Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
November 19, 2007 (CUOPM)
The inauguration of nonstop jet service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts represents a great tourism success story for the twin-island Nation.
Speaking during a ceremony to mark the first scheduled flight upon arrival on Sunday afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor said it was an historic day that ushers in an “important factor in the developmental equation of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He also said that it signifies the progress to date in ensuring opportunities and enhancing development and saluted American Airlines as true partners in development.
“This milestone event will increase visitor arrivals overnight, lays the foundation on which stakeholders can create business for themselves and attract further investment opportunities as the Federation demonstrates to the world our desire to grow and develop the tourism industry,” said Deputy Prime Minister Condor.“We give thanks and praise for this day that has been in the making for quite some time now. The lobbying has been long and hard, but I have what one might well describe as a settled view, that is, that what is to happen will happen, when it is to happen. And what timing! This flight has added to the air of festive anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding what for us is the largest festive season ““ Christmas and Carnival,” said Minister Condor, who expressed gratitude and appreciation to all the players for the planning, strategizing and coordinating and co-operation that have culminated in this extremely significant and momentous occasion.
The Deputy Prime Minister was of the view that American Airlines is firmly established in the international market as highly dedicated and reliable and the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Government “treasures our partnership with this dynamic company, and enthusiastically welcomes this opportunity for the deepening of this shared thrust, and co-operation and excellent service.”
Mr. Condor expressed confidence that this new Hub out of New York, will give travelers value for money, seamless booking and flights and AA”˜s unique commitment to customer service, which would ultimately enhance this destination.
He expressed also sincere appreciation on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas to all the agencies and individuals who have contributed to this inaugural flight from the Big Apple New York, in particular American Airlines Representatives for recognising the value of this business enterprise.
Minister Condor also thanked Minister of State for Tourism, Sen. the Hon. Ricky Skerritt; former Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dwyer Astaphan and the devoted staff of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority both at the New York Office and in St. Kitts for pursuing this initiative.
American Airlines will operate the twice weekly flight from JFK. AA already operates a five times a week flight from Miami International Airport and American Eagle operates three daily flights from Puerto Rico.