Jamaica to benefit from increased airlift this summer

Destination’s primary source market United States, sees biggest increase

JAMAICA IS set to welcome more travellers this summer as the destination has secured over 1.4 million air seats this season, an increase of 108,872 or 8.4 per cent, over last year.

Jamaica’s primary source market, the United States (US), has seen the biggest growth, having secured over 100,000 additional seats for the period between May and August 2019. This is strong evidence of the confidence US airline partners have placed in Jamaica.

“We are looking to build on the strong start to 2019, having welcomed over 1.3 million visitors

through the end of March, which generated just under US$950 million in revenue for Jamaica’s tourism sector,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s director of tourism. “The groundwork has been laid in the first quarter, and with the increased seat capacity this summer, we anticipate continued growth and increased earnings for the destination.”

In the Midwest region, Southwest begins new weekly service on Saturdays from St Louis to Montego Bay starting June 9.

The west will see United Airlines adding extra flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Houston (IAH) to Montego Bay. Additionally, Sun Country Airlines will begin new service from Dallas to Montego Bay.

UNITED STATES

The Northeast region has seen the most significant increase, accounting for more than half of the seats secured. From New York, JetBlue Airways has added more capacity and increased frequency to Kingston and Montego Bay, and Delta has added daily service to Kingston. From Newark, United Airlines has increased frequency to Montego Bay from Baltimore, and Southwest has increased frequency to Montego Bay.

The Southeast region has added over 20,000 additional seats for the summer to Montego Bay. American Airlines has increased flights from Charlotte, Delta has increased its capacity from Atlanta and JetBlue will be adding a second daily flight from Orlando during August.

Spirit Airlines has introduced new service to Montego Bay and Kingston. From New Orleans, Vacation Express will reintroduce its charter service to Montego Bay starting May 25 and will operate through to June 22.

“It is encouraging to see that growth is not only from the established markets. As we open new gateways, we are attracting visitors from new markets,” said White.

EUROPE

Europe has grown its overall seat capacity to by 9,257 seats, or 5.5 percent, compared to last year. This is due primarily to the addition of new service from Manchester and larger equipment from British Airways out of Gatwick and TUI out of Manchester. TUI has also doubled its seat capacity from Belgium and Holland, with longer rotations.

CARIBBEAN

In the Caribbean, new direct service from Barbados twice weekly on Caribbean Airlines largely accounts for the six per cent increase this summer.

For more information on travel statistics for Jamaica, please visit