GEORGE’S, GRENADA — Both Air Canada and Sunwing Airlines have made their way to the sun-soaked destination of Grenada.
Air Canada resumed its nonstop service from Toronto on Nov. 3, 2022, which will run through April 2023. Flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays, departing at 9:30 a.m. from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and landing at Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) at 3:55 p.m.
Sunwing Airlines kicked off its nonstop, year-round service on Nov. 6, 2022 from YYZ to GND. Flights operate on Sundays, departing at 10:15 a.m. from YYZ and landing at GND at 4:35 p.m.
Official welcome ceremonies were held for each carrier at the VIP Government Lounge at Maurice Bishop. Both inaugural flights were almost at full capacity.
From l-r: Kirl Hoschtialek, Chief Operating Officer, GTA; Captain John Petropoulos, Air Canada; Hon. Dennis Cornwall, Minister for Infrastructure and Physical Development, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation; Nikoyan Roberts, Manager Nautical Development and Marketing & Sales (Ag), GTA; Christina Joseph, Chief Executive Officer (Ag), Grenada Airports Authority; First Officer Kirill Kisselev, Air Canada.
“Canada is our fourth largest market with an average length of stay of 12 days. Arrivals from that market were significantly impacted as Canada was one of the last markets to fully open back up for travel. We are pleased that the Canadian government has now relaxed restrictions on non-vaccinated Canadian citizens to travel,” said Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority.
“Our team in Canada has been working diligently with travel advisors and tour operators on exciting co-op campaigns and incentive schemes, and feedback from operators is that future loads are quite healthy, “Roach added.
Speaking at the arrival ceremonies, Minister for Infrastructure and Physical Development, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation Dennis Cornwall, said: “At this time when the convenience of travel is a pivotal factor to attracting international visitors, the resumption of direct service from Canada is critical as we continue to rebuild from the pandemic.”
From l-r: Nikoyan Roberts, Manager Nautical Development and Marketing and Sales (Ag), GTA; Michael Stephen, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Infrastructure and Physical Development, Public Utilities and Civil Aviation; Hon. Dennis Cornwall, Minister for Infrastructure and Physical Development, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation; Feven Mahari, Airport Services Regional Manager (USA and Caribbean), Sunwing Airlines; Cyle Rampaul, General Manager, True Blue Bay Boutique Resort; Petipha Lewis, Executive Director, Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Grenada has been experiencing a surge in air traffic with new and returning flights, and is expected to see further added capacity from Europe in the coming weeks. For 2023, seat capacity from Canada will be 27,745, representing a 52% increase over 2019.
The Minister also noted that in order to meet the present and future travel demand for Grenada, a major refurbishment project is underway at Maurice Bishop International Airport that will include resurfacing and expanding the airstrip and increasing visibility by adding lighting to the landing point.
For more information on travel to Grenada, go to https://www.puregrenada.com/.
