Direct flights from the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island to the United States may soon become a reality for the British Virgin Islands.
This is according to the Premier and Minister of Finance Andrew Fahie, who made the announcement during his annual First District Meeting in Capoon’s Bay over the weekend.
He said that presently there are ongoing negotiations between the BVI Airports Authority and at least one airline company in the United States of America.
While not disclosing a specific date for when this venture may become a reality, the Premier said that it is hoped that these discussions will come into fruition within the upcoming months.
“Your government and the BVI Airports Authority have been in discussion with airlines and at least one airline has given strong positive feedback as it relates to flying into the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport with a larger, longer range aircraft and landing on the runway at its current length,” Premier Fahie stated.
He added, “Technical details are being worked out and you will be hearing more about this soon. With God’s help simply put you will soon be able to fly from the BVI straight to the mainland, whether Miami or Fort Lauderdale and back. This is your government working for you.”
The minister of finance also said that while these plans are in the works, the Airports Authority will be utilizing the existing infrastructure at the various airports across the territory to maximize airlift.
He said this is already the case for the airports on the sister islands which are also experiencing an increase in activity.
In the meantime, Premier Fahie added that the extension of the runway at the Terrance B Lettsome International airport is inevitable.
He said this would greatly assist with his government’s goal of increasing airlift, and also complement some of the other economic activities that are on the horizon for the territory.