Knutsford Express Services Limited is pushing ahead with the expansion into St Thomas and a commercial development in Mandeville, even as the luxury coach operator recovers from a 46.7 per cent drop in annual profit caused by Hurricane Melissa.

“Soon we will be opening a new location in Morant Bay, proudly expanding our connectivity into St Thomas,” CEO Oliver Townsend told the Financial Gleaner. “The second quarter of this new financial year will see the completion of our highly anticipated commercial development, MVL Centreplace. This project will provide the citizens and businesses of Mandeville with a fantastic, easy-to-access location, and marks a proud new chapter in the Knutsford Express journey.”

The company recently celebrated its 20th anniversary at Drax Hall in St Ann, indicating that its on track to operate in all 14 parishes.

Knutsford closed its financial year ended May 2026 with net profit of $124.6 million, down from $236.9 million in the prior year, according to audited results posted to the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Revenue was $1.98 billion, down 4.5 per cent from $2.07 billion, while earnings per share fell to $0.25 from $0.47.

Townsend said the company made a conscious decision to limit services following the Category 5 storm in October to protect passengers, its fleet and its team. “While this protective measure directly impacted our bottom line – resulting in a 46.7 per cent decline in net profit after tax – we know it was the right choice. We are thrilled to share that as of this past April, all of our routes have been fully and safely restored,” he said.

The company showed signs of stabilisation in the fourth quarter. Revenue was $419 million, down slightly from $426 million a year earlier, while net profit was $46 million – still below the $68 million recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025, but three times the $15.8 million posted in the quarter ending February 2026.

Hotel operators in western Jamaica are not expected to have all rooms back in operation until December 2026.

luke.douglas@gleanerjm.com