Frontier Airlines launches nonstop service between Trinidad, Puerto Rico

ULTRA-LOW fare Frontier Airlines moved a total of 271 passengers between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Trinidad on July 11 as it launched its nonstop service between the two islands.

The Airbus A320-200 aircraft landed at Piarco International Airport around 3.37 pm with 95 passengers, and boarding began for the return flight to the Munos Marin International Airport just after 4pm.

There will be flights on Sundays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The US Airline had announced that Trinidad was added as its 12th Caribbean destination on May 2.

Speaking at the launch at the Piarco Airport, senior director of network planning at Frontier Airlines Jonathan Kaufman said he was thrilled, as he wanted the flights to begin in time for "summer vacation.

"We're excited and going to invest long-term in this project...We are very excited for the people of TT to experience what we call the island of enchantment."

He said San Juan, Puerto Rico can also be used as a gateway to a "wealth of destinations" in the US, including New York, Miami, Tampa and Orlando, among others.

He added that he hopes bringing ultra-low fares to the local aviation market will "stimulate the demand for more carriers to come to and experience the wealth (TT) has to offer.

"Not just for the Carnival and to play mas in February, but year-round, (experience) the culinary arts, culture..."

Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell congratulated all involved and said it was the "beginning of a new chapter in our aviation sector."

He said the new route will considerably enhance connectivity and offer convenience.

"(It is) one that we are grateful for, and this aligns perfectly with the government's commitment to increase the number of airlines operation from TT."

He said this can aid in passenger arrivals to TT returning to pre-covid19 pandemic levels, especially as the airline will add over 2,000 seats monthly.

Increased numbers of passengers affect several sectors, he said, including hospitality and manufacturing, and can drive sustainable development.

"Each new flight acts as a key that opens the door to our rich cultural heritage, diverse tourist attractions and our national festivals."

Randall Karim, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Trade brought greetings for line minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, who was running late. Karim joked that if Gopee-Scoon took a Frontier Airlines flight, she would have been on time.

He said TT "continues to be a destination for business," and the aviation sector is one that influences all sectors in a country.

"It is important to appreciate that while we, as a country, move to generate new and better goods and services in the non-energy sector, there must also be parallel growth in the means by which these goods and services are transported and consumed."

Col Albert Griffith, general manager of the Airports Authority, agreed the route is important, especially as: "We continue our efforts towards establishing the Piarco International Airport as the major air transport hub in the southern Caribbean.

"Already, Port of Spain serves as a major gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean."

He added that Puerto Rico is also a "key hub," but to the US.

"(This is in) perfect alignment with our mission to enlighten and enhance the passenger experience with more choices, greater conveniences and serious connections."

Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan said in 2016, the government recognised the aviation sector could help TT in its drive for diversification.

And speaking to media after the ceremony, he added that requests for proposals would be issued on Friday for the 186 acres of land in Piarco set for an aero park.

Also speaking after the ceremony, on the topic of past US travel advisories telling its citizens not to travel here, Mitchell said he has "seen these travel advisories come and go...

"They are, I suppose, encouraged by a lot of the newspaper and media reports (of) a lot of the crimes taking place..."

He said airlines are doing market research and making informed decisions.

He said in other Caricom countries, news of crime is not "plastered on the front pages of their media," so it does not have any psychological effect on tourists.

He said the government is in talks with other airlines, and Caribbean Airlines is also considering additional routes.