Barbados Pledges Commitment to JetBlue’s Success
Travel to Barbados from the US has become more competitive following the introduction of a new JetBlue service from New York commencing October 1, 2009.
Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, pledging government’s commitment to the success of the new JetBlue service at the inaugural ceremony on October 1
In an industry troubled by high airfares and growing luggage charges, the new low cost, no-frills service created a positive stir among local industry players ahead of the 2009-2010 winter season.
Speaking during the inaugural ceremony at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy said that Barbados was committed to the success of JetBlue and would do all possible to ensure the sustainability of the service.
The highly anticipated inaugural flight of low-cost, no-frills carrier, JetBlue, arrived on October 1, 2009 and will continue with daily non-stop flights from New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport.
The daily flights will operate using 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. To promote the new service, JetBlue is offering a special fare of US $99 one-way for travel from New York to Bridgetown. This fare is available to purchase until 6 October for travel between 8 October and 16 December 2009.
Barbados also welcomed back US Airways on October 1, which will visit the island four days weekly until the start of the 2009-10 winter season when they will fly daily out of Philadelphia.
Based on programs put in place by the Ministry of Tourism and the Barbados Tourism Authority, this significant increase in airlift capacity to the country is expected to provide the destination with an additional 50 000 seats out of the North American market for 2010.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), David M. Rice, CHA, expressed full confidence in the longevity of the service and pledged his organization’s commitment to making this a reality.
Chief Communications Officer with JetBlue, Robin Hayes, said the inaugural flight was booked solid and that future bookings were looking incredibly strong. To celebrate its entry into Barbados, the airline has offered a special $99 sale fare each way for US originating travel between New York and Barbados.
