JetBlue sets October 1st, 2009 as date to begin scheduled services to Barbados
The American value airline JetBlue has set October 1st, 2009 as the date when it will begin scheduled services to Barbados.
JetBlue will fly daily, non-stop from New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport. Tickets will go on sale in June.
Barbados sought out JetBlue after financially-troubled Air Jamaica announced it would stop flying the important New York-Barbados route in April.
The government-owned Air Jamaica, which is said to be losing money at a rate of over US$150 million a year, stopped its scheduled New York-Barbados services April 23, (2009) and is currently looking for a buyer.
Barbados will become the 12th international destination on JetBlue’s growing route map. The carrier currently serves more than 50 points throughout the Americas.
Barbados, which depends heavily on tourism, is anxious to avoid a loss of airlift from the crucial American market, especially ahead of the 2009-2010 winter tourist seas.
The Barbados Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, is optimistic that the island will wind up with a better deal out of the US market, given the broad network serviced by JetBlue.
Sealy said that JetBlue’s extensive network of vacation packages, along with the airline’s reputation should be “a very good relationship for Barbados.”
Said Minister Sealy: “The carrier has an excellent reputation in the industry and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership. The additional service fits in perfectly with Government’s strategy of increasing our levels of business out the US market.”
JetBlue will operate its ticketless Barbados service with 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. The plane offers travelers all of the amenities for which JetBlue has become known, especially in the USA: free seat back television programming, including first-run movies, comfortable leather seats, more legroom in coach and unlimited free snacks.
Scott Laurence, JetBlue’s Vice President of network planning says: “We look forward to welcoming New Yorkers and Barbadians alike to JetBlue, with low fares and the promise of a great travel experience.”
Additional Information:
May 10th, 2009
