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by pltm
(PLTM) - Giving no new date as to when direct flights between Miami and the BVI will commence under the agreement with BVI Airways, Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith disclosed that regulator, Air Safety Support International (ASSI) has not given approval as yet for the airline to fly commercially.
Premier Smith in a statement in the House of Assembly today, December 19, said that in early November of this year, BVI Airways flew one of their aircraft from Miami to the TB Lettsome International Airport for certification checks by ASSI. However, the airline is awaiting word from ASSI for further certification checks.
Government has invested some $7M into the initiative.
"This (November inspections) proved to be a fruitful exercise, with ASSI advising BVI Airways on further addition to changes to their current operations that they would like to see on certain aspects...ASSI as a civil aviation regulator for the BVI currently, will need to issue an air operator certificate to BVI Airways before they can fly commercially from the BVI," Premier Smith said.
He added, "Since then, BVI Airways has addressed these issues and awaiting word from ASSI as to when they will be able to resume and complete the certification process and commercial operation can commence."
Premier Smith briefly mentioned the delay, but without giving a new date for commencement.
"...It has been our intention that this airline be fully operational by the beginning of the winter season of this year, but circumstances have caused the schedule to slip," Premier Smith noted.
He said, "Although this is certainly not desirable, unfortunately this is the nature of business at times."
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