In an exciting development for travel enthusiasts and the Jamaican tourism industry, Canada Jetlines is set to introduce a new twice-weekly flight service connecting Toronto and Montego Bay, St. James, starting November 5.
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, warmly welcomed the announcement, signaling stronger ties between the two nations.
JAPEX announcement & Jetlines’ expansion plans
During a media breakfast meeting at the Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa, as part of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), Sanjay Kopalkar, Jetlines’ director of Sales and Business Development, revealed the launch of this new venture.
Highlighting the features, Kopalkar shared that the flights would operate using state-of-the-art A320 Aircraft, boasting a capacity of 174 passengers.
Initially, the schedule will cover weekends – Saturdays and Sundays.
Kopalkar mentioned potential plans to enhance this to three weekly flights during the winter.
“Depending on the progress and getting new aircraft, which are lined up for the first quarter of 2024, we will look at flying at least five times a week into Jamaica,” he shared.
Furthermore, the service to Kingston is also under consideration.
More on Jamaica’s tourism sector
- Jamaica’s tourism booms with strongest summer in history
- Jamaica’s tourism sector soars with increased air traffic from the U.S.
- Jamaica tourism arrivals for October surpass pre-pandemic levels
- Jamaica’s minister of tourism announces one million visitor arrivals to date for 2023
Partnerships and prospects: Jetlines and Jamaica
Expressing his enthusiasm, Kopalkar conveyed his excitement about the collaboration between Jetlines and the Ministry of Tourism, alongside other public bodies.
“Jetlines Airlines and Jetlines Vacations are committed to service, comfort, and affordability,” he affirmed.
On the other end, Minister Bartlett expressed optimism about the impact of this service on the Jamaican tourism sector.
Given that Canada ranks second, following the USA, in contributing tourists to Jamaica, Bartlett anticipates this new flight service to elevate the number of stopover visitors.
He believes Jamaica will be closer to achieving a monumental milestone of five million visitors and earnings of US$5 billion within the next five years.
“Together we will build bridges, create lasting memories, and continue to foster strong relations between Canada and Jamaica,” Bartlett said.
Jetlines: A value-oriented leisure airline
Emerging as a significant player in the aviation sector, the year-old Canada Jetlines prides itself as a value-oriented leisure airline.
Based out of Toronto Pearson International, their fleet mainly comprises Airbus A320-200 aircraft.
The airline already caters to coveted destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando International, and Cancun, Mexico.
Reflecting on the new venture, Kopalkar expressed Jetlines’ keen interest in bolstering Montego Bay’s tourism through its affordable and convenient flight services.
He emphasized the airline’s commitment to promoting Jamaican wonders to Canadians, aiming to deepen cultural connections and achieve mutual sustainable growth for both nations.
