The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has lauded Spirit Airlines for its two decades of contribution to the island’s tourism industry, highlighting the airline’s significant role in strengthening connectivity and expanding access to Jamaica for travellers from across the United States.

The commendation came during the airline’s 20th anniversary celebrations at Sangster International Airport on February 25, where tourism and aviation stakeholders gathered to recognize Spirit Airlines’ longstanding service and impact on the destination.

Spirit Airlines began flying to Jamaica in November 2005 and has since become a vital partner in linking millions of travellers from across the United States to the destination. Over the past 20 years, the airline has played a key role in strengthening visitor arrivals through both Sangster International Airport (SIA) and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett also commended the airline’s impact, noting that its presence has helped to transform Jamaica’s tourism landscape.

“Spirit Airlines has been instrumental in opening Jamaica to new and emerging markets, providing affordable options that have empowered more people to experience our island. This 20-year milestone reflects a strong and valued partnership that continues to drive growth, resilience and opportunity for our tourism sector,” Bartlett said.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, underscored the importance of the airline’s reliability and long-standing commitment.

“For two decades, Spirit Airlines has demonstrated unwavering dedication to Jamaica, ensuring that our destination remains competitive and accessible. Their consistent service has not only strengthened our airlift capacity but has also enhanced the overall visitor experience by making travel to Jamaica easier and more attainable,” White noted.

“For twenty years, Spirit Airlines has been a bridge connecting travellers to the warmth, culture and beauty of Jamaica. We have watched this relationship grow into more routes, more frequencies and more visitors arriving with excitement in their eyes and leaving with Jamaica in their hearts at both Sangster International Airport (SIA) and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA),” expressed Odette Dyer, JTB regional director at the celebration held at SIA on February 25.

Tourism officials also commended the airline for its resilience and continued commitment to the destination through global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic pressures affecting the aviation and tourism sectors.

The celebrations continued on February 26 with a second ceremony at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, marking the airline’s 20th anniversary of service to the capital.