Today, travelers departing from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) were surprised with a “gate party” inside JFK’s Terminal 5, where The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) celebrated JetBlue’s 15th anniversary of service to Bridgetown.

Gate 15 in the departure terminal was transformed from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, as BTMI and JetBlue surprised travelers with complimentary Barbadian delicacies, refreshments, live entertainment, and giveaways to commemorate the airline’s 15 years of non-stop service to Barbados.

“JetBlue has been a dedicated and reliable ally for the past 15 years, and our partnership continues to flourish,” said Peter Mayers, Director, USA, for Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “As we mark 15 years of non-stop service with the airline, we wanted to celebrate our travelers—those returning home, those who have made us their second home, and those choosing Barbados for the first time. None of this would be possible without them, and we wanted to show our appreciation to each and every traveler.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate 15 years of serving Barbados, where our low fares and award-winning service have positioned JetBlue as a leading airline,” said David Jehn, Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships at JetBlue. “This milestone highlights our commitment to supporting tourism in Barbados and connecting family and friends. We look forward to continuing to deliver the much-loved JetBlue experience to our customers traveling between Barbados and the U.S.”

The customer appreciation event offered travelers a taste of Barbados with complimentary beverages, Barbadian-themed bites, and live dance performances. Guests were also treated to gifts, branded giveaways, and the chance to win free flights and more.

Speaking to the “gate party” concept, Mayers added, “We want to share our culture with the world and celebrate everyone visiting our island. Through the vibrancy of our dance, music, food, and, of course, rum, we are bringing a little piece of Barbados to travelers here. Barbados has something for everyone, and we wanted to remind passengers of that—whether they are seeking laid-back luxury or a non-stop party, they can find what they are looking for in Barbados.”

Passengers flying to Barbados received an added bonus as the activities continued both in-flight and on the ground in Barbados. Passengers received branded gifts, additional giveaways, vouchers for complimentary island experiences, and raffle opportunities. The four-and-a-half-hour journey featured three special in-flight announcements, where seat numbers were randomly selected, and winners were announced. Prizes included various exclusive items, with one lucky passenger winning a complimentary flight back to Barbados, coupled with luxury experiences on the island. Passengers sitting in Row 15, a nod to 15 years of non-stop flights from JFK to Barbados, were treated to their own exclusive amenity.

“Today marks an important milestone in our journey as we celebrate JetBlue’s 15 years of non-stop service between New York’s JFK International Airport and Barbados. This partnership has been pivotal in shaping our tourism landscape, connecting travelers to the heart and soul of our island. JetBlue has been more than just a carrier; it has become a bridge that strengthens the bond between Barbados and the U.S., bringing families together, welcoming new visitors, and fostering lasting connections. On behalf of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., we express our heartfelt gratitude to JetBlue for its unwavering support and dedication to Barbados, especially during challenging times. Here’s to many more years of collaboration and shared success, as we continue to bring the vibrant culture, warmth, and beauty of Barbados to travelers from all walks of life,” said Andrea Franklin, CEO, BTMI.

JetBlue began its daily non-stop service from JFK to Grantley Adams International Airport on October 1, 2009, taking over the route once operated by the now-defunct Air Jamaica. BTMI sought a reliable airline partner with the potential to expand and add direct flights from other U.S. hubs. Today, the airline offers up to two daily flights from JFK and will start operating up to three weekly flights this winter from Boston’s Logan International Airport to Bridgetown. On both of these routes, JetBlue offers its award-winning Mint experience—the airline’s premium lie-flat business class—on Saturdays only.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary, now through October 4, travelers can book special $115 one-way fares for flights between Boston and New York to Barbados, available online only at jetblue.com.

JetBlue—currently the sixth-largest airline in the U.S.—is known for having the most legroom in coach, live television and on-demand entertainment on every seatback, free and fast Fly-Fi broadband internet, complimentary snacks and soft drinks, and great customer service.

For more information on Barbados, go to visitbarbados.org.