Warm welcome for Sunrise

Barbados welcomed its newest airline partner at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) yesterday.

The inaugural Sunrise Airways nonstop flight from Antigua and Barbuda touched down around noon to a steel pan welcome, stilt walkers, Mother Sally and executives from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., GAIA, and the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport.

Accompanying the passengers aboard the flight, piloted by Captain Earl Athill, were executives from the airline and Antigua’s tourism ministry and tourism authority.

Chief executive officer of Sunrise Airways, Gary Stone, said the airline connection was a new beginning, noting every destination represented families reuniting, businesses expanding, cultures connecting and new opportunities for their people.

“Today, we’re doing much more than inaugurating a new air route. We are strengthening commercial tourism and cultural ties while promoting economic growth and deeper integration as a Caribbean community.

“Indeed, the combined presence of the Government officials of both Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda, who are joining us to celebrate this inaugural flight, sends a powerful message about the region’s ability to work together to achieve shared objectives,” he said.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism Michael Freeland said connectivity was vital.

“While our beaches, heritage, cuisine, festivals and warm hospitality continue to attract visitors from around the world, we also recognise that the strength of our tourism industry depends on one critical factor: connectivity.

“Without reliable and affordable air access, the Caribbean cannot fully unlock its economic potential. Every new route opens new doors for tourism, trade, investment, education, sporting events and family connections. It allows our people to travel more conveniently while creating opportunities for business on both islands to grow.

“The relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados has always been a special one. We share common histories, common values and a common vision for regional progress.

“Our people have long travelled between our islands for business, education, leisure, sports and family. Today’s inaugural flight strengthens those bonds and makes those connections even easier,” he said.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill said the partnership with Sunrise Airways formed part of their tourism strategy. “We continue every year to strategise what we want to accomplish within our markets. This is another example of our strategy at work, which has worked well for Barbados and we continue to grow our arrivals. Of course, we have the challenge now with increasing fuel costs, which is a significant contributor to operating expenses. But notwithstanding that, we have to ensure that we continue to drive our arrivals.

“What you’re witnessing here today is the result of behind-thescenes negotiations and people in the boardroom strategising to come to Barbados, recognising the growth of Barbados.

“As we continue to increase our room inventory, it is also necessary that we continue to fill those rooms and this initiative by Sunrise Airways will certainly allow us to continue on that mission,” he said.

Barbados is now the 20th destination for Sunrise Airways, which includes countries in the region as well as North and Central America.

(CA)

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