Jet Blue passengers, crew receive warm welcome on inaugural flight

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, marked a historic day for St Vincent and the Grenadines’ aviation service with the inauguration of non-stop flights from JFK Airport in New York by Jet Blue, into the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

A Jet Blue passenger is wheeled off the air bridge to the Immigration Department.

On board the Airbus A320 aircraft were 152 passengers, including the athletes who recently represented SVG at the Paris Olympic Games and Para-Olympic Games. Others included Minister of Tourism, Carlos James and SVG’s Consulate General in New York, Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh. Also on board as well was JetBlue’s Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships, David Jehn; and three members of the airline’s crew with Vincentians roots.

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves (forefront left), was among the officials and guests at the arrival ceremony to welcome the inaugural flight of Jet Blue to Argyle international Airport.

The 152 passengers who disembarked the aircraft left New York at 9:36 a.m. on Wednesday, and arrived at the AIA at approximately 1:53 p.m. They were greeted on leaving the air bridge by Miss SVG 2024, Zada Stephens performing at her first major event since winning the title, and a group of vibrant, local dancers with steel pan music enhancing the occasion. Some of the visitors took the opportunity to take photos with them. At a welcome and ribbon-cutting ceremony held in the airport’s International Departure Lounge Minister Carlos James; Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves; JetBlue’s Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships, David Jehn; and CEO of the Argyle International Airport, Jozette Greaves, gave remarks.

Greaves said that Jet Blue’s arrival is a “big deal for us” as not only has it enhanced connections between SVG and the USA, but, “also symbolises a new chapter of growth, opportunity and collaboration.”

Greaves revealed that an additional 52 staff were hired to facilitate Jet Blue’s new connection and other plans for this year.

“AIA now proudly employs over four hundred staff, positively impacting the lives of more than four hundred families across our communities.”

The CEO described the AIA as more than just “a place where planes land and take off”. She said that several young people who started at entry-level positions have now been elevated to leadership and supervisory roles. Additionally, some have “taken off” and are now employed as flight attendants, pilots and aircraft technicians.

“We take great pride in the fact that AIA is more than just a workplace, it’s a springboard for ambition and a foundation for careers in aviation,” Greaves remarked.

Also making remarks were the three Vincentian crew members. One of them, Stefanie Roberts, is the granddaughter of Cyril Roberts, who was the President of a local Trade Union.

“It was always my dream to work this, so thank you so much for this opportunity and I can’t wait to fly in here more often—straight flight!” she beamed.

Another Vincentian crew member, Nigel Hewitt, recalled campaigning just about every week to get Jet Blue to fly to destination St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Now, after flying every year for about 40 years straight, I know the trials and tribulations of travelling and having to stop at another island and maybe wait 6 to 12 hours for a connecting flight and maybe, or maybe not get your bags,” he told the audience.

“ To come here today and have the Jet Blue experience was amazing, and I am happy for the island.”

Ronelle Porter Jr. the third Vincentian crew member, said he has been traversing between St Vincent and the United States for 13 years, and spoke of the challenges faced with connecting flights.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to New York Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh (4th from left) along with Tourism Minister, Carlos James (3rd from left), were some of the first to disembark the Jet Blue plane.

“Today’s my first flight back in 12 years. I’m very excited that Jet Blue finally got a flight to come straight to St Vincent, and I’m looking forward to coming back more and more frequently.”

During the airport ceremony, both Minister James and Prime Minister, Gonsalves, welcomed Jet Blue and its passengers to the shores of SVG. At the ceremony, the athletes who represented SVG at the 2024 Paris Olympics received trophies. The recipients are track athletes Shaffiqua Maloney and Handal Roban, and swimmer Kennice Greene, along with Para-olympian swimmer, Kentreal Kydd.

Additionally, a ribbon-cutting segment to symbolise the launch of the non-stop Jet Blue service, was also done. This segment saw the involvement of Miss SVG 2024, Zada Stephens; Prime Minister Gonsalves; Tourism Minister, Carlos James; and dignitaries from Jet Blue as well as the SVG Tourism Authority.