The Virgin Islands’ soaring air connectivity received another uplift this week as LIAT Airlines returned to the skies over Beef Island.
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley hailed the move as a boost for economic growth as he welcomed the Caribbean operator to the territory at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Sunday.
The regional service comes as part of a surge in enhanced travel connectivity for the VI.
“We celebrate not just the arrival of LIAT Airlines but also the strengthening of our connections within the Caribbean,” the premier said. “This service is vital for fostering economic growth and enhancing the cultural exchange among our islands.”
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer applauded the return of the carrier to the territory.
“The return of LIAT to our skies is a testament to our resilience and determination to improve connectivity in our region,” he said. “This new route will not only benefit tourists but also our local businesses and communities.”
Troubled history
The LIAT brand is returning to operating in the territory after a troubled history.
The current operator, LIAT (2020) Limited, was launched in August after the bankruptcy of predecessor LIAT (1974), which was mostly owned by the governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Officials blamed the Covid-19 pandemic for the liquidation of LIAT (1974), which ceased operations in January.
LIAT (2020) Limited is owned by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, which has a 30 percent stake in it, and the Antigua and Barbuda-based company Air Peace Caribbean Limited, which owns 70 percent.
Theodore Burke, chairman of the BVI Airports Authority Board, said the return of LIAT was “crucial” for the VI tourist industry.
“This new service represents a significant step forward in improving air travel options for our residents and visitors alike,” he said. “It is a crucial component in our strategy to boost tourism and economic activity in the BVI.”
LIAT CEO Hafsah Abdulsalam was also on hand at the launch.
“Our focus is on providing reliable services that meet the needs of travellers while promoting regional tourism,” she said.
BVIAA Managing Director Kurt Menal said the move shows the airport is on the up.
“The partnership between LIAT and our local authorities has been instrumental in making this inaugural flight a reality,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors and enhancing our airport’s operations.”
LIAT said its operation would provide “seamless connections throughout the Caribbean, facilitating easier travel for both business and leisure passengers.”
Other expansions
The move comes after the recent expansion into the territory by other carriers.
This year has seen a flurry of airborne activity, with Caribbean Airlines and Sunrise Airways launching new VI routes, while American Airlines increased its Miami services to the territory as well.
Mr. Wheatley announced in September that part of a $100 million national loan would go towards improving facilities at the international airport, but he did not provide specific details of the measures.
