MONTEGO BAY, St James — Spirit Airlines on Wednesday marked 20 years of flights in and out of Jamaica with promises of an even stronger working relationship in the future.

“Our company’s commitment remains very clear: safety first, reliable operations, and great value for our guests. This station [Jamaica] has proudly delivered on that promise for the past 20 years. The future is bright as we continue to expand connectivity, enhance the guest experience, invest in our teams, and strengthen our presence in Jamaica. Definitely, the future is yellow and bright,” said Spirit Airlines’ director of international stations Camilo Martelo.

He was speaking during a ceremony at Sangster International Airport to mark the airline’s milestone. Celebrations also extended to welcoming one of the airline’s flights arriving from the United States.

Martelo expressed pride in how much Spirit Airlines has grown in Jamaica and the critical role Montego Bay plays in the airline’s network.

“Today, we celebrate not just a milestone, but two decades of connection, service, and community. For 20 years this station has connected families, friends, visitors, discovering Jamaica. Every flight represents a story, and this station has helped create thousands of them. Over the past 20 years, Spirit Airlines has helped bring millions of visitors to Jamaica, supported tourism, local businesses, and economic growth in Montego Bay and beyond,” he said.

“This milestone also belongs to the incredible team members who make it happen on a daily basis. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment to our guests are what define Spirit in Montego Bay,” added Martelo.

He also commended Spirit Airlines’ station manager for Jamaica, Sherie Bailey, who has been in that position from the inception.

“For two decades, you have shown commitment, strength, and care for our team members and customers. Your dedication to operational excellence is truly remarkable. You have guided this station through growth, challenges, and milestones with grace and determination. Your impact is not only seen in operations, but in the culture, teamwork, and the spirit that define this station,” stated Martelo.

Regional director of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Odette Dyer expressed optimism about the future of the partnership.

“We look forward to more seats, more routes, and even deeper collaboration as we work together to position Jamaica as a premier destination in the Caribbean and beyond. To the Spirit family, congratulations on 20 remarkable years…Here is to the next 20 and to many more decades of flying in Jamaican skies. Welcome always to Jamaica, the home of many, one people, one love,” said Dyer.

She stressed that partnerships like the one with Spirit Airlines will help Jamaica not only recover pre-COVID-19 and pre-Hurricane Melissa visitor numbers but also foster growth for the destination overall. She noted that Spirit Airlines has been a vital bridge linking millions of travellers from across the United States to Jamaica’s warmth, culture, and beauty. Operating primarily from its Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport hub, with direct flights from Orlando, Atlanta, Baltimore-Washington, Dallas, and other cities, Spirit has made Jamaica more accessible than ever. Commercial manager, MBJ Airports Limited, Sharon Hislop-Holt said the airline’s operations in Jamaica have marked a significant milestone in the country’s tourism and economic development.

Since starting service on November 10, 2005, serving Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and the Sangster International Airport in St James – which is Jamaica’s busiest gateway — Spirit has grown from a low-cost carrier to an ultra-low-cost airline, making travel to Jamaica more accessible for visitors from across the United States.

“Spirit’s ultra-low fares have opened Jamaica to a wider audience, boosting tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth,” argued Hislop-Holt.

Also during the event, Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Dwight “Debo” Crawford said Spirit Airlines has played its part in the development of the country.

“The wonderful things that the country has been doing have not just been done by us as natives of this country but the partnerships like Spirit,” he stated.

“The confidence that you guys have put in us bringing passengers here, [and] investing in our country is something that has made our tourism product what it is. And full record mission and respect goes to you and your team,” added the deputy mayor.

A Spirit Airlines passenger takes a selfie while dancing to Jamaican folk music after collecting her gift bag at Sangster International Airport on Wednesday.(Photo: Anthony Lewis)

A water salute welcome for a Spirit Airlines aircraft as it arrives at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay Wednesday.(Photo: Anthony Lewis)

From left: JHTA Vice-president Nadine Spence; Sprint Airlines director of airport services, Camilo Martelo; Commercial Manager MBJ Airports Limited Sharon Hislop-Holt; regional director of JTB Odette Dyer; Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Dwight Crawford; regional manager of Spirit Airlines Rosalba Cancel; Spirit Airlines station manager for Spirit Airlines – Jamaica, Sherie Bailey; and president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jason Russell were among those celebrating Spirit Airlines’ 20th anniversary in Jamaica on Wednesday. (Photo: Anthony Lewis)