Pictured: Jamaica’s Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose (center) poses with American Airlines and Glasswing International volunteers at St. James High School in Montego Bay on June 25, 2025.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, June 25, 2025 – Jamaica Tourist Board welcomed American Airlines to Montego Bay this week in efforts to restore two sports fields at the local St. James High School.

In collaboration with nonprofit Glasswing International, more than 40 American Airlines team members worked to restore the school’s sports fields to enhance the holistic learning experience for the school’s 1,785 students and 118 teachers – boosting morale, promoting academic achievement, and creating a more dynamic and supportive environment for growth.

“This collaboration between American Airlines and Glasswing International exemplifies the power of partnership in uplifting our communities,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “By investing in our youth and educational spaces, we are not only enhancing school life but also nurturing the next generation of Jamaican leaders and athletes. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution to St. James High School and the broader Montego Bay community.”

Pictured: Jamaica’s Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose (right) poses with American Airlines’ Jose Maria Giraldo, MD Operations for Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America (left) and Jose Freig, VP International and Inflight Dining Operations (center) at St. James High School in Montego Bay on June 25, 2025.

“At American Airlines we have a strong commitment with Jamaica, a country that we have proudly called home for almost 50 years,” said José A. Freig, Vice President of International and Inflight Dining Operations. “Through our continued partnership with Glasswing International, our hope is that our team members are able to make a positive and lasting impact, together giving back to a community that is so important in our Caribbean network.”

Beyond its physical impact, the revitalized sports area is also expected to help improve student engagement, reduce dropout rates, and enhance overall school attendance—providing a home advantage for student-athletes and a renewed sense of school spirit.

“At Glasswing, we believe in the transformative power of community partnerships. This project in Jamaica is a meaningful opportunity to strengthen educational and wellness spaces, while working hand in hand with volunteers, partners, and communities committed to creating change. We are honored to collaborate with American Airlines in this effort to generate lasting impact in the lives of children and youth across the region,” said Chris Martínez, Regional Projects Director, Glasswing International.

This summer, American is operating 15 peak daily flights from three destinations in Jamaica — Kingston (KIN), Montego Bay (MBJ) and Ocho Rios (OCJ) — increasing to 20 peak daily flights in winter.

“We’re proud to serve as the largest U.S. airline in Jamaica, offering up to 93 weekly flights this summer,” said José María Giraldo, Managing Director of Operations for Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, and Central America. “We continue expanding our footprint in the country, launching service to Ocho Rios last year and growing our operation by more than 17% for the summer, both highlighting our nearly five decades of commitment with Jamaica.”

Over the past few years, Jamaica has seen a significant increase in airlift due to partnerships with companies like American Airlines. In 2024, the island welcomed 4.3 million visitors and generated approximately US$4.35 billion in tourism earnings, which directly contributed to its economy.

“We believe that tourism should create lasting, positive change in the communities we serve, and this initiative at St. James High School is a shining example of how meaningful partnerships can go beyond travel to leave a real impact,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White. “We are proud to support efforts that empower our youth and strengthen the future of Jamaica.”

###

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

Contact:  

Lou Hammond Group  

jamaica@louhammond.com 

About American Airlines Group
As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. To Care for People on Life’s Journey®.

About Glasswing International

Glasswing’s mission is to address the root causes and consequences of violence and poverty through education and health programs that empower youth and communities, and strengthen public systems. Through grassroots, evidence-based programming, and cross-sector alliances, Glasswing creates opportunities for children and youth – local changemakers – to thrive. Since 2007, Glasswing has impacted over 7.8 million people’s lives. For more information, visit: www.glasswing.org.