Barbados celebrate Air Canada's 75 years of continuous service to the island
December 3, 2024
Around 7.35 a.m. on December 3, 1949, the inaugural Air Canada – then Trans Canada Air Lines – flight landed in Barbados with 44 passengers and crew.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) hosted a cocktail reception on December 2 at Hotel X in Toronto to mark the occasion.
“This celebration is a testament to the enduring bond between Barbados and Canada, a relationship that is built on trust, collaboration and mutual respect,” said Minister of Tourism & International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill. “It reflects the significance of air travel in fostering connectivity, cultural exchange and economic prosperity between our two nations. Tonight is also a moment to acknowledge the power of connecting the world through joint travel.”
The Trans Canada Air Lines inaugural flight on the ground in Barbados in December 1949 (Photo contributed)
Air Canada established service to Barbados the same year that a terminal was built at Seawell Airport that was renamed Grantley Adams International Airport.
“This connection has led to Barbados being the longest-served destination in the Caribbean for Air Canada and has also played a vital role in shaping our tourism industry,” Gooding-Edghill noted.
After COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, Air Canada was the first airline to resume service to Barbados.
“This demonstrated a deep and unwavering commitment to our shared recovery and resilience,” said Gooding-Edghill. “This partnership is more than air routes. It is about creating opportunities, building bridges and ensuring that the joy of travel remains accessible and enriching.”
During the winter, Air Canada flies four times weekly between Montreal and Barbados.
As of last month, more than 74,000 Canadians visited Barbados this year.
“Known for our unmatched hospitality, our Canadian visitors arrive as strangers and leave as friends often returning to continue relationships that span generations,” Gooding-Edghill said. “What sets us apart is our ability to make every visitor feel like they are coming home.”
Canada’s national airline serves Barbados daily through Lester B Pearson International Airport in Toronto.
“Air Canada’s dedication to service, safety and reliability has been a cornerstone for our success,” said Gooding-Edghill. “We deeply value our partnership and are committed to continuing this journey together, fostering innovation, collaboration and excellence in travel.”
Leaving Montreal and stopping in Bermuda, where it was delayed by a storm, and Jamaica, the inaugural flight on the Canadair DC-4M North Star propeller plane took about 15 hours.
Trans Canada Air Lines (Photo from RAScholefield Collection)
Direct flights now last just over five hours.
Serving Barbados continuously for 75 years, noted BTMI Chief Executive Officer Andrea Franklin, is an incredible milestone.
“This remarkable partnership has connected people across borders and fostered strong cultural, economic and tourism ties between our two nations,” she pointed out. “Over the decades, Air Canada has played a pivotal role in bringing visitors to our island to experience its vibrant heritage, sunny landscapes and hospitality. As we reflect on this shared journey, we look forward to celebrating this bond and building even greater opportunities for collaboration in the years to come.
Approximately 2.7 million Canadians visited between 1967 and 2023.
“We will continue to offer Canadian visitors an immersive experience on the island where you are free to explore the authentic Bajan experience, whether it is romance, culinary, heritage, sports or seascape adventures,” said Franklin. “You will land in Barbados for the first time as a visitor and we welcome you back as family and friends.”
The largest percentage of repeat visitors to Barbados is from Canada.
Gline Clarke, Barbados’ Ambassador to Canada, thanked Air Canada for its first-class service and commitment to the island which gained its independence in November 1966.
“Air Canada would have been convinced to place its trust in our newly-minted democracy,” he said. “I think we can all agree that that fate has led to tremendous benefits for both Barbados and Air Canada. Here, I speak not only of business, but also of the friendship and support that Canada has had towards Barbados over the years. The direct people-to-people contact cannot be undervalued.”
Barbados’ Ambassador to Canada Gline Clarke (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
While travelling across Canada as Barbados’ top diplomat in Canada, Clarke said Bajans in other provinces frequently inquire about Air Canada starting a service from their provinces to the Caribbean island.
Given the uncertainty in regional air services, he also encouraged Air Canada to consider creating an express service using Barbados as a hub to serve the Caribbean region.
“This, Air Canada, will surely encourage more inter-regional travel as well as Canadian travel,” Clarke said. “Though we have excellent service from Air Canada, I believe there is an opportunity to improve from where we are to ensure that this relationship could be enhanced and deepened.”
Clarke joined Gooding-Edghill in acknowledging the BTMI team in Canada for going the extra mile in promoting Barbados as a destination of choice.
Ryan Forde, the Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, also congratulated Air Canada for its excellent service over the decades.
“We have seen success throughout the years in our properties, attractions, experiences, and culinary offerings,” he pointed out.
Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association CEO Ryan Forde (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
Forde also noted that Canadians were the highest real estate purchasers in Barbados last year.
“They don’t just come for vacation,” he added. “They are investing in Barbados.”
