It seems the territory will be deepening its relationship with American Airlines and there are indications that the airline could be preparing to fly a slightly bigger plane to the BVI later this year.
American Airlines commenced direct flights from Florida to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport last June. They’ve been flying an Embraer 175 (small aircraft) to the BVI because the airport’s runway cannot accommodate very large aircraft.
But Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer last week hinted that the government will soon reveal some “good news pertaining to American Airlines.”
The Minister didn’t reveal any additional details, but during a speech to mark the unveiling of a new logo for the BVI Airports Authority, he hinted that he hopes the Beef Island airport will accommodate a Boeing 737 soon — a plane that is a little bigger than an Embraer 175.
“I simply just want to look at one part of the new logo — the jet that is going out there. I’m just wondering if that jet represents maybe a 737?” Minister Rymer questioned as the audience clapped.
“We know we’re in the process of presenting our business cases for the expansion of the airport, so I think — as this is an inspirational logo — we’re hoping that maybe a 737 will land here quite soon, are you with me?” the Minister said as the audience agreed and applauded.
Later that day in an interview, Minister Rymer hinted that a new carrier may soon be flying to the BVI.
“We have strategised in terms of bringing airlift to the BVI and in the summer we’ll have a new carrier coming on stream as well and those will also be announced,” Minister Rymer said. However, it is not clear whether he means an additional airline will be flying to the BVI or just a bigger plane under American Airlines.
Since American Airlines started flying directly to the BVI, there have been several hiccups, including strike action from airport staff and service disruptions which affected tourists and residents.
However, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley spoke positively about the deal last week, saying statistics show that more people are choosing flights over ferry transportation when travelling to the BVI.
“I’ve even been told that there are even less persons arriving by boats (ferries) and more persons arriving through the airports and that is good,” Premier Wheatley said.
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