Air Jamaica recently introduced Michael Going, its newly appointed Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing to top Caribbean reporters and editors aboard the Lady Sandals yacht in New York.Going, whose job is to increase the airline’s revenue and market share as well as strengthening its competitive position in the industry, caught up with Caribbean- and Diaspora-based media while on a visit to the “Big Apple” for the World Travel Awards where Air Jamaica copped the 2003 distinction of “Best Airline to the Caribbean”.“The relationship between our airline and the Caribbean’s media is extremely important to us,” said Going, describing the Fourth Estate as stakeholders in Air Jamaica’s expansionary plans and efforts to develop a world class carrier. “We value these natural partners and look forward to strengthening our relationship in the years ahead.”

Going, who replaced Allen Chastanet (who returned to his native St. Lucia to pursue a career in the hotel industry) joins Air Jamaica with more than twenty years of experience and an excellent track record as a senior marketing and sales executive. He has extensive experience in brand management and strategic planning and has been instrumental in helping turn companies around into profitability. He has held senior executive positions at Alamo Rent-A-Car and was most recently Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Marketing at ANC Rental Corporation.

He said next month’s Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx) to be held in Barbados, is a shining example of Air Jamaica’s commitment to the Caribbean-based and foreign media.“The appointment of such a talented and professional marketing executive comes at a critical time as we strive to maintain and increase our market share in an extremely competitive environment,” said Deputy Chairman and CEO Christopher Zacca. “Mr. Going’s vast experience in the travel industry will be an asset to the national airline.”

Going himself says, “I have always admired the quality of the Air Jamaica product and am thrilled to be joining a company with such an exciting brand and great people,” adding, “I look forward to working with the Air Jamaica family to ensure that the airline achieves its goal of profitability while maintaining the highest standards of service.”

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