ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA 20 October 2005The island of Dominica will receive an early Yuletide gift this year whenCaribbean Sun Airlines begins daily flights to this destination on 15 December 2005.
Flight 502 will depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at 2:50 p.m. daily, and arrive directly into Dominica at 4:30 p.m. The flight will continue on to Barbados at 4:55 p.m., with a 5:55 p.m. arrival time into Grantley Adams International Airport. On 16 December, a reverse pattern will be effected. Flight 503 will depart Barbados at 11:00 a.m., and arrive in Dominica at 12:00 noon. The aircraft will leave Dominica at 12:25 p.m. to touch down in San Juan at 2:05 p.m.
Announcing its new route to the acclaimed "Nature Island of the Caribbean", Caribbean Sun said this expansion of its service is part of its overall plan to link the US mainland with the region's attractive destinations. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Caribbean Sun airlifts international passengers into the region through its San Juan, Puerto Rico, hub.
The addition of Dominica to CaribbeanSuns schedule marks the 11th destination in the airline's network. The previous addition was St. Eustatius in the US Virgin Islands with an inaugural flight scheduled for 15 November.
Speaking about the new service, Caribbean Sun and Caribbean Star President and Chief Executive Officer William "Skip" Barnette noted that the airlines strategic plan includes providing a greater quantity of flights to the region and promoting increased passenger traffic to the islands.
This endeavour has been met with enthusiastic support from all stakeholders, particularly the Ministries of Tourism and the governments on the various islands. With the assurance of more regular flights into their territories, they can focus on developing their tourism packages and improving their overall services. Access to the US tourist market will be made that much more attractive through the Caribbean Sun/USAirways code share agreement. This allows for connections from Philadelphia and Charlotte on a daily basis, as well as weekend connections from New York (La Guardia), Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. (Dulles).
Supporting Barnette's remarks, Dominica Director of Tourism Sharon Pascal said this was a most valid point as a reliable air service into her country was key to the success of their tourism product.
"We welcome Caribbean Sun Airlines to Dominica, positive in the knowledge that this will be a lucrative destination based on the demands we have from prospective tourists. Dominica is known for its eco-tourism that is attractive to nature-seekers, environmentalists and those who just wish to change the pace of their lifestyle." Pascal added that only recently a North American crew shot a reality television series in Dominica and she is certain that when this is transmitted, the international exposure will result in even more visitors wanting to explore and experience the sites and sights of the island.
The airfare applicable to Caribbean Sun's new flight service to Dominica will be announced shortly.
Caribbean Sun Airlines also flies to Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Tortola, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Vincent, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Santiago (Dominican Republic) and St. Eustatius (beginning 15 November).
About Caribbean Star Limited and Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc.
Privately held Caribbean Star Airlines Limited was incorporated in Antigua in 2000. Its sister airline, Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, launched its maiden flight in January 2003. Together, the airlines serve 18 Caribbean destinations and transport over 80,000 passengers a month throughout the region. More information about Caribbean Star Airlines and Caribbean Sun Airlines is available at their respective websites, www.flycsa.com or contact Caribbean Sun reservations at 1-800-744-7827 (Caribbean) or 1-866-864-6272 (US), and www.flycaribbeanstar.com.
Caribbean Star Airlines Limited and Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc. are affiliated but separate companies. The air service provided by each carrier is operated independently of the other, and the rules applicable to your travel on each airline may be different.
