Tourists and Jamaicans living in the diaspora will have more options when traveling to the island, with the introduction of non-stop flights from Miami to Ocho Rios by American Airlines.
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett made the announcement recently, saying the flights will be twice weekly to the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, starting November this year.
American Airlines says it is “excited to officially announce new service to Ocho Rios – Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ)! We plan to operate two times weekly from Miami using an Envoy E-175 aircraft.”
Minister Bartlett welcomed the announcement, saying it is a game-changer for the local tourism industry.
“This is a game-changer for Jamaica’s tourism but especially for the Ocho Rios area which has been looking forward to such a development for quite some time. It also justifies the vision that we had in expanding the airport,” he said.
Minister Bartlett explained that the American Airlines announcement comes in the wake of a recent meeting between executives of the US carrier and several public and private sector officials in Montego Bay. Among the participants were Minister Bartlett, Minister of Transport and Mining, Audley Shaw; Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Delano Seiveright, Senior Communications Strategist, Ministry of Tourism; Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), Adam Stewart and SRI executive, Gary Sadler.
An Opportunity for Growth
The Miami-Ocho Rios flights, slated for Wednesdays and Saturdays, will accommodate between 76 and 88 passengers in business and economy class.
“This non-stop service between the USA and our third international airport is a very valuable addition. One that will help to meet the aviation needs of Jamaica. It will no doubt encourage other airlines with that size aircraft to fly into that airport and take up the route,” said Mr. Bartlett.
“Having a viable third airport will also help to boost tourist arrivals and will also, facilitate travel and the development of the northwestern belt of St Mary and Portland. In addition to connecting members of the Jamaican Diaspora to home,” he said.
Strong Relationship with Jamaica
American Airlines has had a long-standing relationship with Jamaica. With regularly scheduled non-stop flights out of several US gateways, including Miami, Philadelphia, New York, Dallas, Charlotte, Chicago, and Boston, to Kingston and Montego Bay.
Minister Bartlett stated that: “In terms of fleet size, flights, passenger loads and revenue, American Airlines is the largest mover of people in and out of Jamaica and the new flights are coming at an ideal time when Jamaica is fast recovering lost ground in visitor arrivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
