American Airlines (AA) non-stop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport to Barbados, restarted today, just in time for the island’s winter 2024/2025 season.

AA Flight 585, captained by Brian Nealis and First Officer Benjamin Sebek, landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport around 12:18 p.m., carrying 135 passengers, including Barbados’ Consul General to New York, Lorenzo Harewood.  

The passengers and crew were welcomed by the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Craig Hinds; CEO of the GAIA Inc., Hadley Bourne; other officials from the BTMI; Ministry of Tourism, and Tourism sector; and Haynesville Tuk Band and dancers.

Acting CEO Hinds noted that today’s return of American Airlines from the northeast corridor of America is not merely a flight route, but is seen as a bridge strengthening the island’s connection to the most important part of the USA.

“This route symbolises a vital connection that welcomes travellers to our shores, inviting them to experience the warmth, beauty, and the unique spirit of us here in Barbados. This renewal service arrives at a pivotal point in our tourism journey, as Barbados’ tourism sector sees robust growth.

“Our partnership with American Airlines has been instrumental in allowing us to share Barbados with the US and also the rest of the world. Year to date, we have seen over 170,000 arrivals to these shores from the United States, and I think that American Airlines has a very big role to play in that, so, thank you very much,” Mr. Hinds stated.

He added: “For nearly five decades, American Airlines has been more than a partner, it has been steadfast in its service to Barbados. This flight from JFK, first launched 49 years ago, has facilitated countless journeys, introduced our island to new visitors, and fostered invaluable bonds between the two nations.

“Next year, we look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of this partnership, a milestone that underscores enduring strength and the relationship which we’ve worked so hard to make sure that we maintain. The re-establishment of this service will not only expand tourism, but it will support Barbados across a range of vital sectors, such as leisure, cultural tourism, diaspora engagement, culinary experiences, and romance tourism, to name a few,” the acting CEO said.

AA’s Managing Director of Operations for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, José María Giraldo, stated that it was a privilege for him to be in Barbados celebrating the reconnection of passengers from JFK to GAIA.

“We’re thrilled to further strengthen today our commitment to Barbados, a country that we have served for more than 49 years, and we are proud to lead as the largest US airline with this new route from New York, which we plan to operate daily on our 737 fleet. We further open up Barbados to our customers around the world, as we play a vital role in promoting the tourism industry on this beautiful island,” Mr. Giraldo said.

He disclosed that come Saturday, November 9, AA will also launch a new service from Philadelphia, USA, using its 737 fleet, which will operate weekly.

The AA Director of Operations remarked: “We are proud to be the only US airline that will operate from four US hubs to Barbados and operate up to 30 weekly flights, a true milestone for our airline.” 

Mr. Giraldo expressed appreciation to the team at AA, the Barbados Government, airport authorities, and its partners in the tourism industry for helping to make today a reality. He said he looks forward to continuing working with them towards the success of the service and the island’s tourism industry. (PR/GIS)

The arrival of Conviasa Airlines’ Airbus A340-200 signals a major development in the air connectivity between Barbados and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. 

Due to growing demand for travel on this route, the airline has upgraded to a larger aircraft, offering 250 seats—more than double the capacity of the previous Embraer 190, which accommodated just 100 passengers.

This transition to the Airbus A340, which arrived in Barbados on October 5th, was celebrated by a delegation led by Corey Garrett, Director of Latin America for the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). The introduction of this larger aircraft not only meets the rising demand but also enhances the scope for future travel, allowing for a significant increase in seat availability and visitor arrivals between the two nations.

Corey Garrett, BTMI’s Director of Latin America, underscored the significance of this development:
“The increased capacity of the Airbus A340 is a game-changer for Barbados. It presents an unprecedented opportunity to welcome more visitors from Venezuela and the wider Latin American market, further promoting our island’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and world-class hospitality. Strengthening our connectivity with Venezuela opens new doors for economic growth, increased trade, and the deepening of cultural and business relations.”

More than just an aircraft upgrade, this change reflects the strengthening partnership between Barbados and Venezuela. The new Airbus A340 paves the way for Latin American travelers to enjoy easier access to Barbados’ rich cultural experiences, world-class beaches, and vibrant attractions. With more seats available, this route opens exciting possibilities for expanding tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the countries.

Economic Benefits

The shift to a larger aircraft brings with it a host of economic advantages for Barbados. The enhanced capacity opens up more opportunities for local businesses, offering greater exposure to the Latin American market and diversifying the island’s visitor base. Travelers from Venezuela can now enjoy seamless access to Barbados’ stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant festivals, including the upcoming Barbados Food and Rum Festival and the world-famous Crop Over Festival.

As Barbados continues to position itself as a key Caribbean hub, this increased connectivity with Venezuela signals a bright future for tourism growth, stronger trade relations, a deepened cultural exchange that will benefit both nations for years to come. (PR)

Caption: A delegation comprising of H.E. Aquinas Clarke, Ambassador of Barbados to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela  and Director, Latin Caribbean, BTMI, Corey Garrett, welcomed the team from Conviasa Airlines.

An Air Services Agreement (ASA) between Barbados and the State of Qatar was signed on October 13, in Doha, Qatar.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, signed the ASA on behalf of the Government of Barbados, while President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Mohamed Faleh Alhajri, signed for Qatar.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill noted that the signing of the Barbados-Qatar ASA is part of a wider initiative under Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s leadership to promote greater regional air connectivity in the Caribbean while expanding international cooperation and diplomatic ties in the Middle East.

“This ASA marks an important step towards deepening ties between Barbados and Qatar, setting the foundation for enhanced collaboration in the aviation sector and creating new opportunities to explore air connectivity between our regions,” said the Minister responsible for International Transport.

He also noted that Qatar is home to one of the world’s busiest airports and largest airlines and is known internationally for its sophisticated aviation technology.

The ASA gives designated airlines from both countries the flexibility to operate without directional or geographical limitations. In addition, the signing will assist in the process of enhancing the relationship between Barbados and Qatar and will facilitate greater cooperation in several areas, including tourism, capacity-building, opportunities in education, and scholarships. It will also serve as a means of broadening the scope of engagement and the pursuit of opportunities for increased trade and investment.

Qatar Airways is a state-owned carrier and is a member of the One World Alliance, which includes legacy carriers American Airlines and British Airways. Qatar Airways operates in destinations across Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, North America, and South America and has extensive code-sharing agreements in place, which would make transfers for long-haul travel beneficial to travellers and participating airports. 

The Barbados delegation, led by Minister Gooding-Edghill, will also be exploring opportunities for technical assistance and capacity-building in civil aviation with Qatar.

Members of the delegation include Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Transport, Charley Browne; Chief Technical Officer (Ag.), Dionne Gibbs-Nicholls; Director General (Ag.), Barbados Civil Aviation Authority, Tracey Forde-Bailey; Director of Air Navigation Services, Department of Air Navigation Services, Carl Gaynair; and Special Advisor, Economic Cooperation and Trade, Invest Barbados, Alexia Hefti. 

Barbados and Qatar established diplomatic relations on December 4, 2007.(PR/GIS)