ambassador for the destination and its people.

With a network stretching from Georgetown, Guyana, in the south and Barbados to the east, to Havana, Cuba, to the west and Nassau, Bahamas, to the north, interCaribbean currently connects 24 cities across 17 Caribbean countries.

A privately owned and independently operated airline, interCaribbean Airways is headquartered in the Turks and Caicos Islands and registered in the United Kingdom. Its operational fleet includes the Embraer E170, 50-seat Embraer ERJ145 regional jets, 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700s, and a turboprop fleet comprised of 68-seat ATR72s, 48-seat ATR42s, 30-seat EMB120s, and 19-seat Twin Otters.

The Embraer 170 is manufactured by Embraer, the world's third-largest aircraft producer behind Boeing and Airbus. Thanks to its generous cabin width, comfortable seat pitch, aisle width, headroom, and ample legroom, the aircraft offers an exceptionally comfortable experience for passengers.