Ian Fleming Airport Investment Will Yield Benefits for Residents – Minister Vaz
By: , March 1, 2024
Photo: Rudranath Fraser
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz (right), receives a replica of an American Airlines (AA) aircraft from Jamaican-born pilot Captain Marc Coley (second left), who was in charge of the airline’s inaugural flight into the Ian Fleming International Airport in St. Mary on February 24. Sharing the moment is First Officer, Christy Schafer (left), while Member of Parliament for St. Mary Western, Robert Montague (second left), looks on.The Full Story
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says the Ian Fleming International Airport is providing a gateway to more than 8,000 hotel rooms and villas in the parishes of St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland.
Speaking at a recent ceremony to welcome the inaugural American Airlines flight from Miami to the St. Mary-based airport, Minister Vaz highlighted that the investment in the facility will yield great benefits for residents of the three parishes.
“It’s a huge day for St. Mary and Jamaica… . Today, 71 passengers landed here; the flight was full. That is a significant achievement,” he pointed out.
Minister Vaz pointed out that the new service by American Airlines will be a game changer, not just for all-inclusive properties but also for smaller hotels, villas and the players in the Airbnb market.
He thanked American Airlines for responding to the call to operate flights in and out of the airport, utilising aircraft that are suitable for the length of the runway.
The Minister expressed confidence that the demand for airlift services in and out of Ian Fleming airport will increase.
“I am sure that once American Airlines sees the demand, they will increase the flights, and we will get other airlines involved as well,” he declared.
Minister Vaz highlighted the contribution of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, National Environment and Planning Agency, the Municipal Corporations and all the stakeholders who played a role in the extension of the runway and improvements to the building to accommodate American Airlines into Ian Fleming.
He said the work done serves to demonstrate that Jamaica is growing in all aspects, “not just the economy and tourism but even the very expertise that we require to be able to put together projects such as this right here in Jamaica”.
“When we work together we get things done, and this is truly an amazing day for us all,” he added.
The American Airlines Embraer aircraft with 71 passengers aboard touched down at Ian Fleming airport just after midday on Saturday, February 24.
American Airlines is the first US airline to operate flights in and out of the airport following years of discussions with local authorities and business interests.