Jet Blue flight crew optimistic about destination SVG

Last Wednesday, October 9, 2024, a new partnership was established to offer direct flights between New York, USA, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) with the addition of Jet Blue. A welcome ceremony took place at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) following the arrival of the Airbus A320 aircraft with 152 passengers plus crew. SEARCHLIGHT spoke with some members of the flight crew during the event about the inaugural flight to AIA.

Stephanie York-Austin, who is an F1 flight attendant responsible for greeting passengers as they board an aircraft, described the flight from JFK, Airport New York, USA, to St Vincent’s AIA as “smooth, seamless, and a good experience.”

She felt the flight to destination SVG was long overdue, and said they had been waiting for a connection to the AIA for a very long time.

“I heard we were coming since before COVID, so I was just waiting. When they finally announced it, it was just a great surprise,” she remarked.

Austin indicated that, with Jet Blue now operating direct flights between New York City and the St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), travellers would experience reduced expenses due to the availability of another travel option.

“This means everyone can come and explore our beautiful island and all the gems attached to it,” York stated, adding that her parents are from SVG.

Captain, Matt Reid, and First Officer, Cyrus Simily, both of whom had the opportunity to pilot the historic flight to SVG, spoke about their experience flying into the AIA.

Captain Reid said there were instances when he was able to enjoy the view while piloting the plane to Argyle.

“We got to enjoy it a little bit on the way in, and it’s a very spectacular area—beautiful,” he told SEARCHLIGHT.

Reid, who has 40 years of experience piloting air planes, and has served in the military, mentioned also that he has had the opportunity to fly to numerous Caribbean islands.

“I’ve never landed in St. Vincent though. I’ve been to Martinique, Grenada, Barbados, and Tortola, but never here…I can’t wait to come back. I hope we get trips here.”

Simily said he began flying planes with his uncle when he was 13 years old.

“I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to do that, he said, adding that the flight to St. Vincent was great and uneventful, and the scenery was beautiful. He also found the Air Traffic Control staff on duty that day to be very friendly and helpful.

Reid commended Jet Blue for making sure that everything for the historic flight was in order.

“It was uneventful, and that’s what you want, you don’t want to have to do any reports after you’re done,“ adding light heartedly, “and they got the two most handsome pilots to fly it down!”

Making remarks at the welcome ceremony held at the International Departure lounge, the Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships, David Jehn, expressed his gratitude to Andrea Best, the Deputy Director of Airports within the Department of Aviation Services, for securing the airline’s operating permit. He also expressed his excitement about being a part of the team that brought Jet Blue to SVG.

Jehn explained that the airline has been in operation for 24 years and serves over a hundred cities across the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. St Vincent and the Grenadines became the airline’s 26th Caribbean island to have direct flights.

“With this launch, Jet Blue becomes the first US carrier to provide non-stop service between JFK and Argyle International Airport in St Vincent,” Jehn stated. He said this new connection will create other connections to other destinations to which the carrier flies.

He highlighted that the airline prides itself on having the best crew in the industry, “to make sure that all our customers receive the best service possible and are happy on their flights.” Jet Blue will have two direct flights per week to SVG, Wednesdays and Sundays.