Air J resumes flights between Kingston, Orlando

Friday, September 16, 2011

AIR Jamaica yesterday resumed flights between Kingston and Orlando in the United States, the first of what will be twice-weekly non-stop flights to the central Florida city after a two-year hiatus.

Flight BW474 departed the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) at 12:15 pm, to arrive in Orlando at 3:15 pm, with the return flight (BW475) leaving Orlando at 5:17 pm and arriving in Kingston at 6:15.

"Reintroducing our non-stop service to Orlando — the fifth largest metropolitan area in the south-east US — is an important milestone in our strategy to strengthen operations," said Will Rodgers, acting general manager of Air Jamaica, at yesterday's inauguration ceremony at the NMIA.

"The flights, which originate in Port of Spain, will serve Orlando's growing Caribbean diaspora, as well as seasonal leisure travellers from the Caribbean," he added.

Yesterday's service was rolled out with an introductory fare of US$89, plus taxes, each way. Additionally, from September 15 to November 15, passengers travelling on return trips between Kingston and Orlando will be allowed three checked bags at 50-pounds each.

A Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with 154 seats —16 business class and 138 in economy — will operate the flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Former Miss Jamaica World and Miss Jamaica Universe Yendi Phillips — who was booked on the inaugural flight — said she was happy with its return.

"I think it's very exciting. I think over the years Air Jamaica has established itself as a great brand and I am very happy that they have taken this decision," said Phillips.

Attorney Wayne Golding of the Golding Group also expressed delight at the resumption of the service.

"As a business person, the resumption of non-stop flights offers much-needed relief for my frequent travel between Orlando and Kingston," he said. "The non-stop flight from Orlando to Kingston also serves to revalidate the importance of Jamaicans in the Central Florida diaspora to Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines."

With the addition of the new flights, Air Jamaica now operates 136 departures weekly to six destinations in the US, Canada and the Caribbean.

The operations of the airline was taken over by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines Limited last year.

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Air J resumes flights between Kingston, Orlando