Sunrise Airways officially launched its new direct service between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados on Wednesday, with tourism and aviation officials hailing the route as another step towards improving regional travel and strengthening economic ties across the Caribbean.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill (centre) cutting the ribbon with Philippe Bayard, President & Founder, Sunrise Airways (in white) with other local and Antigua and Barbuda tourism officials. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
The inaugural flight landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport just after 12 p.m.
The regional carrier, founded in 2010 by Haitian former pilot Philippe Bayard, began operations in 2012 and steadily expanded across the Caribbean, offering scheduled passenger and charter services. Based in Port-au-Prince, it has been building out its regional network in recent years, including services linking several Eastern Caribbean destinations.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill (centre) leading a toast in celebration of the new flight. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
In a press briefing after the airline’s arrival, Sunrise Airways chief executive officer Gary Stone said the twice-weekly service reflects the airline’s long-term “One Caribbean” vision of creating stronger links between islands while expanding opportunities for tourism, trade, business and family travel.
“We’re delighted to begin the operation in Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados, one of the Caribbean’s premier destinations,” Stone said. “This direct service from Antigua and Barbuda will enhance regional connectivity, expand options for travellers, and give our passengers the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality and quality service that defines Sunrise Airways.”
Sunrise Airways Chief Executive Officer Gary Stone. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
The launch represented more than the addition of another route, he added:
“Today, we’re doing much more than inaugurating a new air route. We are strengthening commercial, tourism and cultural ties while promoting economic growth and deeper integration as a Caribbean community.
“To date, we have moved millions of passengers. Now we serve 20 destinations within the Caribbean, North America and Central America, which is a testament to our enduring commitment to the region.”
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill described the new connection as a significant boost for the intra-regional tourism market.
“The Caribbean remains Barbados’ third largest source market. Last year we had over 102 000 visitors from the Caribbean region, and with increased intra-regional traffic, we are confident that our numbers will continue to grow.
“Today’s launch is more than the arrival of a new flight. It is a vital step forward in deepening the bonds of our Caribbean family and strengthening intra-regional travel connectivity.”
Gooding-Edghill said reliable airlift remains essential to the tourism industry, supporting businesses, encouraging investment and keeping Caribbean families connected.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
He noted that the new route would benefit both destinations by providing travellers with another direct option between Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda.
The minister also highlighted the wider opportunities created through Sunrise Airways’ expanding network.
“The introduction of this twice-weekly Sunrise service between Antigua and Barbuda connects more than just two nations,” he said, noting that passengers in Barbados would gain improved access to destinations including Haiti, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Martin, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Sunrise’s links to US cities Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Newark could also create future opportunities to further strengthen Barbados’ international connectivity, he added.
“As we celebrate today’s milestone, Barbados continues to reaffirm its commitment to continuously review our options as we seek to enhance and drive more arrivals to the destination,” Gooding-Edghill said.
Sunrise Airways operates a mix of owned and leased turboprops and jets, including five Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia turboprop planes, three British Aerospace Jetstream 32s, a Cessna Caravan 208, and two Airbus A320-200s, reflecting a blend of short-haul island flying and higher-capacity US connections.
(SB)
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