There is a mounting excitement within the Diaspora in parts of North America as JetBlue presses ahead with plans to fly the Grenadian skies.
News of heightened anticipation overseas is being reported by Elizabeth Ninomiya, JetBlue’s Manager of Corporate Communications for Latin America and the Caribbean.
She was part of a visiting delegation from JetBlue who met with tourism officials in St.George’s on Tuesday to finalize plans for the inaugural flight in June.
She says the Grenadian Diaspora in New York is “elated” that the airline will be servicing their homeland.
“…Especially because it’s in June. This will give them plenty of time during the summer holiday to come and visit family, as well as come over and enjoy the carnival. They are quite excited,” Ms. Ninomiya said.
JetBlue would fly one round-trip flight on the route each Thursday and Sunday on 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.
Tickets have been on sale now for a month and the airline's representative says bookings have been favourable.
“The bookings are actually going quite well. It’s been according to our expectations, so we are quite excited about that we are seeing so far.”
Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford says there is great anticipation for the touchdown of the New York–based airline and once the twice weekly flights begin, great things are expected for Grenada’s tourism industry.
“We are all excited JetBlue is a renowned airway and we are enchanted by their coming to Grenada. Having spoken to many people from different walks of life here in Grenada, they too, show their excitement and they want to welcome them to our shores,” Minister Horsford said.
Playing a pivotal role in getting JetBlue to come to Grenada is Sandals LaSource. General Manager, Peter Fraser, says the island stands to benefit from the upcoming direct flight from New York.
“It’s all good. This should be good news for everybody who has a hotel or a business, whether it is a hotel or a self-starting restaurant. We want to be at a place where there will be two flights a day...it’s all very good,” Mr. Fraser said.
Tourism officials hope this will open up the way for direct flights from other US cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
Source: gov.gd
JETBLUE OFFICIALS VISIT GRENADA
Yes it is good news for as the Minister of Tourism puts it,but what about our Grenadians wanting to come home to visit their families with such high fares being charge by these airlines yes the cost of oil have been coming down for some time yet air fuel cost is still being pass on to us the passangers by these airlines example the dreaded APD Tax coupled with a restriction on baggage especially persons coming from countries like for example England,Australia,so Minister Bain the next time you meet with these airlines put say some thing to them about our Grenadians in the Diaspora who comes home often and spend more in real terms than these tourist,please we ask you to act also in the interest of us THE GRENADIAN DIASPORA COMMUNITIES,who from since 2003 have been suffering from high airline cost due to the inability of our Governments to act on behalf of the Grenadian Travelling Diaspora.
I thank you.
7
0
By: Gabe 4/9/2015 9:05:40 AM
Gabe....Speak for yourself. What can the Minister do about the high fuel cost which affect airline travellers? We are not the only people travelling, and if we can afford it, then we'll travel. We are not second class citizens asking for handout. Get a grip. A few years ago when i answered your quote, you accused or inquired if I were an old teacher from home. No, am not and if I were you would have difficulty passing my class.
By: Nada 5/4/2015 4:29:46 AM
Ms Nada,I am so glad that as you put it i would have difficulty passing your class ,and oh how i would have like to be there in your class, for my dear you come over as she who must be listen to ,now about your take on as you say quote what could the minister do with reference to my take on The Dreaded APD well from your response to my question you give the impression that it is not part and parcel of the minister remit ,and here i am surprise that if you were a regular traveller to grenada you will notice the impact this dreaded Apd have on families travelling to grenada ,so my dear unless you are one of those rich people then i do understand where you are coming from ,finally may i remind you that we elect politicans to look after the interest of the all people rich and poor ,as for your take on quote second class citizens my dear i do not have a clue as to what you are on about ,and maybe you should read more about what is happening outside your little closed shop and then check the taxes you are paying to the airline industries then the next time you take a flight to Grenada check the taxes paid and maybe then you would understand my previous request to the Minister of Tourism.Have a blessed day'because is Grenada we come from.
