Above: Brian Lara

By Alexander Britell

PORT OF SPAIN — Hall of Fame cricketer Brian Lara has joined Caribbean Airlines as global brand ambassador, the Trinidad-based airline announced this week.

Lara, a native of Trinidad’s Santa Cruz, is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He joined the ICC Hall of Fame last year.

“CAL is the best carrier in the region, and provides a world-class experience,” Lara said in a release. He also said he was “excited to officially endorse the brand.”

Trinidad Tourism Minister Stephen Cadiz said at the beginning of the Sustainable Tourism Conference this weekend that Lara’s global popularity could help the region — and particularly Trinidad — market itself, particularly to destinations like India that are passionate about cricket.

Accordingly, the carrier announced this week that it would be deepening its relationship with Air India.

CAL CEO Robert Corbie recently returned from high-level talks with Air India officials and the Ministry of Transport.

Deepak Brara, board member and commercial director at Air India, said both carriers should coordinate to have technical teems meet to complete a Special Prorate Agreement and a code-share agreement.

“India has had a historic relationship for many, many years,” Cadiz said. “Of course, you have fairly well-heeled people traveling all over the world from India. So these are the links we have which we are capitalizing on.”