By the Caribbean Journal staff

Barbados is primed for a significant increase in airlift to the island this month.

American Airlines is set to launch a wave of new and expanded flights to the destination.

“High-level airline partnerships have been a cornerstone effort for Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).  This strategy has led to increased airlift and the introduction of new gateways including Fort Lauderdale, Boston and Newark,” said said Petra Roach, U.S Director for Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “We are ecstatic to see the increase in service from American Airlines, which will add millions in economic impact to Barbados.”

The Sea Breeze Beach House in Barbados.

Beginning Dec. 19, American will launch daily nonstop service from Charlotte to Barbados, with thrice-daily service set to launch from Miami to Barbados on the same day.

The daily Charlotte flights will run through April 2 and from June 6 to Aug. 19, with Saturday-only service in the interim.

The American flights will operate three times daily through April 2 and from June 6 through Aug. 19, with twice-daily service in between those periods.

That will mean an almost 50 percent increase in capacity to Barbados from April through August.

“We are extremely pleased to see that American Airlines has continued its commitment to growing its capacity to Barbados well into 2019 and continues to help us in surpassing the tremendous visitation figures seen during the past few years,” said the Kerrie Symmonds, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport. “In 2017, Barbados welcomed 188,970 U.S. visitors and we anticipate surpassing 200,000 visitors from the U.S. in 2018 – improving on last year’s already significant 30-year record.”

“This investment in Barbados is not something that we take lightly as we know that there are several other destinations which are eager for additional lift so we will be immediately implementing a very targeted promotional program to ensure that we stimulate the demand for this capacity,” Symmonds said.

The post Barbados Set for Big Increase in Airlift appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

In a major development for regional aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean, United Airlines has announced an agreement with Panama’s Copa Airlines and Colombia’s Avianca for a joint business agreement.

The agreement, still pending government approval, would include integrated service, new nonstop routes, additional flights on existing routes and reduced travel times, among others, according to a statement from United.

“The carriers expect the JBA to drive significant traffic growth at major gateway cities coast to coast, which is expected to help bring new investment and create more economic development opportunities,” the companies said in a joint statement.

“We are delighted to further solidify our existing partnership with United Airlines and look forward to increasing service options for our customers by working more closely with Avianca,” said Pedro Heilbron, Copa Airlines’ chief executive officer. “We believe this agreement benefits our passengers by providing competitive fares and a superior network of more than 275 destinations throughout Latin America and the U.S., and promotes further growth and innovation within the airline industry in the Americas.”

The agreement is also expected to provide customers with more code share options, competitive fares and “a more streamlined travel experience.”

“This agreement represents the next chapter in U.S.-Latin American air travel,” said Scott Kirby, United’s president. “We are excited to work with our Star Alliance partners Avianca and Copa to bring much-needed competition and growth to many underserved markets while providing a better overall experience for business and leisure customers traveling across the Western Hemisphere.”

All three airlines operate a large network of flights to the Caribbean.

“We are certain that together we are stronger in the United States – Latin America market than any of the three airlines individually,” said Hernan Rincon, Avianca’s executive president – chief executive officer. “This partnership will allow Avianca to strengthen its position as a first-level player in the airline industry in America as we will expand our scope in the continent with United and Copa, offering better connectivity to our customers.”

The post United Airlines’s New Partnership With Avianca and Copa appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Holland America Line has officially taken delivery of its newest cruise ship, the Nieuw Statendam.

The ship, the 15th in Holland America’s fleet, will make its first voyage Dec. 5 before launching its first full season sailing round-trip itineraries to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.

Nieuw Statendam’s naming ceremony will be held in Fort Lauderdale in February.

“Today the Holland America Line family celebrates the addition of Nieuw Statendam to our fleet, and it’s a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Thank you to our partners at Fincantieri and our own team members who worked diligently to deliver the ship looking more stunning than we imagined. Nieuw Statendam represents our continued evolution of adding exciting new experiences while maintaining the hallmarks that have made Holland America Line a leader in premium cruising.”

The ship has a capacity for 2,666 guests, with purpose-built rooms for both families and solo travelers across its 1,377 units.

The ship will include eateries like Rudi’s Sel de Mer, the pan-Asian Tamarind, a sushi bar called Nami Sushi and a the new Club Orange for guests in the line’s premium club, among others.

The ship’s design will largely mirror that of Holland America’s Koningsdam ship, its first “Pinnacle” class ship.

— CJ

The post Holland America Takes Delivery of Newest Ship appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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