Barbados tourism officials hopeful as JetBlue begins daily flights

Barbados is now one of 17 international locations served by JetBlue, and one of the more than 50 destinations throughout the airline’s Americas network. (Photo: gothamist.com)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, October 2, 2009 – American low-cost carrier JetBlue has spread its wings into Barbados, touching down for the first time at the island’s Grantley Adams International Airport yesterday, with an all-Barbadian crew on board.

And local officials are hoping the nonstop daily service between New York's John F Kennedy International Airport and Bridgetown will translate into a boost in tourist arrivals from the United States.

"We know that the US market has been a little sluggish for us even in the best of times and, therefore, the insertion of another major player and a very progressive player can only help us,” said Tourism Minister Richard Sealy in welcoming the carrier.

"I think it can work wonders in terms of what the US market has to offer... We will do what is necessary to make sure the plane stays in the air," he added. “JetBlue has an excellent reputation and we are happy to be partnering with them in what we anticipate will be a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship.”

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), David Rice, said that agency was very excited about the opportunity to work with the airline.

“The vibe that we have been getting from our working relationship with JetBlue is a tremendous vibe of cooperation, mutual respect and support," he said, adding that the BTA was keen "to make sure that this is a long term venture and that it continues to work and flourishes."

"We are encouraged and very pleased...we are confident that it will be a very successful venture.”

Chief Communications Officer with JetBlue, Robin Hayes, said the inaugural flight on the 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft was completely sold out and 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.

“The beautiful and popular island of Barbados today joins JetBlue’s growing selection of Latin American and Caribbean destinations on our route map, providing more choices, low fares and a higher value travel experience for our customers,” he said. 

Barbados is now one of 17 international locations served by JetBlue, and one of the more than 50 destinations throughout the airline’s Americas network.

In addition to its new Barbados flights, JetBlue will also begin new services to St Lucia on October 26th and Kingston, Jamaica on October 30th.