United Airlines Increases Service to Jamaica by over 50% since 2019

Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has welcomed news that United Airlines increased its total flights to Jamaica by over 50% since 2019.

The disclosure was made during a meeting with the Airline’s top brass and the Minister and his Senior Executives at United’s World Headquarters last week. United Airlines is a major American airline headquartered at the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. It operates an extensive domestic and international route network across the United States, connecting six continents from its seven US mainland hubs.

“Jamaica continues to be in high demand and this increase by one of the largest US airlines proves that the partnership between the destination and airline has been fruitful and is strong. We pride ourselves on being one of the most connected destinations through our network of airline partners who form a core part of driving our tourism growth,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

The Airline’s Senior representatives indicated that they will fly their largest schedule to Jamaica this year- a 15% increase vs. 2023. They also highlighted that Jamaica’s Sangster International airport (MBJ) remains a key location for the airline as its 3rd largest Caribbean destination. United is serving MBJ from 5 of its hubs at up to 34 total weekly flights in 2024.

“Without airlift, we cannot grow our tourism product and so we rely on these types of partnerships to create mutually beneficial outcomes.”

“Jamaica is in a good position regarding its phenomenal post COVID growth and with this consistent demand for the island, we are optimistic about our tourism outlook,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

“To have one of the largest airlines out of the US, our main source market, increase its service says a lot about our partnership and how attractive Jamaica is as a destination. There is no doubt that our unique and authentic tourism offerings continue to make visitors want to come to our shores,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Summer is gearing up to be very robust as some of the Airlines’ hubs, New York/Newark, Houston, Washington D.C./Dulles, Chicago, and Denver, experience strong load factors for travel to Jamaica.

ABOUT 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 2023, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fourth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it named “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board” for the 15th consecutive year, “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” for the 17th consecutive year, and the “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination” in the World Travel Awards – Caribbean.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded six gold 2023 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean,’ and ‘Best Cruise Destination – Caribbean’ as well as two silver Travvy Awards for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and ‘Best Wedding Destination – Overall.’’ It also received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time. TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica the #7 Best Honeymoon Destination in the World and the #19 Best Culinary Destination in the World for 2024. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition and the destination is routinely ranked among the best to visit globally by prestigious international publications. 

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. 

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE:  Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (C) listens to Francine Henry-Carter, Manager, Tour Operators and Airlines, Jamaica Tourist Board during a meeting with United Airlines Executives at their office in Chicago yesterday. Also pictured are (L-R) Annalei Avancena: Director, International Regulatory Affairs – Americas, Tom Kozlowski: Senior Manager, Latin Network Planning, Mike LaGrand: Director, Latin & Pacific Network Planning, Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board and Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism, Americas, Jamaica Tourist Board. – image courtesy of Jamaica Tourist Board