Having received the necessary licenses required to fly to St Maarten, the airline will launch sales in roughly two weeks and anticipates sale of its famously low fares during the first week of March.

The new service to St Maarten will mark the airline's first entry into the Dutch country, with works underway to launch more routes from the island.

The route will provide the only non-stop jet service from Barbados. The route will operate twice weekly, with a day service on Saturdays .

In another first, REDjet will also offer passengers the option to travel with unlimited baggage, allowing them to capitalise on the commercial and shopping opportunities available in St Maarten.

St Maarten will be REDjet's 7th destination, having launched its 6th, St Lucia, as recently as December with the successful launch of flights to Antigua and Jamaica in November.

REDjet CEO, Ian Burns said "Our latest move represents another key milestone in REDjet's plan to deliver the lowest fares, reliable service and accessible travel across the region.

We are confident that this route, like our others will do well, particularly as it represents a route that many of our consumers have been requesting since our inception.

We are very excited to service this new market that will open up many opportunities for shopping and entertainment for which St Maarten is famous".