Airlift boost as AA resumes JFK flight, adds Philadelphia service

Barbados is set to get a major boost in airlift from the United States for the winter season, with the resumption of American Airlines (AA) direct service from New York and a new non-stop flight from Philadelphia.

AA’s Managing Director of Operations for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, José María Giraldo made the disclosure on Tuesday at the Grantley Adams International Airport at a media briefing which followed the arrival of Flight 585 from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport.

Giraldo said: “We are thrilled to further strengthen today our commitment to Barbados, a country that we have served for more than 49 years and where we are proud to lead as the largest US airline. With this new route from New York, which we plan to operate daily with Boeing 737, we further open up Barbados to our customers around the world, as we play a vital role in promoting the tourism industry on this beautiful island.”

He added that come Saturday, AA will also launch a new weekly service from Philadelphia.

“We are proud to be the only US airline that will operate from four US hubs to Barbados and operate up to 30 weekly flights, a true milestone for our airline,” Giraldo said.

Direct American Airlines flights from New York to Barbados had been temporarily halted. Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Tourism Management Inc. (BTMI), Craig Hinds said the return of the route represented the reopening of “one of our most important tourism and cultural corridors in the United States”.

It also comes as Barbados makes preparations for We Gatherin’ 2025.

Hinds said: “Year to date, we have welcomed over 170 000 arrivals from the United States alone, and I think that American Airlines has a very big role to play in that, so thank you.”

“This flight from JFK, first launched 49 years ago, has facilitated countless journeys, introduced our island to new visitors, and fostered invaluable bonds between the two nations…. The re-establishment of this service will not only expand tourism, but it will support Barbados across a range of vital sectors, such as leisure, cultural tourism, diaspora engagement, culinary experiences, and romance tourism, to name a few,” he added, noting that the service was estimated to increase US airlift by “over 25 000 seats from JFK alone”.

The Philadelphia flight, Hinds, said, will bring an additional 3 900 seats for the winter season.

As it relates to We Gatherin 2025, the BTMI official invited members of the diaspora, as well as visitors, to come to the island for a year of cultural festivities.

AA Flight 585, captained by Brian Nealis and First Officer Benjamin Sebek, landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport around 12:18 p.m., carrying 135 passengers. The passengers and crew were welcomed by tourism and airport officials and the Haynesville Tuk Band and dancers. (SZB)