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by pltm
(PLTM) - Months after missing the deadline to commence direct flights between Miami and the BVI, BVI Airways is still not in a position to give a definitive date when those flights will begin.
BVI Airways has filed with the United States Department of Transportation and Homeland Security to offer non-stop service between the U.S and the British Virgin Islands.
“We are working as fast as we can to make this happen,” Jerry Willoughby, CEO and President of the airline stated in a press release issued today, March 22.
He said, “But the regulatory process, by its nature, is outside of our control. We look forward to helping more people experience the island beauty of Nature’s Little Secret.”
However, the airline is promising that they will be doubling the annual passenger numbers after takeoff.
Additionally, BVI Airways stated that it is initiating intra-Caribbean charter flights, and is exploring regular scheduled service between the BVI and other Caribbean international gateways.
“We have already received a number of intra-Caribbean charter requests and with our extra capacity are very interested in taking on this business,” Willoughby said.
BVI Airways stated there are many opportunities to add flights to markets such as Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Antigua, St. Maarten and Turks and Caicos.
Meanwhile, promising lower ticket prices, the airline stated that it will have the capacity to more than double the number of passengers that will be able to fly into Tortola.
"Roughly 75,000 people currently fly from the US to the BVI, with the remainder arriving via ferry or private yacht. Projected capacity for BVIA will be close to 90,000 passengers annually, dramatically improving the prospects for BVI’s critical tourism industry," BVI Airways stated.
Government has invested $7M into the airline start up and Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith has personally written on behalf of BVI Airways to the U.S. regulatory body to treat and approve the application with urgency.
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