AIR JAMAICA and the St. Lucia Ministry of Tourism have announced the introduction of non-stop Lovebird A320 service from New York's JFK International Airport to the island of St. Lucia, effective February 23, 2006.
The incoming flight will operate non-stop on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays, departing New York at 7:00 a.m. and arriving St. Lucia at 12:35 p.m. On the return leg, the flight will depart St. Lucia at 6:35 p.m. and arrive in New York at 10:15 p.m.
For some time, the St. Lucia Ministry of Tourism and Air Jamaica have had discussions on the introduction of non-stop flights between New York and St. Lucia in light of a boom in the construction of new hotel rooms and the need for additional airlift to the island.
"This will be the first non-stop service from New York to St. Lucia, and Air Jamaica is proud to give the Caribbean another first. We look forward to once again offering our award winning Lovebird service to the people of St. Lucia and this represents the initial phase of the opportunities we envision for our region," said Mike Conway, president and CEO.
Chairman of Air Jamaica, O.K. Melhado noted, "This new route underscores our commitment to exploit every feasible opportunity for growth and to increase the flying time of our existing fleet."
TOURISM INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT
Hon. Phillip J. Pierre, Minister of Commerce, Tourism, Investment and Consumer Affairs for St. Lucia said, "The Government of St. Lucia is pleased that the partnership with Air Jamaica will continue and anticipates that St. Lucia's tourism industry will benefit from the return of Air Jamaica."
Costello Michel, chairman of the St. Lucia Tourist Board said New York has always been an important gateway for St. Lucia so the St. Lucia Tourist Board aims to work with Air Jamaica on joint promotional activities in order to ensure the success of the new service.
