By Desrine McTair. Updated 6:00 a.m., Monday, February 12th, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
InterCaribbean Airways introduced a new flight from Barbados to Jamaica.
On February 6th, 2024, history was made when interCaribbean Airway had its inaugural flight from Barbados to Jamaica. The CRJ700, 70-seater will be flying to and from Barbados and Jamaica three (3) times weekly.
The Airline welcomed aboard airline officials, dignitaries from Barbados and Jamaica, media representatives around the region and influencers to join the inaugural flights.
The Airways celebrated their 32nd anniversary with this commemorative experience.
For travelers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a 45-minute flight to Barbados can allow you to take the next flight within the same day to Jamaica.
At the conference in Kingston Jamaica International Airport, Winston Bayley (Honorary consul of Barbados to Jamaica)- congratulated the team and everyone for coming on the flight. He mentioned that Barbadians and Jamaicans had a special bond because Barbadians would migrate to Jamaica to live.
The Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, Edmund Bartley could not be present at the time however his speech was spoken by an individual at choice. It read, “two nations were connected, not only to bridge geographically but to strengthen the bond. Jamaica and Barbados are known for breath taking landscapes. The new route is forging a pathway for collaboration, understanding and mutual growth. It’s about an experience that will be created along the way, not just a flight. ”
At the conference at The Grantly Adams International Airport in Barbados, Mr. Lyndon Gardiner said ” history was made as the first flight from Barbados to Kingston Jamaica. The connection will provide speed, convenience and comfort between the two islands.
The interim chief executive officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Mr. Craig Hinds said ” we are pleased as interCaribbean Airway showed immense interest to extend their reach. This brings us closer to our Caribbean Neighbours. Barbados will be known as a hub for better connectivity. “
The Minister of foreign trade-Carry Simmons indicated that the partnership with interCaribbean continue to grow, and he sees the island of Barbados becoming a hub. This is the spirit of partnership.
He further speaks about times of staying in Miami airport and having to endure hospitality to travel to Jamaica. He expressed that he would be at the airport at the crack of dawn and would then reach to Jamaica in the evening.
History of interCaribbean Airway
Lyndon Gardinier, the Founder and Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, has a long and accomplished career in the aviation industry. Gardinier’s journey in aviation began in 1987 when he experienced difficulties getting flights to the Dominican Republic from the Turks and Caicos. He learned to fly and obtained his pilot license. He subsequently started an informal but popular air taxi service around the Turks and Cicos and neighboring island.
By 1992 he had obtained the commercial Air Operator’s Certificate for the business he names Interisland Airways. By 2023, Gardinier had acquired more planes and expanded the airline, remaining it Air Turks & Caicos. Ten years later in 2013, with further expansion, he rebranded the business to interCaribbean Airways.
Over the course of 32-year history, interCaribbean Airways has grown to become the largest privately owned airline in the Caribbean. It operates a fleet of 20-plus airplanes to 27 cities in 17 countries across the Caribbean.
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