AIR JAMAICA 1994 - 2004

 

By 1994, the Government of Jamaica embarked on a privatization programme, which resulted in the purchase of the national airline by the Gordon “Butch” Stewart led Air Jamaica Acquisition Group (AJAG). AJAG acquired majority ownership of the airline with the government retaining a minority stake.

 

Under privatization, the airline embarked on an intensive revitalization programme. With the new tag line Soaring to New Heights, the new direction included the fleet renewal programme, the introduction of air service to new destinations, the expansion of on-board amenities, such as complimentary beer, wine and champagne on every flight, upgraded meal service supervised by the world’s only Flying Chef, and red carpet check-in. 

 

In 1995, Air Jamaica once again blazed the trail by becoming the first international carrier to operate out of Fort Lauderdale Int’l Airport

 

The creation of the airline’s Hub in the second city, Montego Bay in 1997, and the upgrading of the airline’s in-flight and ground support services, were made to fit in with the new airline’s goal of first class service, increased market share and profitability. 

 

During privatization, Air Jamaica expanded its routes, services and flight schedules to twenty-five (25) destinations, eleven of which are in the Caribbean. They were, Antigua,Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Barbados, Bonaire, Boston, Chicago, Curacao, Fort Lauderdale, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Havana, Houston, Kingston, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, Miami, Montego Bay, Newark, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, St. Lucia, and Toronto.