TOURISM FOCUS
AIRLIFT INTO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA INCREASES WITH ADDITION OF SEABORNE AIRLINES
Plans made by Antigua & Barbuda Tourism officials to welcome more flights from more airlines and tour operators around the world have rapidly taken off. In December, the country welcomed a fourth airline into the destination, just three months after the opening of the new terminal at the V.C. Bird International Airport. Seaborne Airlines launched its non-stop service between its hub in San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and Antigua with a 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft. The inaugural flight departed San Juan at 12:45 pm, and arrived into Antigua at 2:20 pm on December 13, 2015. Seaborne Airline officials, Hector Montanez - Director of Business Development & Marketing, Fernando Vazquez - Director of Airports, and Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Officials, Paula Frederick-Hunte - Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Economic Development & Energy, and Shirlene Nibbs - Tourism Consultant for the Tourism Ministry were onboard the flight. In welcoming the new carrier, Minister of Tourism Asot Michael called Seaborne Airlines, “the largest regional operator in the Caribbean.” “The entrance of Seaborne, provides passengers with one additional option for travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, quicker and more conveniently. As a regional hub, the more modern V.C. Bird International Airport, was extremely appealing and advantageous
BusinessFocus Feb /April
|
92
to Seaborne as the (company) seeks to expand services throughout the wider Caribbean”. Commenting on the inaugurals held to date, the minister said, “Our mandate is to grow airlift and to enhance our existing strategic positioning.” “JetBlue’s launch into Antigua and Barbuda earlier in December, and now the arrival of Seaborne, is especially significant, due to the codeshare agreement signed between the two airlines in October. What this codeshare means to the everyday traveller is that they will be able to travel from JetBlue serviced territories in the United States, to Antigua seamlessly, with one ticket, one check-in and reliable baggage transfer,” he boasted. Seaborne’s partnership with JetBlue Airways, as well as Air Europa, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, means that, the airline can provide connections for passengers from 33 other destinations in the Americas as well as in Europe, into Antigua & Barbuda. “We are excited to introduce Antigua as the 17th airport served by Seaborne Airlines; the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean,” said Seaborne CEO and President Gary Foss. “I am confident that our customers throughout the region will benefit from Seaborne’s unmatched customer service commitment, low fares and connectivity to our airline partners.” •