SC Connecticut News

Windsor Locks, CONN – December 15, 2022 – The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is pleased to announce that Spirit Airlines has launched new, nonstop service to Montego Bay, Jamaica today. The inaugural flight from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) departed this morning.
 

“We are proud to have finally launched nonstop service to Montego Bay,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the CAA. “In addition to connecting our passengers to an exciting travel destination, we are proud to offer convenient connectivity for the state’s strong Jamaican population, their friends, and their relatives. We thank Spirit Airlines, Visit Jamaica and the many community leaders who partnered with us in securing the service and launching this much anticipated flight.”

 

“We’ve been overjoyed by the community’s excitement and anticipation for the first-ever nonstop service connecting Connecticut and Jamaica,” said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. “We're proud to celebrate this historic day which also marks Spirit’s first international flight from Bradley International Airport, and we thank the airport team and our Hartford Guests for their support.”

 

“We welcome this new nonstop service by Spirit,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “Connecticut is an important market for Jamaica in the key Northeast region of the U.S. that’s home to many of our Diaspora. The launch of this new flight supports the continuing strong rebound of Jamaica’s tourism sector and provides travelers with yet another convenient option to get to our beautiful island.”

 

Connecticut is home to one of the largest Jamaican communities in the world, boasting the fifth largest population of residents with Jamaican ancestry among all U.S. states. According to census data, there are more than 56,000 residents with Jamaican ancestry in Connecticut.

 

This is the first time that a nonstop flight to Jamaica is being offered from Bradley International Airport.

 

The service now operates year-round, four times weekly, with the inaugural flight debuting as follows:

                                               

Departure                           Arrival

From BDL to MBJ              8:00 AM ET                        12:04 PM ET

 

The return flight to Bradley International Airport, departs Sangster International Airport at 1:04 PM ET and arrives at Bradley International Airport at 5:00 PM ET.

 

Flight times are subject to change, and passengers are encouraged to visit the Spirit Airlines website, https://www.spirit.com/, for the latest information and booking options.

 

Passengers on the inaugural flight this morning were treated to destination-themed live music, refreshments, and giveaways in celebration of the launch.

 

Jamaica is known for its white, sandy beaches, natural beauty, outstanding music, and cuisine, in addition to a rich cultural heritage. For additional information, visit https://www.visitjamaica.com/

 

About Spirit Airlines

 

Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose — like bags, seat assignments, refreshments and Wi-Fi — something we call À La Smarte®. Our Fit Fleet® is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the United States. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, making it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. We are committed to inspiring positive change in the communities where we live and work through the Spirit Charitable Foundation. Come save with us at spirit.com.

 

About The Jamaica Tourist Board

 

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.   In 2021, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’ for the second consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 14th consecutive year; and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 16th consecutive year; as well as the ‘Caribbean’s Best Nature Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Best Adventure Tourism Destination.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded four gold 2021 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best Destination, Caribbean/Bahamas,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination –Caribbean,’ Best Travel Agent Academy Program,’ as well as a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 10th time. In 2020, the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the 2020 ‘Destination of the Year for Sustainable Tourism’. In 2019, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition.  For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).  Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.  

 

About Bradley International Airport                                                                                                                                                                        

Bradley International Airport (BDL) invites you to “Journey On” and once again experience the convenience of traveling at New England’s second-largest airport. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, Bradley International Airport is ready to welcome you with new nonstops and expanded services. The award-winning airport is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy. For more info, visit www.flyBDL.org.

About The Connecticut Airport Authority

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) was established in 2011 to develop, improve, and operate Bradley International Airport and the state’s five general aviation airports (Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford, and Windham).  The CAA Board consists of 11 members with a broad spectrum of experience in aviation-related and other industries, as well as government.  The goal of the CAA is to make Connecticut’s airports more attractive to new airlines, bring in new routes, and support Connecticut’s overall economic development and growth strategy.

Original source can be found here.