Antigua & Barbuda Gets Additional Airlift from Seaborne Airlines

Plans made by Antigua and Barbuda tourism officials to welcome more flights from more airlines and tour operators around the world, upon completion of one of the largest and most modern airports in the Eastern Caribbean have rapidly taken off.

The Antigua and Barbuda minister of tourism, Asot Michael, and tourism officials, welcomed a fourth airline into the destination, just three months after the opening of the new terminal at the V.C. Bird International Airport.

Seaborne Airlines launched its non-stop service between their hub in San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and Antigua on Sunday with a 34 seat Saab 340 aircraft. The inaugural flight departed San Juan at 12:45 pm, and arrived into Antigua at 2:20 pm.

In welcoming the new carrier, Michael called Seaborne Airlines, "the largest regional operator in the Caribbean."

"The entrance of Seaborne provides passengers with one additional option for travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, quicker and more conveniently.

"As a regional hub, the more modern V.C. Bird International Airport was extremely appealing and advantageous to Seaborne as they seek to expand their services throughout the wider Caribbean."

Commenting on the inaugurals held to date, the minister said, "Our mandate is to grow airlift and to enhance our existing strategic positioning."

"JetBlue's launch into Antigua and Barbuda earlier in December, and today's arrival of Seaborne, is especially significant, due to the code-share agreement signed between the two airlines in October. What this code-share means to the everyday traveler is that they will be able to travel from JetBlue serviced territories in the United States, to Antigua seamlessly, with one ticket, one check-in and reliable baggage transfer."

Seaborne's partnership with JetBlue Airways, as well as Air Europa, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, means that, the airline can provide connections for passengers from thirty-three other destinations in the Americas as well as in Europe, into Antigua and Barbuda.

"We are excited to introduce Antigua as the 17th airport served by Seaborne Airlines; the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean," said Seaborne CEO and president, Gary Foss.

"I am confident that our customers throughout the region will benefit from Seaborne's unmatched customer service commitment, low fares and connectivity to our airline partners."

Flights from Antigua to San Juan depart at 3:05 pm and arrive at 4:40 pm.

V.C. Bird International Airport's growing portfolio of passenger airlines maintains Antigua and Barbuda's position as a major hub in the Eastern Caribbean.

Source: Caribbean News Now