10 Feb 2009

Canouan Island Welcomes New LIAT Non-stop Service from Barbados

Canouan Island, West Indies (March 4, 2009) – Canouan Island, home of the luxurious Raffles Resort and the Grenadines Estate villas, is miles away from the ordinary – but getting there doesn’t have to be. Starting March 6th, Caribbean regional airline LIAT will operate three flights per week from Barbados (BGI) to Canouan (CIW).

LIAT flight 787 will leave Barbados at 5:20pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Canouan at 6:00pm. LIAT flight 760 will then leave Canouan at 11:00am on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays arriving in Barbados at 11:40am.

The announcement of increased airlift comes on the heels of the 2008 airstrip expansion project. The Canouan Island airport runway was extended last spring to 5,900 feet, which now accommodates ATR 70-seater planes at full capacity (previously, ATR planes landed with maximum capacity of 35 passengers). Additionally, as a result of the airstrip extension, the landing of most private jets – including the Airbus 319 and 320 and Boeing 737 – is now accepted at the Canouan Airport.

Dianne Collen, Vice President of Canouan Resorts Development Limited, developers of the Canouan International Airport, stated, “We are pleased that the collaboration between the Government of St. Vincent & The Grenadines and LIAT have made this new air access to Canouan Island possible for Caribbean residents and visitors alike. Canouan Island is a true gem in the heart of the Grenadines and the new jetport, runway and airlift is good news for Caribbean tourism in a time where every measure counts.”

Barbados is one of the most accessible airports in the Caribbean, with flights from major North American cities via Air Canada, Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Continental, Delta and US Airways. Also available to guests of Raffles Canouan is the Flight Concierge Service from Barbados to Canouan. To find out more, call 1-866-589-2450 or visit www.raffles.com/canouan.

About Canouan Island

Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Canouan Island is located in the heart of the Grenadines, just eight miles south of Mustique and 110 miles southwest of Barbados. It is part of the multi-island State of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The three square-mile island is rimmed with small bays and coves, secluded white beaches and one of the world’s largest living coral reefs offering incredible diving and snorkeling.  The Moorings, the world’s premier charter yacht organization, also offers a base on Canouan with yacht charters available to explore the Grenadines’ prime sailing grounds and breathtaking beauty. In February 2009, Canouan Island graced the cover of the annual world-renowned Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Visit www.canouan.com and www.raffles.com/canouan for more information.  

 About Raffles Canouan

Raffles Canouan is located on Canouan Island in the heart of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean. The resort is situated on 300 acres of a 1,200-acre private estate featuring 156 suites, a Raffles Amrita Spa, the 18-hole Trump International Golf Club, and the Trump Club Privee Casino. Canouan Island is accessed through Barbados International Airport. Singapore-based Raffles International is world renowned for its commitment to luxury and the highest standards of service. Raffles Canouan is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso. For more information on or transportation to Raffles Canouan, please call 1-866-589-2450 or visit www.raffles.com/canouan.