There are mixed reactions from residents in St. Mary to news that American Airlines will commence flights from Miami to Ian Fleming International Airport early next year.
The government has been telling residents to prepare themselves for increased economic activity, and some residents appear to be excited.
"I think that the international airport here in St. Mary is a very good economical move. For the first thing, it would bring more jobs into the community," said one woman.
Another resident said the move would benefit people from the area who would normally have to pay about $20,000 for transportation from Sangster International Airport in St. James, but who would now pay about $6,000 to get home via Ian Fleming airport.
However, not all St. Mary residents are optimistic about the promised economic activity for the parish.
Some complain that Ian Fleming International Airport, which is located in Boscobel, St. Mary, is being marketed as based in St. Ann due to its proximity to Ocho Rios.
"Everything is about Ocho Rios, and they say that Ian Fleming is in Ocho Rios. It is not. It is Boscobel, St. Mary. And nothing is focused in St. Mary. Everything is Ocho Rios, St. Ann. So, they need to inform the people," a resident demanded.
American Airlines has announced new service to Ian Fleming International Airport beginning February 24 next year.
Service to St. Mary will operate twice weekly, with an Embraer 175 aircraft with capacity for 76 passengers, connecting with American's hub at Miami International Airport.
Plans were initially in place for flights to begin November last year but were shelved as the appropriate navigation aids were not put in place.
The government said it has since been working to address the issues.
