Fly Jamaica officially began its service in Guyana during the early hours of Friday morning, with the inaugural flight comprising members of the media corps and some 120 private passengers to Jamaica then onward to United States of America.
The Boeing 757-200ER aircraft, with a seating configuration of 12 business and 186 economy seats, departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at 01: 30h and arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica around 05: 00h, with a connecting flight to New York’s John F Kennedy Airport.
The new airline will create more linkages between Guyana and Jamaica and cheaper airfares to New York.
On Friday morning, the inaugural flight arrived to loud cheers at the CJIA, with the airline’s executives, proudly stating that it will soon become Guyana’s number one carrier. The inaugural flight arrived on schedule, and the airline emphasised that its on- time service will separate it from its competitors.
Tourism market
Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, who was present at the ceremony, welcomed the new airline by reiterating that Guyana is a versatile tourism market. Noting that he is happy Fly Jamaica is flying the route, saying “I think tonight is an excellent time for us to understand regional integration.”
Minister Ali added that Guyana has seen 15 per cent of its visitors coming from Jamaica over the past year, and now that Fly Jamaica has entered the market, that percentage will increase tremendously.
Also speaking at the launching ceremony, Fly Jamaica’s Chief Executive Officer, Guyanese pilot Captain Ronald Reece told the gathering that the airline will create the much-needed air bridge between Guyana and Jamaica.
He said both Guyana and Jamaica have much to offer, and will now be able to work hand in hand via the direct linkage provided by Fly Jamaica.
Captain Reece added that the carrier will work with local officials to ensure increased tourism, especially in the Guyana market, with the full support of the people of Guyana.
Inaugural flight
To mark the inaugural flight, a number of Jamaican artistes, including Wayne Marshall who serves as an ambassador for the airline, arrived on the first flight to Guyana.
The artistes marked the occasion by offering their best wishes to the airline through song. Also adding to the unfolding of the grand occasion, members of the media corps were afforded a complimentary return ticket from Guyana to New York. The occasion was also graced by prominent media personnel from Jamaica as well as other top airline officials.
Fly Jamaica will be operating flights from Georgetown to Jamaica, New York and Toronto. The carrier intends to launch an aggressive marketing strategy focused heavily on the Guyana market.
Presently, Fly Jamaica Airways offers four weekly non-stop flights between Kingston and New York and vice versa.
