Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and JetBlue announced the expansion of JetBlue’s seasonal weekly service on Saturdays to year-round service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) beginning on May 4, 2019. Playing an important role as the first major airport in the New York metropolitan area, New Jersey-based EWR handles more flights – though not as many passengers – as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), despite being 40% of JFK’s land size.
Barbados has continued to see an increase in U.S. arrival numbers for the fourth consecutive year with 2018 producing a groundbreaking record of 204,830 visitors from the U.S, an increase of 8.4 percent from 2017. High-level airline partnerships continue to be a priority for Barbados which has already seen an increase in airlift and new gateways in other cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Boston.
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“EWR 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 BTMI’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.”
“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.”
The non-stop service between Newark (EWR) and Bridgetown (BGI) will operate on the following Saturday schedule:
EWR – BGI Flight #313 10:30 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.
BGI – EWR Flight #314 4:25 p.m. – 9:55 p.m.
JetBlue also offers service between three of its focus cities and Barbados: New York JFK, Boston and Ft. Lauderdale.
