InterCaribbean Airways has launched new service to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. 

The Turks and Caicos-based carrier has officially kicked off flights between Providenciales and Ocho Rios’ Ian Fleming International Airport. 

The new service, which is operating once weekly, is the first scheduled commercial service into the airport since it completed a large-scale renovation back in 2011. 

“I could not be more pleased to welcome this new flight to Ocho Rios by Inter Caribbean,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who was on site to welcome the flight. “Air connectivity is the single most important factor in growing visitor arrivals and building tourism. Therefore, this partnership is key to creating the infrastructure needed to make Jamaica an aviation hub while simultaneously beginning a new chapter in the development of this region of our island.”

“Smaller air partners such as Inter Caribbean are poised to play a key role in creating better regional connectivity,” said Jamaica Tourism Director Donovan White. “The potential impact to Jamaica and destinations across the Caribbean is huge, as passengers could fly into one island on a larger carrier and more easily continue on to their final destination via a smaller one.”

It’s part of broader growth for Ian Fleming International Airport, which later this year will welcome its first-ever service from American Airlines.