Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes Sunrise Airways’ New Intra-Regional Flights

Antigua and Barbuda celebrates the launch of Sunrise Airways’ new intra-regional flights, which began service on May 25, 2024.

The airline now connects Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts, and St. Lucia with six-day-a-week service using Embraer 120 twin-turboprop aircraft, offering a maximum seating capacity for thirty passengers.

During a welcoming ceremony on May 28, marking the inaugural flight from St. Lucia to Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, The Hon, Charles Fernandez, expressed appreciation to Sunrise Airways for their linking of the islands, and contributing to enhanced regional connectivity.

“The introduction of Sunrise Airways into the regional market allows for seamless and easy travel between Caribbean islands. This connectivity will support travel for tourism and the upcoming regional events like cricket and carnival”.

Sunrise Airways CEO Philippe Bayard remarked, “The decision to establish our new Eastern Caribbean flight operations from Antigua and Barbuda was an easy one due to several factors.

Chief among them is Antigua’s ideal geographic location. Positioned at the juncture of the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Antigua serves as an optimal gateway to our islands.

“This geographic advantage is complemented by the modern, five-star V.C. Bird International Airport. This impressive facility and its capable staff provide the strong support infrastructure, experience, and expertise that are the envy of many other Caribbean airports.

“In essence, Antigua and V.C. Bird International Airport are perfectly suited to support our One Caribbean Vision, connecting our island states as never before.

“The Honorable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James, and CFO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Philmore Andrew welcomed the flight with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Sunrise Airways CEO Philippe Bayard, Executive Director Sebastien Bayard and Sunrise Airways executives.

Also present to celebrate the launch was Chairman of the St. Lucia Tourism Authority Thaddeus Antoine, St. Lucia Tourism Authority Head of Marketing Dexter Percil and PR Manager, Geraine Georges and President of the St. Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association Paul Collymore.

The new routes include twice-daily flights between Antigua and Dominica, and Antigua and St. Kitts, as well as a daily direct flight between Antigua and St. Lucia.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James said that he looks forward to a strong collaboration between partners to lift travel within the region and welcomed the resurgence in partnership between the Caribbean islands.