By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor
Barbados is getting a boost from New York City-based airline JetBlue.
JetBlue is expanding its weekly nonstop Saturday service from Newark Liberty to Barbados to year-round service, Caribbean Journal has learned.
The extension of service will go into effect on May 4, 2019.
“The extension of our popular seasonal, weekly Barbados service to year-round weekly service is thanks to the continued growth of travel to Barbados,” said Andrea Lusso, director of route planning for JetBlue. “Our partners at Barbados Tourism have done an outstanding job of promoting this beautiful destination, while JetBlue has consistently worked to match capacity in the market to the growing demand. We’re proud to serve Barbados and to continue offering award-winning service for tourists and Barbadians alike.”
Barbados has continued to see an increase in US arrival numbers for the fourth consecutive year, with 2018 producing a record of 204,830 visitors from the U.S, an increase of 8.4 percent from 2017.
The extended service comes as Barbados has already seen an increase in airlift and new gateways in other cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Boston.
“Newark was previously a level 3 slot-controlled airport which meant that opportunities for new flight entry were very restricted. However, the change in FAA designation in October 2016 to a level 2 slot facilitated airport, finally afforded Barbados the opportunity to offer flight service,” said Petra Roach, U.S Director of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “Increased airlift continues to be core to Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s strategic direction of achieving improved accessibility for U.S. visitors to Barbados and the geographical location of Newark proves convenient not only for the local New Jersey traffic but also for the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania and parts of Connecticut.”
“Competitive intensity continues and with the state’s demographic leaning more towards families and young couples, two very important pillars of growth for Barbados, we couldn’t be more pleased with this announcement,” she said.
— CJ