American Airlines set a record on Saturday when it landed six Miami flights at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in one day.
The milestone follows a broader upsurge in connectivity to Beef Island.
“The operation of multiple flights from American Airlines greatly enhances connectivity between the Virgin Islands and the United States, reinforcing the Virgin Islands’ status as a premier Caribbean destination,” Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said in a statement.
He added that the territory’s economy has received a boost as a result.
“This increase in air service is expected to facilitate easier access for both visitors and residents, ultimately driving higher travel volumes and stimulating economic activity throughout the region,” he said.
Expansion plan
Communications and Works Ministry Permanent Secretary Elvia Smith-Maduro suggested that the busy day supported the government’s controversial claim that the airport should be expanded to allow for more direct flights from the mainland US and beyond.
“With air travel demand to the Virgin Islands on the rise, enhancing airport facilities is crucial for accommodating future growth,” she said. “The successful operation of these six flights underscores the importance of modernising infrastructure to welcome more flights and passengers and supporting the goal of establishing a vibrant year-round tourism industry in the territory.”
Kurt Menal, BVI Airports Authority managing director, echoed her comments, describing the six flights as a sign of “economic prosperity” in the territory.
“This event opens new opportunities for tourism development while reinforcing plans for further airport enhancements to meet increasing demand,” he said.
Expanding service
Since launching the Miami flights in June 2023, AA has steadily expanded its presence in the territory.
The direct service kicked off with one roundtrip flight most days, but by the recent holiday season AA was offering up to five a day.
The additions are part of an ongoing expansion by the airline across the Caribbean.
Regional airlines
Other regional carriers have also ramped up services to Beef Island in recent months.
In December, LIAT Airlines returned under new ownership and the Haiti-headquartered Sunrise Airways launched flights as well.
That followed new flights by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines launched last October.
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley announced in September that part of a $100 million national loan will go toward improving facilities at the airport, but he did not provide specific details of the planned measures.
Last July, officials said that the government had decided to extend the runway at Beef Island by at least 1,400 feet so that it can accommodate larger aircrafts.
The proposed expansion has since been hotly debated at public meetings around the territory, with critics arguing that it is not necessary or feasible for the VI at this time.
Consultant KPMG (BVI) Limited is currently carrying out a business case for the project, which the government has promised to make public after completion.