Increases flights out of Boston
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of Economic & Tourism Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, who is currently attending the 2011 Routes Americas Airline Conference in the Dominican Republic, says that Jet Blue has shown interests in the San Juan-Sint Maarten route.
The airline has added another flight out of Boston (U.S.A.) bringing it to two weekly flights on Saturdays and Sundays. Jet Blue’s Director of Planning Dave Clark met with Honourable Minister Meyers at the airline conference and he informed the minister that he is very happy with the service which is doing very well.
Jet Blue also has a daily flight out of New York and according to the airline that one is also performing well.
"During my meeting with Jet Blue’s Mr. Clark, he pointed out that the opportunity existed for more space to grow and in particular the potential of the San Juan-Sint Maarten route. This is in line with the fact that the airline will become the fastest growing and largest carrier in Puerto Rico during the course of 2011," Hon. Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Franklin Meyers explained on Thursday.
The Minister pointed out the local economic business opportunities between Sint Maarten and San Juan, coupled with the importance of leisure tourism, which will assist with route and service development.
According to Minister Meyers, Jet Blue is expected within two weeks to give an answer when such a service would take place. The possibility exists that the service could start in winter 2011.
"With a possible reduction by American Eagle, a valued partner for many years along with other regional carriers, Jet Blue will inform my office about matching the current potential demand as a possible result of American Eagle’s potential departure as well as potential increase in demand as a result of the potential network possibilities.
"The partnership with Jet Blue, we foresee will be further strengthened as the airline expands within the region and the airlift landscape changes for the benefit of the tourism destinations in the Caribbean," Minister Meyers concluded.
Hon. Minister Franklin Meyers who headed the delegation to the airline conference in the Dominican Republic was also accompanied by Head of the Tourist Office Regina Labega, Acting Managing Director of the Princess Juliana International Airport Larry Donker, and Norma Brill.