Caribbean Airlines expands Ja connectivity with Fort Lauderdale route relaunch
Published:Thursday | March 13, 2025 | 12:08 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Caribbean Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to Jamaica’s air connectivity by reintroducing non-stop flights between Fort Lauderdale and both Montego Bay and Kingston, injecting 1,323 seats into the market each week.
The announcement was made by the airline’s CEO, Garvin Medera, during a ‘Welcome Home’ ceremony held at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, marking the return of the vital route for the Jamaican diaspora, tourists, and business travellers.
Medera emphasised that this move was driven by strong demand from customers, particularly the more than 300,000 Jamaicans residing in Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding areas.
“This route is not just about travel – it’s about family, about opportunity, and about staying connected to home,” he stated.
With daily flights now available between Kingston, Montego Bay and Fort Lauderdale, Caribbean Airlines aims to provide greater convenience and accessibility for travellers. Medera highlighted that the airline’s decision to reinstate the route was based on feedback from customers who expressed the importance of this service.
The relaunch of the Fort Lauderdale route represents a strategic investment in Jamaica’s tourism and economic landscape. Director of Tourism, Donovan White, welcomed the move, emphasizing its significance for both leisure and business travel.
“Jamaica continues to be a destination of choice, and strengthening airlift is a critical part of our strategy to increase arrivals and facilitate trade,” White stated. “Caribbean Airlines has been a steadfast partner, and this additional connectivity from Fort Lauderdale will undoubtedly enhance access for our Diaspora, as well as visitors from the United States.”
Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, underscored the importance of the Fort Lauderdale route, describing it as one of Montego Bay’s top-performing connections.
“This route consistently ranks among our busiest and serves as a lifeline for many Jamaicans, as well as visitors from South Florida,” Munroe said. “To our friends at Caribbean Airlines, we say welcome back. We appreciate your commitment to serving the Caribbean region and anticipate future expansions not only to North America but also to the Caribbean from Montego Bay, as we actively work to grow our network.”
Medera also highlighted Caribbean Airlines’ broader expansion strategy, noting that in 2024, the airline added new routes to Martinique, Guadeloupe, San Juan, and Tortola. The airline transported over two million passengers last year and saw a 17-percentage-point increase in customer satisfaction scores, positioning it among the top-performing airlines globally.
“This relaunch is part of our broader strategy to connect the Caribbean seamlessly. We are not just an airline; we are a lifestyle brand, one that represents the rhythm, energy, and heart of the region,” Medera noted.
Beyond aviation, Caribbean Airlines continues to invest in Jamaican culture and sports. For the past six years, the airline has been the presenting sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, helping to bring visitors home to experience the world-renowned music festival.
This year, the airline will also support the Caribbean Village T10 Cricket Tournament, further deepening its engagement with the region.
Medera underscored that the success of the Fort Lauderdale route will depend on continued collaboration between the airline, government agencies, tourism boards, hoteliers, businesses, and the travelling public.
“Caribbean Airlines is your airline. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey, but it is also a continuation of our vision to connect the Caribbean seamlessly and sustainably,” he said.
With the carrier’s renewed focus on expanding services and enhancing the travel experience, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s area chapter chair, Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly, and the city of Montego Bay’s mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, both committed to supporting the airline’s return to the tourism capital.