interCaribbean Unveils Its “Spirit Of Barbados” Branded Aircraft
GIS BARBADOS: The strong relationship between Barbados and interCaribbean Airways was revealed yesterday with the unveiling of the airline’s “Spirit of Barbados” aircraft VQ-TBB, at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
The aircraft’s nose carries the name “Spirit of Barbados”; the Barbadian flag is painted on its tail; and “We Gatherin” is written on the forward fuselage.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and officials from the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), including its Chairman, Shelly Williams, and Grantley Adams International Airport Inc. were present to welcome the custom-painted ATR 42-500 aircraft.
They greeted Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, Lyndon Gardiner; Chief Executive Officer (CEO), interCaribbean Airways, Trevor Sadler; and Country Manager, interCaribbean Airways, Peter Parris, as the Barbados Cadet Corps Band played “Beautiful Barbados”.
Prime Minister Mottley noted that the airline began flying to the island back in 2020, a crucial time in the island’s tourism sector, which saw a decline in flights and visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its business has assisted in the Caribbean now being Barbados’ third largest source of visitors.
“The Caribbean now is essentially receiving from interCaribbean a major bone of connectivity from the northern and the southern parts of this region…. This partnership reflects a shared vision to connect the Northern and Southern Caribbean in ways that are sustainable and commercially viable,” Ms. Mottley stated.
She thanked the Chairman for the branding of the aircraft and for making Barbados one of its hubs, while emphasising that she looks forward to expanding the relationship.
“We thank interCaribbean for demonstrating continued confidence in Barbados as a regional hub. With the expansion of their fleet, we can deepen connectivity and open new opportunities for the movement of both people and trade across our region….
“I want to say to you that we look forward also to discussing how we can open up Latin America, and in particular northeastern Brazil because that has significant implications for us, not just in terms of tourism, but also in terms of cargo and Barbados’ ambition to become an agro processing hub for the Southern and Eastern Caribbean and northern Latin America…. I look forward to expanded business and expanded employment,” Ms. Mottley said.
Chairman Gardiner noted that “Dedicating the ‘Spirit of Barbados’ is a testament to the special relationship cultivated between his company and Barbados.
“Today’s ceremony represents far more than adding another aircraft to our fleet, it symbolises the deep and meaningful partnership that has flourished between interCaribbean Airways and this beautiful nation of Barbados over years of shared vision and mutual support….
“Let me say that while I stand here as Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, I’m first and foremost a Caribbean man, one who believes deeply in the potential of our region when we work together. This aircraft, “Spirit of Barbados”, represents not just our past achievements but our ongoing commitment to this beautiful nation and its people. As this aircraft takes to the skies, may it carry with it the warmth, resilience and hospitality that defines Barbados,” he said.
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