The Barbados/JetBlue partnership can go one step further to incorporate those passengers travelling with Seabourne Airlines, a small carrier which operates out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and services some Caribbean countries.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy, made the suggestion recently in the Grace Adams Suite of the Grantley Adams International Airport, as he welcomed the inaugural JetBlue flight 385 out of Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International Airport.
Noting that he was pleased with the way this country’s relationship with JetBlue was progressing, the Minister pointed out that a relationship with Seabourne would be beneficial to both Barbados and the airline.
He explained that this country was in discussions with officials at Seabourne to have possible flights out of Barbados, or to make this country a hub for passengers to pick up flights to other locations.
“There has been some discussion with them and they could possibly have a flight out of Barbados…we are also talking about making Barbados a hub, so that in itself means more opportunities to fill these extra flights that you [Jet Blue] plan to put on because Barbados as a hub can feed people in seamlessly, given the codeshare arrangement that you have with Seabourne,” Mr. Sealy stated.
The Minister was quick to point out that such an arrangement was not expected to have a negative impact on regional carrier Liat.
“Seabourne flies Saabs that seat about 34 people…this won’t necessarily cannibalise Liat; there are plenty of seats for everyone because we are bringing on more and more Jet Blue flights all the time. It’s not a case of one or the other. We think the Grantley Adams Airport is a legitimate hub and we are building it out as such and there is room for all of the players,” he stressed.
Mr. Sealy also reiterated that the airport would be expanded even further, thanks to a loan being negotiated through various companies in the Peoples Republic of China.
kim.ramsay-moore@barbados.gov.bb
