Contact: Snr. Director, Commercial, Development & Planning
E-mail: aaj@aaj.com.jm
FOR RELEASE: Monday, October 30th 2023
AMERICAN AIRLINES SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH DIRECT FLIGHTS TO IAN FLEMING INTERNATIONAL (IFIA) ON FEBRUARY 24, 2024
American Airlines (AA) intends to expand ‘its wings’ within Jamaica through the introduction of a new route from its hub, Miami International Airport (MIA) in Florida, USA to Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA/OCJ) in Boscobel, St. Mary, Jamaica. The airline announced the highly anticipated service which is scheduled to commence on February 24th 2024. This new air service represents the first scheduled international commercial passenger service from USA into IFIA and will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. AA will utilize an Embraer 175 (jet) aircraft with capacity for 76 passengers to provide the service. See flight schedule below:
| Route | Departure time | Arrival time | Aircraft | Frequency |
| MIA – OCJ | 10:05 a.m. | 11:03 a.m. | Embraer 175 | Wednesdays and Saturdays |
| OCJ – MIA | 11:43 a.m. | 2:32 p.m. |
Note: Above listed times are local to their respective airports
“After more than 45 years of service, we are excited to continue expanding our Jamaica flying with new service to Ocho Rios, becoming the first U.S. airline to offer access to this Caribbean paradise,” said José A. Freig, American Airlines Vice President for International Operations. “With this new route we further strengthen our position as the leading airline in Jamaica, operating this winter more than 100 weekly flights to the U.S.”
“This is a very valuable addition to the aviation needs of Jamaica, with non-stop service between the United States and our country’s third international airport,” “It is a great start and will encourage other airlines to fly into the Oracabessa/Ocho Rios area.” He noted that this would also be a huge plus to the region and also greatly assist in boosting the tourism-development potential for St. Mary and Portland and connecting many members of the diaspora closer to home. The Honourable Edmund Bartlett, CD, MP.
“The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) is very pleased to welcome the inaugural service of American Airlines from Miami International Airport into Ian Fleming International Airport. As the first scheduled commercial service from the United States, it represents a game changer for Ocho Ríos, and for tourists and national travelers in that part of Jamaica.” Audley Deidrick, President & CEO Airports Authority of Jamaica.
IFIA is Jamaica’s 3rd international port of entry and is one of the gateways for international passengers to access and experience Destination Jamaica, specifically Jamaica’s north coast, including: Ocho Rios in St. Ann, Oracabessa/Boscobel in St. Mary, and Port Antonio in Portland. AA’s new air service into IFIA is set to bolster passenger throughput at the airport and also the airline’s established operation in Jamaica. AA’s new air service into IFIA represents the continued efforts of the Government of Jamaica, AAJ and its partners to foster route development initiatives at Jamaica’s airports/aerodromes.
The airline currently offers service to Kingston (KIN) from Miami (MIA) and to Montego Bay (MBJ) from Miami (MIA), Austin (AUS), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), New York (JFK), and Philadelphia (PHL).
About Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA/OCJ)
Ian Fleming International Airport (www.ifia.aero) is an international airport located in Boscobel, St. Mary, to the north of Jamaica, at approximately 10km (6.2miles) east of Ocho Rios. The airport provides service to the United States and other Caribbean islands. The name of the airport was derived from the creator of the James Bond novels, Ian Fleming, whose Goldeneye estate is located in St Mary.
