With preparations being made for the Ian Fleming Airport in Boscobel, St. Mary, to welcome commercial flights, the Jamaican government is urging travelers from the United States to make use of the new route.
Last Thursday, American Airlines conducted a test flight to the airport ahead of its scheduled service from Miami starting next month.
“Today’s a historic day, it’s a wonderful day,” said St Mary Western Member of Parliament Robert Montague after the aircraft completed a number of landings and take-offs at the former Boscobel aerodrome.
He also said that the American Airlines team “walked through the facilities, they experienced the immigration and customs, they looked at the baggage handling service, the facilities for the passengers … and we passed with flying colors.”
“I am proud, I am happy. I know the people of Boscobel, the people of St Mary, and by extension, the people of Jamaica are very happy,” added Montague.
He urged travelers to Jamaica, particularly those in the United States, to make use of the airport.
“We want to urge all Jamaicans, here and overseas, who are planning to travel into the Miami, Fort Lauderdale area to fly through Ian Fleming in Boscobel, St Mary,” he said.
Ian Fleming International Airport is located 20 minutes from Ocho Rios.
As of February 24, American Airlines will operate twice weekly with an Embraer 175 aircraft with a capacity for 76 passengers from Miami.
A dream realized
Montague said that there were days when people did not share the dream, which he had strongly advocated and which received greater support from Sandals Resorts International founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart as well as Transport Minister Daryl Vaz and his predecessor Audley Shaw.
“Persons even described the facility as a white elephant,” Montague said of the airport.
“It is now going to be a major economic driver. I am only saddened that Mr Dudley Beek is not here to witness it, he shared the vision. The honorable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, who was the first person who called me, saying he is going to ensure that American Airlines, through American Eagle, lands here at Boscobel, and Mr. Chris Blackwell, who also shared the vision, he’s also very happy.”
The new commercial flights to Ian Fleming Aiport are expected to ease wait times for travelers at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston or Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, as well as provide an economic boost to St. Mary.
