Air Canada Marks 75 Years Of Flying To Barbados

Air Canada’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Flight AC966, from Toronto, Canada, landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport, at 2:39 p.m., on Tuesday, December 3, marking 75 years that the airline has been flying to Barbados.

The wide-body aircraft, piloted by Captains Mark Tibbetts and Darren Little, along with eight cabin crew members and 234 passengers, was welcomed to the island by officials from the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., the Grantley Adams International Airport, and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, noted that on December 3, 1949, Air Canada, known then as Trans-Canada Air Lines, was the first North American airline with scheduled service to Barbados. He said it signals a very longstanding partnership between the airline and the country.

“Indeed, this is a special occasion for Barbados; one that celebrates success; one that celebrates the 75 anniversary of Air Canada’s service into Barbados. I should emphasise that Barbados has the distinction of being Air Canada’s longest flight service destination in the entire Caribbean and enjoys the highest repeat visitors within the region,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stated.

He also shared that the airline is seen as a friend to the country. “For Barbados, Air Canada has certainly proven to be a great friend. When Barbados became an independent nation in November 1966, strengthening our identity as a nation and reinforcing our commitment to building international partners, Air Canada was there. When the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada was also here with us, and they became the first airline to resume flight service to Barbados after the pandemic. This demonstrates a deep and unwavering commitment to our shared recovery and resilience.”

The Tourism Minister disclosed that in this calendar year, up until November 24, the island saw an increase of 13.4 per cent in passenger arrivals, “representing Air Canada bringing some 4036 passengers to the end of November 2024”.

“I think that’s important for us to recognise, that this airline has contributed significantly to the economic development of Barbados,” he added.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill thanked the airline’s management for its service and recommitted the Ministry’s efforts to work with the airline as it continues to support Barbados’ economic and aviation development.

Air Canada’s Manager, Airport Operations, Jacqueline Parris, speaking on the momentous occasion, said the partnership has been beneficial to both parties.

“The joint partnership has significantly benefitted both countries.  Air Canada has a loyal customer base, while the island has benefitted from … an increase of economic growth. As we look towards the next decade, we anticipate further strengthening of this relationship by expanding flight groups and collaborating on sustainable tourism initiatives….

“I want to express my sincere thanks to the BTMI for hosting this event.  It was really appreciated, and it shows us how special we are. So thank you, everyone, we do appreciate this, and we look forward to our continued partnership,” Ms. Parris said.

The captains and crew received welcome tokens, including paintings from local artist Neville Legall and Barbados-branded items.

Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg