PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – New York based low-cost carrier JetBlue made its inaugural flight to Trinidad on Monday, February 24, 2014, at the Piarco International Airport. The carrier entered the airport’s airspace to a rousing water salute.
On hand at the airport’s VIP room to receive the JetBlue dignitaries were the Honourable Stephen Cadiz, Minister of Transport; Consul General, New York, Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam; Deputy Chairman, TDC, Mrs Janelle Commissiong – Chow and Ms. Yolande Selman, Chief Executive Officer (Ag.), TDC .
Speaking at the press conference held shortly after the flight’s arrival was Jason Julien, Chairman of the Airports Authority, who along with Jeffrey Goodell, Vice President, Government Affairs, JetBlue; Mr. Keith Gilges, charge d’ affaires, US Embassy ; Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Chandresh Sharma and Minister of Transport ,The Honourable Stephen Cadiz brought greetings on behalf of their respective offices.
The introduction of JetBlue as an air service provider is a welcome move as the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) is committed to ensuring that all visitors who plan to vacation in Trinidad and Tobago can easily access the destination to enjoy the diverse product offerings and warm hospitality.
“This inaugural JetBlue flight is a step in the right direction as part of a continued and sustained effort to boost airlift to the destination,” said Yolande Selman, TDC’s acting Chief Executive Officer. “The largest population of Trinbagonians in the US lives in New York and we are pleased that this new service will provide visitors and returning nationals with a low cost and reliable option to travel to Port of Spain for leisure, business or to visit friends and family.”
Also commenting on the service was JetBlue President, Robin Hayes who said, “We are excited to continuously expand our network in the Caribbean and add Trinidad and Tobago to our network. We now offer nonstop service to 25 destinations in the region with up to 200 daily flights to, from and within the Caribbean. We are pleased to provide customers with JetBlue’s award-winning service, while also lowering fares to Trinidad and Tobago.”
With global economies recovering from the global financial meltdown, travel is on the upswing and continues to be a global mega-trend. People have begun to travel again and are looking for new destinations to explore and having an accessible, affordable airline is integral to realising the destination’s long term goals.
