First-ever Nassau nonstop service takes off from JIA

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new direct flight to the Caribbean may open up more opportunities for local travelers and businesses.

Silver Airways flew its first direct flight to Nassau, Bahamas, Thursday from Jacksonville International Airport.

Balloons decorated the Silver Airways counter as passengers checked in for their flight. It’s a service that traveler Chip Balser has been waiting for a long time.

“It’s great. Before we either had to fly to Atlanta and then fly down or drive to Orlando ... so it’s nice to just be 45 minutes away,” Balser said.

It’s that convenience for travelers based in the Jacksonville area that Silver Airways CFO and Executive Vice President Jason Bewley said drove the company to launch the new route.

“We've had a lot of requests system wide about Nassau so this is an important destination for us to launch,” Bewley said.

Silver Airways is the first and only airline to offer nonstop service to Nassau from JIA. The company already serves Marsh Harbor, Bahamas, from JIA.

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For now, the flights will be seasonal but if booking continues strong that may change to year-round.

Action News Jax showed you last week how Silver Airways is the only local airline to apply for direct service from JIA to Havana. Bewley said he's hopeful that service could become a reality soon.

Silver included the Nassau service in its application to the Department of Transportation in the hopes of fortifying its chance to be awarded the Cuba flight, demonstrating its pilots have experience in the Caribbean.

“We are eagerly awaiting the answer; hopefully here in the next couple weeks we'll know,” Bewley said.

At least 20 local passengers boarded the plane Thursday to be taken to Nassau for Memorial Day weekend.

Many hope this new option will give JIA more access to new destinations.

“It’s definitely picking up its growing and getting more attention,” Balser said.

The first arriving flight from Nassau to JIA also landed Thursday.

The flights will be offered twice a week.

Cox Media Group