TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands – Premier Andrew Fahie says his administration hopes that another airline will be operating commercial flights in the territory by the end of the year.
Speaking on a recent edition of the radio show – Let’s Talk, produced by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Fahie said the new airline should be flying into the territory in another six to seven months.
According to Fahie, in-person traffic at the airport has increased tremendously over the last few months as the territory lifted most of its travel restrictions and tourists are beginning to return to the Virgin Islands.
“We have sent out a letter of interest to all the major airlines and even minor ones that want to become major. American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Best Jets, and a few. All across the board, telling them, we will expand the airport. We are in the process of the technical work and making sure we get certain things done until then,” Fahie said.
“We did this before verbally, but we are going at it more aggressively now. We have some of them express interest, but we want to make sure it is done across the board so anyone picks up the file they can see everyone had an opportunity to come on to this,” the Premier continued.
He said two undisclosed airlines have responded to the letters and acknowledged receipt. Fahie added that one of the responses has been favorable for the territory.
“One of them said they feel very strongly that they can fulfill this with the length of the airport that is there. They are looking at a jet that will hold 142 people. However, coming here full, they say they may be able to bring [up to] 135, and that’s one company.”
Plans have been made to improve the visitor experience at the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport and expand the runways to accommodate larger planes.
Last year, the Premier said talks between his government and American Airlines to enhance the territory’s airlift capacity. At the time, Fahie noted one of the airline’s main concerns was landing on a wet runway at the Beef Island airport facility because it is relatively short.
Currently, Cape Air, Seaborne, and interCaribbean Airways offer frequent connecting flights to the United States and other Caribbean Islands.
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