Jamaica Air Shuttle, a domestic commuter carrier based in Kingston that had been dormant for five years, relaunched commercial passenger operations in December linking Kingston and Montego Bay.
Five months later, its network has expanded to include flights serving Port Antonio on the northeast coast and Ocho Rios on the north coast, according to Christopher Read, managing director.
Service to Negril on the west coast will be inaugurated shortly.
"Response has been great, both from the business community and leisure travelers," Read said. "It's a service that was needed, given the long drive times between various tourist spots and business centers in Jamaica."
Jamaica Air Shuttle operates three 12-passenger Beech 99 turboprops; a fourth is coming later this year.
The carrier flies out of Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston, the city airport used for domestic air travel. Passengers flying in or out of Montego Bay use the new domestic terminal at Sangster Airport, avoiding the crowded international terminal.
The Ken Jones Aerodrome in Port Antonio is six miles from town; the Boscobel Aerodrome is six miles east of Ocho Rios and a 14-minute flight from Kingston.
"Our loads are very good, especially between Kingston and Montego Bay, a 30-minute flight," Read said.
One-way fares between Kingston and Montego Bay range from $39.50 to $99, depending upon the time of day. Several flights per day and on weekends are offered.
This report appeared in the May 24 issue of Travel Weekly.