Thursday, December 5, 2024
Air Canada marks 75 years of service to Barbados with a festive celebration, highlighting its significant role in boosting tourism and economic growth on the island.
Air Canada Marks 75 Years of Service to Barbados
On Tuesday, Air Canada’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight AC966 from Toronto landed at Grantley Adams International Airport, marking 75 years of the airline’s service to Barbados. The arrival was celebrated with a special welcome from Barbados’ Ministry of Tourism, local performers, and residents.
The flight, piloted by Captains Mark Tibbetts and Darren Little, carried 234 passengers and was greeted with a lively reception of dancing and singing, symbolizing the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Minister of Tourism, Ian Gooding Edghill, reflected on the significance of the milestone, noting that Air Canada, then known as Trans-Canada Airlines, became the first North American airline to serve Barbados on December 3, 1949. He emphasized the enduring partnership between the airline and the island nation, highlighting Air Canada’s vital role in promoting tourism and economic growth.
In 2024, up until November 24, Air Canada helped drive a 13.4% increase in visitor arrivals to Barbados, bringing approximately 4,036 passengers to the island. The Minister expressed gratitude to the airline for its contribution to the island’s development and tourism industry.
Air Canada operates daily non-stop flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Grantley Adams International Airport, with a flight time of just over five hours. The airline also offers flights from Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Halifax, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Victoria, and New York to Barbados.
