Second inaugural flight in a week from UK market

FOR the second time within a week, Barbados welcomed an inaugural flight at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA). This time it was Thomas Cook MT 2610, a weekly London Gatwick to Barbados flight, which landed last Saturday evening.

The flight, which has about 300 seats, is expected to come to the island every Saturday, completing 12 rotations throughout the winter season.
Speaking at a special welcoming ceremony held at GAIA, Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Alvin Jemmott, said the flight was evidence that Barbados continues to perform well out of the United Kingdom (UK) market.

“By the time we get to the end of the year, we would have actually maintained our pace in that market and that is a good thing for Barbados as we continue to improve our tourism arrivals. It is opportunities like this that help us to do that,” he said.

The Chairman said he was pleased with Barbados’ tourism marketing team in the UK for finding additional opportunities to help boost tourist arrivals.

“We continue to be proud of the relationships that we have built over time, especially with Thomas Cook, and we look forward to a long and fruitful winter season,” Jemmott said.

The inaugural flight was also a special occasion for Captain Maurice Flemmings, who is on his way to retirement. Captain Flemmings, who has been flying to the island for 15 years, said he requested that Barbados be the last destination he comes to as he prepares to end his career.

“I love coming to Barbados, it is my favourite destination. That is why I asked for it for my last trip. Today is my last trip inbound and on Thursday I will be flying back to London on my last ever flight,” Captain Flemmings said.

Last Tuesday, tourism officials welcomed Virgin Atlantic’s flight VS131 from London Heathrow. That Virgin Atlantic flight is expected to come to the island twice per week. (AH)