Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez says the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will seek fresh talks with JetBlue Airways following the airline’s decision to end its service to the country.

Fernandez said discussions with the carrier are expected before the end of next week as the Government explores whether the relationship can be salvaged.

“We have got to speak with them again next week,” Fernandez told ABS on the sidelines of a home-handover ceremony in Yorks.

The tourism minister said Antigua and Barbuda had been performing strongly for JetBlue, indicating that the airline’s withdrawal was not necessarily driven by poor demand on the route.

“We ran the numbers. We have been doing very, very well,” Fernandez said.

He pointed instead to broader challenges facing JetBlue, including financial losses, changes in senior management and the collapse of its proposed multibillion-dollar acquisition of Spirit Airlines.

Fernandez said the failed Spirit deal appears to have altered JetBlue’s longer-term strategy, with the airline’s new leadership reassessing its network and priorities.

The Government has indicated that it is prepared to reopen negotiations and consider what adjustments or incentives could help restore the service. Fernandez cautioned, however, that airlines typically allocate aircraft and sell seats months in advance, making quick changes difficult.

“It is difficult for them to move aircraft because they are already selling seats on all of the destinations that they are planning,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Government is pursuing other options to strengthen airlift. Fernandez said he has held direct discussions with American Airlines, which has indicated plans to increase service to Antigua and Barbuda.

Officials are also continuing to explore a possible direct connection with Panama, which Fernandez said could provide greater access to Latin America and other international markets through the country’s extensive aviation network.

Fernandez said maintaining reliable airlift will become increasingly important as Antigua and Barbuda adds hotel rooms and expands its tourism industry.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Government to Reopen Talks with JetBlue Following Airlift Setback.