Air Jamaica Christens Aircraft 'The Spirit of America' to Commemorate Victims of Sept. 11 Tragedy
(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 07, 2001 ) In an effort to show solidarity with the United States and to honor the victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Air Jamaica christened it's new A-320 aircraft the Spirit of America. The ceremony was held at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and was attended by dignitaries from around the world including guest of honor, The Hon. Sue M. Cobb, the USA's ambassador to Jamaica. The tone of the ceremony was set with the touching welcome remarks by Air Jamaica's president, Christopher Zacca. "Grief and fear have gripped all of us at Air Jamaica and all of Jamaica, but fear cannot conquer, strength must prevail. Today we honor the people of the United States by naming one of our aircraft the Spirit of America in admiration of their resilience, their strength and their unity." "This is an incredible gesture by Air Jamaica," said Ambassador Sue Cobb, the new US Ambassador to Jamaica, whose tour of duty began three weeks ago, "this is not only the Spirit of America, but the Spirit of Jamaica and the Spirit of Hope. Thank you on behalf of the President and all Americans." Ambassador Cobb noted that she would ensure that President Bush "a good friend of mine" would know of this incredible gesture by Air Jamaica. "It is an honor and we are extremely proud to wear the badge Spirit of America on our aircraft," said The Hon. Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Air Jamaica's chairman, "Air Jamaica is one of the few airlines that Americans board and feel as though it were one of their own." With over 30 years of service and the most modern fleet serving the Caribbean, Air Jamaica provides more non-stop flights from its North American gateways to the Caribbean than any other carrier serving the region. Air Jamaica has scheduled service, with over 330 direct flights a week from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York (JFK), Orlando, Philadelphia and, starting November 15, Washington, D.C. In addition, the airline's code share agreement with Delta Air Lines, and its joint fare arrangements and compatible schedules with United and other U.S. carriers, extend its access to over 150 cities within the continental United States. Within the Caribbean, the airline's network extends to Barbados, Bonaire, Cuba, Curacao (starting Nov. 22), Grand Cayman, Grenada, Nassau, St. Lucia, Santo Domingo and Providenciales. A proud winner of the coveted Five Star Diamond Award, a distinction that ranks it among the top airlines of the world. The airline has also been named "Best Airline to the Caribbean" for the fourth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards. For reservations and information, call Air Jamaica at 1(800) 523-5585. We invite you to visit Air Jamaica's website at www.airjamaica.com. ---------------Produced for Air JamaicaContact:Roberta GarzaroliJensen/Boga, Inc.Tel. 212-764-0340Tel. 212-764-1598rgarzaroli@jensenboga.com---------------