A record 10,000 passengers from the UK and Europe are expected to travel to St. Kitts in the first year since British Airways commenced operations in January 2009, representing a 50 percent growth in just six months. The surge in passenger numbers is set to continue through 2010, following the start of BA’s second service on 30 March 2010.

Minister of State, for Tourism, Sports & Culture, Richard Skerritt, said, “We are delighted at these figures which have surpassed all our expectations; BA’s decision to begin operations to St. Kitts in these difficult market conditions, has proved to be a great success and we remain optimistic that passenger numbers will continue to increase well in to 2010 as the travel business bounces back. I can report, on BA’s behalf, that projections are already looking favourable.”

Taking off on Tuesday 30 March 2010, the new flight immediately increases capacity to the destination while offering even greater flexibility to the duration of visitor nights. The BA aircraft will use a similar configuration to the existing Saturday flight with a three class, 280 seat Boeing 777 aircraft holding 40 Club World seats, 24 World Traveller Plus and 216 World Traveller seats.

On the back of the twice weekly BA service, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority has dedicated 2010 as a year of celebration to mark a programme of marketing and promotional initiatives celebrating the key niche markets of Heritage and Culture, Sports and Food & Drink.

Mr. Skerritt continued, “the continued success of the BA route, particularly the start of the second flight next year, will have a major impact on our tourism industry; as we continue to upgrade and improve the infrastructure and tourism product, we look forward to being part of the airline’s long-term strategy and of continuing our special relationship.”