ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Seaborne Airlines launched service to Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday December 13 (Photo Credits: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority)

Plans made by Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials to welcome more flights from more airlines and tour operators around the world, upon completion of one of the largest and most modern airports in the Eastern Caribbean have rapidly taken off.

The Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Asot Michael, and Tourism Officials, welcomed a fourth airline into the destination, just three months after the opening of the new terminal at the V.C. Bird International Airport.

Seaborne Airlines launched its non-stop service between their hub in San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and Antigua today with a 34 seat Saab 340 aircraft.  The inaugural flight departed San Juan at 12:45 pm, and arrived into Antigua at 2:20 pm.

Seaborne Airline Officials, Mr. Hector Montanez - Director of Business Development & Marketing, Mr. Fernando Vazquez - Director of Airports, and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials, Mrs. Paula Frederick-Hunte  - Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Economic Development & Energy, and Ms. Shirlene Nibbs - Tourism Consultant for the Tourism Ministry were onboard the flight.

Tourism and Aviation officials celebrate the launch of the Seaborne service to Antigua and Barbuda with Seaborne Officials.

In welcoming the new carrier, Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Asot Michael called Seaborne Airlines, “the largest regional operator in the Caribbean.”

“The entrance of Seaborne, provides passengers with one additional option for travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, quicker and more conveniently.

“As a regional hub, the more modern V.C. Bird International Airport, was extremely appealing and advantageous to Seaborne as they seek to expand their services throughout the wider Caribbean.”

Commenting on the inaugurals held to date, the Minister said, “Our mandate is to grow airlift and to enhance our existing strategic positioning.”

“JetBlue’s launch into Antigua and Barbuda earlier in December, and today’s arrival of Seaborne, is especially significant, due to the codeshare agreement signed between the two airlines in October. What this codeshare means to the everyday traveler is that they will be able to travel from JetBlue serviced territories in the United States, to Antigua seamlessly, with one ticket, one check-in and reliable baggage transfer.”

Seaborne’s partnership with JetBlue Airways, as well as Air Europa, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, means that, the airline can provide connections for passengers from thirty-three other destinations in the Americas as well as in Europe, into Antigua and Barbuda.

“We are excited to introduce Antigua as the 17th airport served by Seaborne Airlines; the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean,” said Seaborne CEO and President Gary Foss.

“I am confident that our customers throughout the region will benefit from Seaborne’s unmatched customer service commitment, low fares and connectivity to our airline partners.”

Flights from Antigua to San Juan depart at 3:05 pm and arrive at 4:40 pm.

V.C. Bird International Airport’s growing portfolio of passenger airlines maintains Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a major hub in the Eastern Caribbean.