American Airlines vows to stay in BVI skies

The BVI Airports Authority has announced that American Airlines will maintain continuous flights to the territory during the traditionally slow periods from July to October.  

The airline started flying from the US to the territory in 2023 and despite a few setbacks, continues to see a demand for their service in the BVI. 

The BVI Airports Authority said continuous American Airlines flights is a strategic move to position the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport as the premier gateway to the BVI and beyond, ensuring that the airport and the tourism industry remain vibrant year-round. 

Managing Director, Kurt Menal said, “as part of our strategic objectives for 2024, the Authority set the ambitious goal of being a catalyst for ensuring that the BVI’s main economic pillar of tourism has no “off seasons” by enhancing air connectivity primarily in the slowest periods of the year.”

Minister of Communications and Works, Kye Rymer said he is pleased with the performance of American Airlines in the territory thus far. 

Minister Rymer added: “American Airlines began servicing the BVI on June 1, 2023, and had initially planned to suspend flights from August to October annually. However, due to increasing demand for the BVI as a destination and the visionary leadership of the Authority, the airline will now provide uninterrupted service to the territory — go, BVI. Go!” 

The Airport Authority said the continued and expanded service by American Airlines underscores the growing appeal of the BVI as a premier destination. The government is in the early stages of expanding the airport runway to accommodate bigger jets and even more carriers. 

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley recently said there has also been an uptick in the number of people who are flying to the BVI, saying statistics show more people are choosing flights over ferry transportation when travelling to the BVI.