Air Jamaica Express was an airline based in Kingston, Jamaica, which, before folding, operated as a subsidiary of Air Jamaica. It operated domestic and inter-island scheduled flights and charter services. The airline was established in 1973 as Jamaica Air Taxi, and later operated as Trans-Jamaican Airlines until it was taken over by business man Gordon "Butch" Stewart, who also controlled Air Jamaica in 1994.
When Air Jamaica was renationalized in December 2004, responsibility for Air Jamaica Express remained with Stewart and his organization. The airline struggled financially and after attempts to reorganize and secure additional capital were unsuccessful, the airline ceased operations on October 14, 2005. The JQ code assigned by the IATA was later reassigned to Jetstar Airways.
Services In 2002, Air Jamaica Express served the following destinations: Country City Airport Notes Jamaica Kingston Norman Manley International Airport Montego Bay Sangster International Airport Negril, Jamaica Negril Aerodrome Ocho Rios Ian Fleming International Airport Port Antonio Ken Jones Aerodrome Cayman Islands George Town Owen Roberts International Airport Cuba Havana José Martí International Airport Santiago de Cuba Antonio Maceo Airport Seasonal Haiti Port-au-Prince Toussaint Louverture International Airport Seasonal Turks and Caicos Providenciales Providenciales International Airport Seasonal Dominican Republic Santo Domingo Las Américas International Airport Seasonal Bahamas Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport Seasonal
Prior to Air Jamaica Express, predecessor air carrier Trans-Jamaican Airlines was operating ATR 42 turboprop service on a routing of Montego Bay - Kingston - Grand Cayman - Belize City, Belize - Cancun, Mexico twice a week in 1994.Sept. 15, 1994 OAG Desk Top Flight Guide, North American Edition
Fleet In 2002, Air Jamaica Express was operating the following twin turboprop aircraft types: Aircraft Amount in Fleet Passengers De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 6 37 De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 2 19
The airline also previously operated Short 360 turboprop aircraft and Dornier 228 aircraft as well as the following STOL capable piston engine prop aircraft during its existence: Britten-Norman Islander Britten-Norman Trislander
In addition, predecessor air carrier Trans-Jamaican Airlines operated ATR 42 turboprop aircraft.
References