KINGSTON, Jamaica – Transport Minister Daryl Vaz is predicting tremendous economic opportunities for the eastern parish of St. Mary and the country following Saturday’s inaugural American Airlines flight at Ian Flemming International Airport in the town of Boscobel in the parish.
The non stop flight from Miami International Airport arrived shortly after 12pm (local time) with 71 passengers on board.
The flight landed months after the carrier was forced to postpone plans to fly into the airport, due to concerns regarding safety and reliability.
However, the Airports Authority of Jamaica says it has since fixed the issues, constructing a new terminal building and installing additional navigation systems.
According to Vaz, the airport will become “the gateway to eight thousand hotel rooms and villas.”
Meanwhile, former Transport Minister Robert Montague, who is the current Member of Parliament for the constituency said more work needs to be done to promote the airport and Boscobel.
The Managing Director of American Airlines for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, Jose Maria Giraldo, who was also present, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to Jamaica, a partnership spanning more than 45 years.
“We are proud to expand our presence with a third destination in the country, Ocho Rios,” said Maria Giraldo.
“By connecting this beautiful destination with our Miami hub, American’s largest international gateway, we aim to open the doors of Ocho Rios to travellers from around the world.”
With the launch of the third destination, the airline plans to further expand its schedule in Jamaica, offering more than 100 peak weekly flights this winter between 10 destinations, including Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, New York, and Philadelphia.
