(Jamaica Gleaner) Loud cheers rang out on-board a Caribbean Airlines/Air Jamaica Boeing 737 immediately after the aircraft touched down at the Orlando International Airport, Florida, last week Thursday.
“Very good,” said a smiling Pam Reece, as she nodded with beauty queen Yendi Phillipps, who was sitting near to her in first class.
Reece, who is the wife of retired army officer, Major Richard Reece, was one of several travel agents who made the trip. Jamaican nationals who travelled on the flight were given souvenirs before departing Kingston.
In a welcoming gesture, the flight was met by two fire units, which used water cannons to salute and celebrate the return of Caribbean Airlines/Air Jamaica non-stop flights from Kingston to Orlando.
According to the regional airline, it will be the only carrier operating non-stop flights from Kingston and Orlando. Previously, passengers had to depart from the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, St James, for a non-stop flight to Orlando, or travel from Kingston via Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Orlando.
In celebration of the new service, introductory fares start at US$89 plus taxes, one way. Additionally, from September 15 to November 15, passengers travelling on return trips between Kingston and Orlando will be allowed three checked bags at 50lbs each.
“Reintroducing our non-stop service to Orlando – the fifth largest metropolitan area in the Southeast US – is an important milestone in our strategy to strengthen operations,” said Will Rodgers, acting general manager of Air Jamaica.
“The flights, which originate in Port of Spain, will serve Orlando’s growing Caribbean diaspora as well as seasonal leisure travellers from the Caribbean.”
