Air Canada, Barbados toast 75 years of partnership

arbados is celebrating a landmark 75-year partnership with Air Canada, toasting a surge in tourist arrivals to highlight the relationship. This year alone, the Canadian airline has delivered a 13.4 per cent increase in passenger numbers, a testament to its pivotal role in bolstering the island’s economy and tourism industry.

At a ceremony marking 75 years of the carrier’s service to Barbados, held at the Grantley Adams International Airport, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill underscored the importance of the longstanding relationship.

The event commemorated Air Canada’s status as one of the first international carriers to fly to Barbados in 1949. The minister expressed gratitude on behalf of the nation, emphasising Air Canada’s profound impact on Barbados’ aviation and economic landscape.

“In this calendar year to November 24, 2024, this destination has seen an increase of 13.4 per cent, representing Air Canada bringing some 4 036 passengers to the end of November 2024. I think that’s important for us to recognise that this airline has contributed significantly to the economic development of Barbados,” he stated.

He also praised Air Canada for its operational adjustments: “I thank Air Canada again, including the Barbados operations, for ensuring that we have a bigger aircraft, bringing more visitors to Barbados for the economy of Barbados’ benefit.”

Air Canada’s Manager of Airport Operations, Jacqueline Parris, reflected on the airline’s critical role in strengthening ties between the two nations.

“For 75 years, Air Canada has been a vital link between Barbados and Canada,” she said. “The enduring partnership has significantly benefited both countries, with Air Canada gaining a loyal customer base while the island has benefited from increased tourism revenue and economic growth.”

Looking ahead, Parris outlined a vision for deepening the collaboration: “As we look towards the next decade, we anticipate further strengthening of this relationship by expanding flight routes and collaborating on sustainable tourism initiatives.”

Gooding-Edghill reaffirmed the commitment of the government and Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated (BTMI) to supporting Air Canada.

“It is important that we recommit to this partnership. Barbados, the BTMI, and certainly the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport must always consider this relationship as being a partnership. When you’re successful, we’re also successful, and therefore, for us, it is another step, a wonderful step in celebrating your success alongside Barbados’ success,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted Air Canada’s instrumental role in restoring travel confidence post-pandemic.

“Air Canada was among the first airlines to resume flights to Barbados following the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to restore confidence in global travel. Air Canada has proven to be a dear friend of Barbados,” he said, acknowledging the airline’s steadfast support of the island’s tourism and economic recovery.

“I should emphasise that Barbados has the distinction of being Air Canada’s longest-served destination in the entire Caribbean and enjoys the highest repeat visitor rate within the region,” he noted.

The 75th-anniversary flight was flown by Captain Mark Tibbett and Captain Darren Little, with a crew of eight and 234 passengers on board. (LG)