SPECIAL FEATURE
The Year-round service from Hartford to Montego Bay starts December 2022
Our Bureau
MIRAMAR, FL
Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is making it easier to visit family and friends or vacation in Montego Bay, with the announcement of the only nonstop service between Connecticut and Jamaica. The new route connecting Bradley International Airport (BDL) to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) will offer a convenient, affordable option for tourists and the state’s large Jamaican community.
“Spirit Airlines is excited to launch our first ever international flight from Bradley International Airport. We sincerely appreciate our partnership with the airport and the opportunities to grow since launching service in 2017,” said John Kirby, Spirit Airlines Vice President of Network Planning.
“We have tremendous teams both here in Connecticut and in Montego Bay and have proudly served Jamaica since 2005. We can’t wait to provide our Guests with More Go.”
The year-round service to Montego Bay will operate four times per week, beginning December 15, 2022. The new route highlights Spirit’s commitment to Connecticut and growth at BDL. In addition to existing flights to Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA) and Myrtle Beach (MYR), Spirit will also offer nonstop service to Tampa (TPA) and Fort Myers (RSW) for the winter travel season.
“We have pursued nonstop Jamaica service at Bradley International Airport for years now in an effort to meet our community’s needs, and we are proud to finally make it a reality with Spirit’s partnership,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority.
“I have no doubt that this service will be successful, and I am proud that Bradley Airport will finally be able to offer this convenient connectivity for the state’s strong Jamaican population, their friends, and their relatives.”
“MBJ Airports Limited is elated to have a direct service from BDL,” said Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, the operator of Sangster International Airport. “We welcome this service which is a great addition for Jamaican students studying in Connecticut and the Jamaican diaspora. We thank Spirit Airlines for filling this need with direct connectivity between Connecticut and Montego Bay. We anticipate that this will also increase tourist traffic directly from Connecticut to Montego Bay and Jamaica.”
“We welcome Spirit Airline’s new service from Connecticut to Montego Bay, which will commence just in time for the start of the 2022/23 Winter Tourist Season,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, CD, MP, Minister of Tourism. “This is a welcome addition to our airlift arrangements as we continue our drive to further boost the flow of US visitors to Jamaica through the addition of new gateways and greater seat support. Our tourism sector is rebounding at a very brisk pace, with record arrivals and greater visitor spend. So, this new service will also help to enhance these numbers and will increase arrivals into our tourism Mecca, Montego Bay. Furthermore, Connecticut has a vibrant Jamaican diaspora and on the flip side many Jamaicans trek to Connecticut for business and family engagements, they will all no doubt fully utilizes this convenient service.”
Spirit continues its commitment to invest in the Guest, which entails a number of initiatives aimed at delivering the best value in the sky:
• Spirit’s Fit Fleet is one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry, with 24 brand new planes planned for delivery this year, and 33 more planes projected for delivery in 2023.
• The Free Spirit loyalty program, which is the fastest way to earn rewards and status.
• An all-new cabin interior with ergonomically-designed seats and more usable legroom, featuring the best deal in the sky with our unique Big Front Seat
• Fast onboard Wi-Fi that allows Guests to watch content from streaming services.
Spirit was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2022 following its active efforts to create and celebrate a diverse workplace environment. The carrier also won “Best Airport Innovation” in the 2021 APEX/IFSA Awards for its groundbreaking self-bag drop system with biometric photo matching, which speeds up the check-in process and reduces face-to-face contact.
Spirit also recently received the FAA’s “Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence” for the fourth consecutive year.
“Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose — like bags, seat assignments and refreshments,” says a statement from the company. It is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities.
