By the Caribbean Journal staff

JetBlue has officially begun operating service to Antigua’s recently-redeveloped VC Bird International Airport.

The carrier will be operating three flights per week out of New York City on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Antigua and Barbuda becomes the carrier’s 92nd destination and 34th in the Latin America and Caribbean region, where the carrier has been significantly expanding.

““We are incredibly excited to welcome our newest partners, JetBlue, and the three weekly flights from New York,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Asot Michael.  “The launch of JetBlue’s direct service is an incredibly important connection between the East Coast and Antigua and Barbuda, making it much easier for everyone to reach the paradise of our islands. This new service is a wonderful milestone as it is the first inaugural flight into the new VC Bird International Airport and represents an important step in increasing the airlift to our country, which is an important part in the success of our tourism industry.”

JetBlue is operating the flights on Airbus A320 aircraft; flights operate in the morning, with return flights to New York in the early evening.

“As our 34th destination in the Latin America and Caribbean region, Antigua and Barbuda offers another opportunity to grow our network in high-value geographies and strengthen JetBlue’s position as the leading brand for Caribbean travel,” said Umang Gupta, director, JetBlue Getaways and leisure sales. “Antigua will attract travelers to discover its spectacular 365 beaches – one for every day of the year.”