Company case study
Air Jamaica
Air Jamaica was a national airline of Jamaica, which Gordon Stewart acquired to improve the travel experience for guests coming to Sandals Resorts. It came up on My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, in the episode "From selling ACs to becoming the tourism king of Jamaica" (aired February 20, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | From selling ACs to becoming the tourism king of Jamaica |
| Aired | February 20, 2026 |
| Category | Physical-Services |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
From selling ACs to becoming the tourism king of Jamaica · aired February 20, 2026 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
By owning the airline, Stewart was able to vertically integrate the travel experience, ensuring that customers had a pleasant journey to their vacation destination.
Founding story
Gordon Stewart recognized that the experience of traveling to Jamaica was a significant hurdle for tourists and purchased the failing airline to control the entire customer experience.
The playbook
The strategy involved using Air Jamaica as a marketing tool for the resorts, providing excellent service, and ensuring a seamless travel experience that complemented the luxury vacation at Sandals.
Also mentioned
Stewart's approach emphasized the importance of the first and last impressions of a vacation, which he believed could significantly affect customer satisfaction.