SIMPSON BAY:--- There was a sense of true team Spirit, as the water canon salute signified the official launch of the return of Spirit Airlines at the Princess Juliana International Airport - SXM on Saturday May 5, 2018. The flight departed from Fort Lauderdale at 10:46 a.m. and honored its approach at 1:53 p.m.
Following the disembarkation of the first flight, the plaque handing over ceremony was officiated by the Minister of TEATT, Cornelius De Weever and the newly appointed Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, May-Ling Chun. Present to accept the plaque on behalf of the Spirit Airlines delegation was the Manager of Airport Affairs, Tim Archer and Director of the Communications, Stephen Schuler. In efforts to further commemorate the event, cultural sounds of steel pan music welcomed the arriving passengers, while those at the Departure Pavilion received Spirit Airlines promotional items
Additionally, the aircraft was scheduled to make its departure from St. Maarten to Fort Lauderdale at 2:50 p.m., whereby it’s arrival time was at 6:09 p.m. The Management of the Operations Department confirmed that both flights were fully booked to capacity.
Spirit Airlines is resuming once-weekly service to the destination for the first time since early September 2017. The resumed flight operation comes eight months after Hurricane Irma tore through the Caribbean island. Spirit Airlines is dedicated to servicing and growing in the Caribbean and has worked diligently in aiding in recovery efforts. In a commendable effort, the airline assisted in the removal of hundreds of visitors and residents from the island in dedicated humanitarian relief flights in the days and weeks following the hurricane. The very same relief flights also served to transport thousands of pounds of much needed general supplies. The Management
of Spirit Airlines are elated that the conditions have now improved and Spirit is now able to resume regular commercial service to St. Maarten. According to the Acting CEO and CFO, Ravi Daryanani, the Managing Board of the Princess Juliana International Airport -SXM intends to meet this week with the Spirit Airlines representatives, to personally continue to celebrate this important milestone.
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/29073-after-hurricane-recovery-spirit-airlines-resumes-service-to-st-maarten.html
