JetBlue Airways has been commended for its ongoing contribution to strengthening air connectivity across the Caribbean, with Barbados standing out as a major success story in the airline’s regional network.
During a ceremony at Grantley Adams International Airport marking JetBlue’s tenth anniversary of service between Boston and Barbados, Peter Mayers, United States Director of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), praised the airline for its decade-long partnership, which he said has been instrumental in expanding the island’s visibility in the U.S. market.
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“This Boston–Barbados route has not simply connected two destinations, but two cultures and communities,” Mayers said. “From the very first flight a decade ago, this service has played a pivotal role in promoting travel to Barbados from Boston and the wider New England region.”
According to Mayers, more than 190,000 visitors have traveled from the U.S. to Barbados this year — reaffirming the United States as the island’s leading source market. He credited JetBlue’s reliability, creative marketing, and partnerships with major Boston sports franchises — including the Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins — for helping keep Barbados “top of mind” among American travelers.
Mayers also applauded JetBlue’s loyalty during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the airline’s continued service during that time as a testament to its “commercial courage and genuine commitment” to Barbados.
He went on to congratulate JetBlue on its recent achievements under the company’s JetForward strategy, which includes plans for new lounges at JFK International and Boston Logan airports, as well as the launch of its first-class service in 2026.
Looking ahead, Mayers said Barbados is committed to strengthening its tourism product in alignment with JetBlue’s growing investment.
“We continue to enhance and diversify our offerings, creating immersive and enriching experiences for our visitors,” he said, highlighting new and upcoming eco-attractions such as the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, Walker’s Reserve, Cocoa Hill, and Peg Farm.
He added that the island’s hotel landscape will soon expand with new properties — including Blue Monkey Hotel, Hotel Indigo, Royalton Chic, Pendry, and Hyatt Ziva — all set to enhance JetBlue Vacations packages.
Meanwhile, Kelly Bourne, JetBlue’s General Manager for Barbados and Grenada, said the milestone reflects the strength of the airline’s relationship with the island and its people.
“We are proud to be the only airline offering nonstop service between Boston and Barbados,” Bourne said. “This route represents our deep roots in Boston and our longstanding commitment to the Caribbean region.”
Bourne expressed gratitude to the Government of Barbados, the local business community, JetBlue’s crew members, and the Barbadian diaspora, whom she described as “the foundation of this route’s success.”
JetBlue currently operates a weekly Saturday flight from Boston, which will increase to three flights per weekduring the upcoming winter holiday season. The airline also maintains daily service from New York’s JFK International Airport.
Bourne added that JetBlue’s signature low fares, award-winning customer service, and premium Mint Class offering continue to make it one of the preferred airlines serving Barbados.
“On behalf of myself and the entire JetBlue team, thank you for your continued support,” she said. “We look forward to many more years of connection between Barbados and the JetBlue network.”
