American Airlines to fly bigger plane to BVI?
It seems the territory will be deepening its relationship with American Airlines and there are indications that the airline could be preparing to fly a slightly bigger plane to the BVI later this year.
American Airlines commenced direct flights from Florida to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport last June. They’ve been flying an Embraer 175 (small aircraft) to the BVI because the airport’s runway cannot accommodate very large aircraft.
But Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer last week hinted that the government will soon reveal some “good news pertaining to American Airlines.”
The Minister didn’t reveal any additional details, but during a speech to mark the unveiling of a new logo for the BVI Airports Authority, he hinted that he hopes the Beef Island airport will accommodate a Boeing 737 soon — a plane that is a little bigger than an Embraer 175.
“I simply just want to look at one part of the new logo — the jet that is going out there. I’m just wondering if that jet represents maybe a 737?” Minister Rymer questioned as the audience clapped.
“We know we’re in the process of presenting our business cases for the expansion of the airport, so I think — as this is an inspirational logo — we’re hoping that maybe a 737 will land here quite soon, are you with me?” the Minister said as the audience agreed and applauded.
Later that day in an interview, Minister Rymer hinted that a new carrier may soon be flying to the BVI.
“We have strategised in terms of bringing airlift to the BVI and in the summer we’ll have a new carrier coming on stream as well and those will also be announced,” Minister Rymer said. However, it is not clear whether he means an additional airline will be flying to the BVI or just a bigger plane under American Airlines.
Since American Airlines started flying directly to the BVI, there have been several hiccups, including strike action from airport staff and service disruptions which affected tourists and residents.
However, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley spoke positively about the deal last week, saying statistics show that more people are choosing flights over ferry transportation when travelling to the BVI.
“I’ve even been told that there are even less persons arriving by boats (ferries) and more persons arriving through the airports and that is good,” Premier Wheatley said.
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Bigger planes for what. To sink the runway?
Are you guys trying to compete with St. Thomas airport that can accommodate bigger planes or what.
Why not?
It’s time to expand the runway and bring in bigger planes.
Do you think St. Thomas had given a dam about us when they were building their airport?
While St. Maarten and the other islands are busy building and upgrading, the BVI is busy complaining and procrastinating about everything.
Mr. Minister, while you are busy with this venture, we need proper roads to drive on, no more excuses or decoys. #GET IT DONE OR ELSE..
Why do we need to extend the runway? They landed a 737-700 direct from Europe a few weeks ago.
Runway extension = more money in government pockets.
Stop wasting money on concerts that don’t make money and don’t being anyone to the BVI. Fix the roads, fix the infostructure, do your job!
I just want to point out;
American Airlines does NOT have a 737 – 700, only Max’s and -800s. Plus, scheduled flights to TBL on the 737-700 probably wouldn’t be approved by the FAA. If there is going to be a larger plane landing here, it would be the E190, maybe E195.
This is good news and positive as it will improve tourism accessibility to the BVI. Unfortunately we locals are priced out and still have to fly St Thomas.
Don’t let the Chinese work on the airport project. In Nigeria Africa, the Chinese build a supermarket and they refuse to allow the Nigerians to shop in the supermarket in their own Country.
Doubt 737 can land at beef, but a220-100 can
I was thinking maybe an A-319/A-320. A-220 is more or less the same size as the 175
220 is the 5 cross canadair dev’d ride. model of it sat in vp office in town. 737 shouldnt be able to roll on that. what dem saw was prob 200 series charter. all the embraers can.
If this is the case, why do we need to extend the runway?
A 737 full flight ain’t getting off the ground from TB Int’l in its current state. So that dream isn’t happening anytime soon…
Correct, a 737 full flight plus crew will not make it off the runway in the BVI. I will continue to head over to St. Thomas to catch my flights to the US.
Sound like he high on something. As when it get hot american has to go puerto rico to make a fuel stop. It happened last saturday flt did not get miami until after 8 pm.
Google “Direct” and “Non Stop”. They are not the same. Non stop is non stop. Direct includes a stop. So if the weather isn’t great for a take off they will not fuel up, or they may have to off load baggage or people. But if they decide to not fuel up they will fly to Puerto Rico. Everyone and their baggage will get off the plane, go through customs and immigration. Reload after fuel up and then fly to Miami. It’s too bad that some of the very experienced pilots from the BVI don’t comment on some of these articles so that local people will know the real deal. I don’t know what those two guys in that press conference are on. But I’d like to try it.
Huh?
and we can have a beach bar at either end like in St. Martin or Antigua. Crazy tourists like to watch big planes take off and land on little island runways so cater to their holiday desires and make some money!
Thats actually the #1 Tourist attraction in St Martin
A 737 will land when we can supply shore power to the cruise ships. Do some homework gentlemen before you make such statements.
Since in NDP time there were plans already in place for the expansion of the airport.
Look at this simple logic for instance :
We boast about our Gross National Budget !!!!
St Vincent one of our Caribbean neighbors have a weaker economy that ours but look impressive improvement
1. The best chain of Sandal hotel built in St Vincent by the company
2. International Airport- Increase tourism and easy travel .Two more International airlines added to their direct flights
While we pump money into travel and not negotiating to get the expert help we need
While we pump money into wuk up etc.
We are ready to
Look down at others . Well
We are slowly getting left behind
Check out Antigua and Barbuda infrastructure
We look shameful
Dont tell me about plane and wall we have to get past that and move forward
I cry for my country
He’s saying 737s will come when they extend the runway, not on the current runway you morons.
The Embraer 175 couldn’t take off last summer until they removed all the luggage…How is a 737 going to take off?
Research the minimum runway extension we need to accommodate a range if small commercial passenger jets reliably and safely. The build the terminal in a modular fashion that can be expanded, along with the runway as is needed when the improvements become over taxed. Step by step. Yes, it may cost a little more at the end of the day but Rome wasn’t built in a day. We can minimize our financial risk and meet our airport goals along the way. Anyone want to vote me to the strategic planning board or can we just use a conservative plan and take baby steps please!!??
Damn airport management – how long ago they advertise for contract to get this done but still same embarrassing baggage for AA to swallow – board needs to go – nothing getting done – BVI style. AA coming to BVI was a blessing … and we can’t even contribute with the basics. SMDH
So clearly our airport can accommodate bigger planes and the runway extension is not absolutely needed. What is needed is a better guest experience. A better drive from Beef Island to Town. A better concierge at Trellis Bay ferry dock. Better water and electricity supply. Development of Prospect Reef. Sewerage not running on the streets. But nooooo we want to extend the runway so that we can siphon off money to give to our friends and secret bank accounts! Stay woke!
No water.
No roads.
No electricity.
But we got big jets!
Ministers can’t wait for the new Gravy Train Airport project. Nothing in it for the rest of us unless you are close fam or friend. It has been too long already. People have their big trucks and barges they bought, when they got over excited from the last plan, and they still need to be paid for.
737 No passengers, no luggage, running on fumes. Might make it in & out on a COLD day. Have to go STT or SJU to refuel
Them think is 1950 and ppl easy to fool
Sorry, what? Learn more about aviation.