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Barbados
creates history with first flight from Africa
Posted February 3, 2008
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Barbados turned over a new chapter
in its aviation history following the historic arrival of a
Ghanaian International Airlines commercial jet, which
touched down at Grantley Adams International Airport on
Friday.
The charter flight B757-200, carrying 160 passengers,
departed Accra, Ghana, West Africa on February 1, which
included a fuel stop in Sierra Leone, and continued en route
to Barbados.
Speaking on Friday at a Press Conference, Barbados’ Minister
of Tourism, Richard Sealy, said that the historic flight
will open a gateway of opportunities for Barbados.
“Barbadians share many cultural and historic similarities
with many Africans, particularly those in the Western part
of the continent. Given these similarities, Barbados as a
destination would be able to capitalize on this opportunity
and appeal to the heritage and cultural niche market
segments in Ghana and Nigeria.
Similar comments were echoed by Stuart Layne, President and
CEO of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), who expressed
delight at the flight, which coincided with the start of
Black history month.
“We are delighted that we finally made a breakthrough into
the African market. The BTA has pledged its support to Remac
Limited to access this market.”
Barbados, the most easterly island in the Caribbean island,
is the closest country to Africa in the region.
The Ghana charter, which may become a regular service to the
island, will make its return journey on February 15, 2008.
Of the 160 passengers on board, 40 were expected to proceed
to St Lucia and Trinidad.
