Increased Demand Prompts British Airways to Add Airlift to Antigua-Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has announce that, as demand from the UK market continues to rebound for the twin-island state, British Airways will increase services to its top winter hotspots, with extra capacity beginning October 26, 2014.

Antigua and Barbuda will see a ten percent increase in seating capacity to the destination, with three out of the seven daily, non-stop British Airways flights to Antigua now being solely dedicated to holiday-makers wanting to visit the destination.

“This is excellent news coming out of the UK market, as Antigua and Barbuda continues to regain its market share out of Britain,” noted minister of tourism, John Maginley. “Since 2008, we have worked hard at trying to turn around the UK market and this year we are noticing a definite up-swing in the potential bookings out of the UK.”

This additional ten percent increase in airlift provides more seating capacity to accommodate more visitors, while giving passengers more direct accessibility to the destination, and also providing a more direct flight turn-around for passengers. This expansion showcases British Airways’ continued commitment to Antigua and Barbuda as a tourist destination.

CEO of the ABTA, Colin C. James welcomed the increased confidence in the destination by British Airways, stating, “The Tourism Authority and local hotel partners have worked diligently, across both sides of the Atlantic, with the UK airlines and tour operators to provide them with great holiday offerings and packages to promote to their clients. We continue to work with tour operators and travel agents to better allow them to sell the destination and drive demand.”

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Gatwick commercial director, said, “These extra flights mean families and holidaymakers will have even more choice where to enjoy the winter sunshine, with fantastic direct services… and even more flights to Antigua. This builds on the extra flights we introduced for our Summer 2014 season, thanks to adding an extra Boeing 777 to our long-haul Gatwick fleet making our flying schedule to top leisure destinations even better.”

Source: Caribbean News Now