American Airlines is adding a brand-new destination on the island of Jamaica next year, Caribbean Journal has learned.
On Feb. 24, 2024, American will launch its first-ever service between Miami and Ian Fleming International Airport on the north coast of Jamaica.
The airport, set about 20 minutes from the heart of Ocho Rios, is a new gateway to one of the most sought-after areas of the island, the home of some its premier hotels and, most famously, the Goldeneye resort, where Fleming conceived and wrote all of the James Bond novels.
That’s along with other top resorts, from the popular Sandals Ochi to the renowned Jamaica Inn.
The Miami-Ocho Rios service will operate twice weekly on Embraer 175 aircraft with capacity for 76 passengers.
“After more than 45 years of service, we are excited to continue expanding our Jamaica flying with new service to Ocho Rios, becoming the first U.S. airline to offer access to this Caribbean paradise,” said José A. Freig, American Airlines Vice President for International Operations. “With this new route we further strengthen our position as the leading airline in Jamaica, operating this winter more than 100 weekly flights to the U.S.”
Ian Fleming will be the third airport served by American Airlines in Jamaica, joining existing routes to Montego Bay and Kingston.
“The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) is very pleased to welcome the inaugural service of American Airlines from Miami International Airport into Ian Fleming International Airport. As the first scheduled commercial service from the United States, it represents a game changer for Ocho Ríos, and for tourists and national travelers in that part of Jamaica.” Audley Deidrick, President and CEO of the Airports Authority of Jamaica.
In the peak season, the carrier will be operating more than 100 flights each week between the United States and Jamaica.
“We eagerly await the inflow of visitors via this new route and look forward to witnessing the continuous growth of this service,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “We are confident that the route to Ocho Rios will expand in the near future.”