A brief look at the 47-year history of Air Jamaica.

Following Jamaica's independence from Britain in 1962, the Jamaican government looked to boost the country's economy and saw tourism as vital to the country's future. A year later, Air Jamaica was founded after the Jamaican government decided not to invest in British West Indian Airways (BWIA).

Initially called "Jamaica Air Service Ltd," it was owned by the Jamaican government (51%) and the British Overseas Aircraft Corporation (BOAC), and BWIA.

Flights from the island to Miami and New York began on May 1, 1966. At the time, BOAC and BWAI ran the airline with leased aircraft. When their operating agreement expired in 1969, the Jamaican government preferred a more independent approach and formed a new airline called "Air Jamaica."

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The new airline began operations in 1969, connecting Kingston and Montego Bay with Miami and New York. While being the majority shareholder, the government sold a 40% stake to Air Canada, which provided Air Jamaica with one Douglas DC-8-61 and three McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s.

During the 1970s, Air Jamaica expanded rapidly with flights to Toronto, Montreal, Philadelphia, and many destinations across the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico. Seeing the United Kingdom as a lucrative destination Air Jamaica began long-haul flights on April 1, 1974.

During the 1970s, Air Jamaica relied heavily on the Boeing 727-200 for most of its flights between the island and the USA. Despite the airline's growth stalling in the 1980s, Air Jamaica operated two new routes to Atlanta and Baltimore. Now wholly owned by the Jamaican government following the purchase of Air Canada's shares, the government announced in 1989 that it would like to make the state carrier a privately owned airline.

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Things did not happen until May 1994 when a group of Jamaican and Canadian investors agreed to buy a 70% stake in the airline for $26.5 million. After a 5% share of the airline was earmarked for the employees, the government still owned 20% and was responsible for the airline's considerable liabilities.

Following financial difficulties, the Jamaican government was forced to take complete control of Air Jamaica in 2004. Still unable to make a profit by 2010, Air Jamaica had debts of $1.54 billion and had only made a profit in two of its 42-year existence.

On May 1, 2010, Caribbean Airlines acquired its fleet and route rights, making it the largest Caribbean airline. Still flying under the Air Jamaica banner, the airline ceased all operations in 2015.

According to the aviation data and statistics website planespotters.net during its 47-year life, Air Jamaica operated a fleet comprising the following aircraft:

Journalist - Mark is an experienced travel journalist having published work in the industry for more than seven years. His enthusiasm for aviation news and wealth of experience lends itself to some excellent insight, with his work cited in Forbes amongst other publications. Based in Alicante, Spain.

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