The St. Maarten-based regional airline Winair is considering expanding its operations in the Virgin Islands, officials said.
“We see significant growth potential in the British Virgin Islands,” Winair CEO Hans van de Velde said in a press release government issued last Thursday.
“Our goal is to provide not only reliable service but also new travel opportunities within the Caribbean and to international destinations.”
Mr. van de Velde, who recently visited the territory to meet with officials including Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer, added that Winair views the VI as a special destination.
“The BVI’s unique appeal as a world-class destination necessitates a robust and seamless travel experience, and we are committed to meeting the highest standards,” he said.
Besides the VI, the St. Maarten-based airline flies to 11 destinations in the region using a fleet of three 42-passenger ATR42-500 planes and five Twin Otters, which typically carry 20 or fewer passengers.
‘Boosting tourism’
Mr. Rymer said his recent meetings with the airline were part of a larger push.
“Expanding air routes is essential for boosting tourism, business and family connections across the region,” he said. “The government of the Virgin Islands is dedicated to enhancing access to our beautiful territory.”
To that end, he added, the government is seeking to broaden its links with Caribbean neighbours.
“Our discussions with Winair are a positive step towards strengthening our connectivity with Caribbean neighbours and beyond,” he said.
Tourism Director Clive McCoy talked up the territory’s potential as a visitor hub, noting that collaborations with airlines “are essential to ensure that visitors from near and far have better access to our islands, enhancing the overall visitor experience and supporting our tourism industry’s growth.”
BVI Airports Authority Managing Director Kurt Menal said the territory also needs to focus on ensuring that its infrastructure can handle increased traffic and new routes.
“This partnership with Winair presents a significant opportunity to enhance travel options for both residents and visitors, meeting the demands of a growing tourism market and strengthening regional ties,” he said in the press release.
Discussions to continue
The government said the meeting concluded with both sides “committing to ongoing discussions and collaboration to successfully expand Winair’s services to the VI.”
Caribbean Airlines
The announcement comes on the heels of Caribbean Airlines’ August unveiling of a plan to launch new routes next month, connecting the territory with Trinidad, Barbados, Antigua and Puerto Rico.
The Trinidad-based regional airline said it would use ATR 72-600 aircraft, which carry about 70 passengers, for its enhanced VI services.
On a route to be offered four times a week, the service will provide direct flights between Beef Island and San Juan, Antigua and Barbados, with connecting flights on to Port of Spain, Trinidad.
American Airlines also announced in May that it will increase direct service between the VI and Miami to up to five round-trip flights a day by the end of the year to better serve the territory during the tourism high season.
Airport expansion
The government also revealed in July that it had decided to extend the runway at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport by some 2,400 feet to allow for larger aircraft to operate there.
The decision — announced July 2 on a government Facebook broadcast — was taken before the completion of an ongoing business case and promised public consultations on the project. To date, the business case still has not been released and no recent public consultations have been held.