Jamaica joyfully received its inaugural non-stop commercial flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) in Boscobel, courtesy of American Airlines on Saturday, February 24th.
Boscobel is 20 minutes away from the tourist town of Ocho Rios.
This new route marks a significant milestone, as American Airlines becomes the sole U.S. carrier offering nonstop service close to the Ocho Rios area, enhancing accessibility to the island’s northern and eastern regions for travelers.
Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, expressed delight at American Airlines’ expansion, emphasizing their pivotal role as Jamaica’s primary airline partner. He highlighted the strategic timing of the new flights, aligning with the peak winter season and projecting record-breaking stopover arrivals.
The twice-weekly nonstop service, operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays, utilizes a 76-seat Embraer 175 aircraft. This addition joins American Airlines’ robust network of over 100 weekly flights to Jamaica, complementing existing services to Kingston (KIN) and Montego Bay (MBJ) from Miami International Airport.
American Airways’ commitment to Jamaica extends beyond this new route, with nonstop flights now available from eight U.S. gateways, including Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, and Philadelphia.
Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, hailed the significance of this new service, anticipating its positive impact on attracting more visitors to Jamaica’s diverse tourism offerings. Notably, the flight proudly bears the number AA 4007, paying homage to Ian Fleming, the renowned author of the James Bond novels, who called Jamaica home.
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.
Jamaican authorities have urged travelers to Jamaica, particularly those in the United States, to make use of the airport.
Read more: Jamaican govt urges US travelers to fly through Ian Fleming Airport
