KINGSTON, Jamaica ­ —  State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Senator Delano Seiveright says seat capacity from Latin America into Jamaica will double this summer compared to the same period last year, reflecting the success of the Government’s  airlift growth strategy.

He said this expansion is driven by the combined efforts of Jamaica’s key Latin American partners.

COPA Airlines has significantly increased its services into both Montego Bay and Kingston, operating seven flights weekly into Montego Bay and five into Kingston. These additional frequencies, which are expected to become permanent by October 2025, are performing exceptionally well with load factors averaging 86 per cent, underscoring strong and growing demand, Seiveright said.

LATAM Airlines, Latin America’s largest carrier, which operates nonstop flights between Lima, Peru and Montego, Jamaica, continues to show robust performance, with load factors above 80 per cent, supported by extensive co-branded marketing initiatives and active engagement with the travel trade across South America, he added.

Together, COPA and LATAM are now providing more than 10,000 seats per month into Jamaica during July and August, marking a historic high in connectivity from Latin America. Complementing these scheduled services, a new charter programme secured through Maxitravel will operate from Ecuador throughout the summer, bringing over 1,000 additional visitors during the peak season, the state minister said.

Senator Seiveright emphasised that this level of airlift growth delivers direct benefits to Jamaicans:

“More flights mean more visitors spending in our hotels, Airbnbs, attractions, shops, and restaurants,” Seiveright said.

“It means more jobs for Jamaicans, more revenue for small businesses including ground transportation operators, and more opportunities for communities across the island,” he continued. “This is exactly why the Government has pursued such an ambitious airlift strategy, to drive economic growth and improve lives.”

The Edmund Bartlett-led Ministry of Tourism, working in close partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board and private sector stakeholders, has made airlift expansion a central pillar of its growth agenda. Latin America represents one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing markets, fueled by strong brand appeal, the convenience of connections through Panama City and Lima, Peru, and increasing demand for Jamaica’s unique experiences.

Senator Seiveright added, “Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has consistently highlighted the importance of diversifying beyond traditional markets such as North America and Europe, a vision that is now producing tangible results. Jamaica has never been this connected to Latin America. This record level of airlift demonstrates that our strategy is working, and we remain committed to deepening these relationships and welcoming even more visitors in the years ahead”