Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
BY SOLOMON HERBERT, JR. AIR JAMAICA MAINTAINS CARGO OPERATIONS IN MIAMI, LOS ANGELES AND ATLANTA Air Jamaica's President & CEO Bruce R. Nobles confirmed that the airline will maintain its current cargo services from Miami, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, despite its soon-to-be discontinued passenger service from these cities as part of its 2009 Business Plan. The recently announced plan is designed to improve productivity and bring the airline's unit costs in line with international norms. "Our cargo business is not only important to our own operations, but also plays an important role in Jamaica's productive sector. We are not making any changes and our cargo customers can continue to depend on us," Nobles said. Air Jamaica uses an extensive road feeder network to move cargo from across the U.S. to its gateways in the South Florida and Northeastern seaboard. Service between Miami and Kingston will continue three times per week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays – and between Miami and Montego Bay on Thursdays and Sundays. This means that Air Jamaica, which has a 767 freighter operating on the Miami/Jamaica route, will maintain its position as the airline with the best frequency from Miami and the one with the most weekly cargo capacity – that is, 270,000 pounds per week. The airline will also continue cargo service to the Eastern Caribbean. Air Jamaica's cargo customers range from large commercial operations that import and export processed food and agri- cultural produce, to individuals importing household appliances. ANGUILLA AIR EXPRESS BEGINS SERVICE FROM SAN JUAN TO ANGUILLA WITH INAUGURAL FLIGHT ON FEBRUARY 14th Anguilla's chief minister, the Honourable Osbourne B. Fleming, led the welcome team on the tarmac at Wallblake Airport to greet the arrival of the first Anguilla Air Express service into the island on Saturday, February14th 2009. The inaugural flight was carrying a select group of travel industry VIPs to experience first hand the new service and enjoy a special Valentine's weekend hosted by the Anguilla Tourist Board. Special festivities were held at the airport to celebrate the occa- sion. "This new service is a big step in improving direct access into Anguilla, and helps fill a major void. Travelers now have three daily options for a safe, reliable and easy connection between San Juan and Anguilla, and most importantly, it gets our visitors to Anguilla early enough for them to relax and enjoy their first day of vacation," stated The Honourable Donna Banks, spe- cial advisor Tourism, Anguilla's Ministry of Tourism. The luxury King Air Turboprop A 100 seats eight passengers and departs San Juan daily at 11:30 am, 2:45pm and 5:45pm, with departures from Anguilla at 8:00am, 1:00 pm and 4:00pm, conveniently scheduled to meet the US mainland flights. Operated by Rainbow International Airlines Inc., one of the premiere charter companies in the region, the new service provides guests the comfort, luxury and convenience of a private jet service. The emphasis of the Anguilla Air Express is on first class, personalized service, with an agent meeting all passengers at the gate and escorting them through security and to the departure gate in San Juan, and through Immigration and Customs on arrival in Anguilla, with the same VIP service on the return. The toll free number for bookings is (866) 966-1881 or online at info@anguillaairexpress.com. Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 111