Delta Air Lines Inc. said Tuesday its low-fare unit, Song, would fly its first international route in the fall, serving the Bahamas from New York. The announcement followed plans unveiled Monday by JetBlue Airways Corp. to offer similar service. Both carriers will fly one roundtrip a day to Nassau from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. JetBlue launched its first international flights in June, serving Santiago and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The New York-based carrier began flying to Puerto Rico in 2002.
The Bahamian tourism industry, particularly the hotel sector, is likely to enjoy a major boost from increased competition among airlines flying to this destination, after JetBlue Airways and Song, Delta Airlines lowcost carrier, yesterday announced their plans to service Nassau from New York’s John F. Kennedy’s International Airport.
The entrance of two lowcost carriers into the Bahamian market, with the promise of more to come, is likely to force existing airlines such as Bahamasair and American Eagle to review their rates and in all likelihood, lower them to compete. this will allow tourists visiting the Bahamas to spend less on airfares and more on hotel rooms and their actual vacation.
Song’s major routes cover the US northeast corridor and Florida. It also flies between Los Angeles and San Juan, Puerto Rico, their only other international destination.
It expects to begin service to the Bahamas on December 1 with one fares starting from $139.
Source: Yolanda Deleveaux, The Tribune
