Barbados is expecting a boost in visitor arrivals out of Canada, with the launch of Air Canada’s Boeing 777 service.
The inaugural flight touched down at the Grantley Adams International Airport just after 2 p.m. today with 320 passengers on board.
The 340-seater carries 80 more passengers than the average jetliner.
Officials have estimated that the Boeing 777 will bring 2, 250 passengers to the island per week, amounting to a 15 per cent increase in traffic.
Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, who welcomed the flight, said it would remedy an “intolerable” fall in Canadian arrivals in recent years.
“The relationship with Air Canada is 65 years and counting. It is one that has really been brought to a very interesting fruition here this afternoon.
“The 777 gives us additional seats out of Toronto, additional business class seats and will also lead to growth.
“What is also occurring as well is the fact that out of Montreal no longer will we have the one flight during the winter season on Saturdays, but we are going to have three flights out of Montreal. So Air Canada is really assisting us in terms of providing us with additional seating capacity,” Sealy said.