First commercial flight lands in VG since airport’s reopening

The first commercial flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the Taddy Bay International Airport in Virgin Gorda since the facility’s reopening last month landed earlier this morning.

The Cape Air aircraft was received by several government officials including Premier and Minister of Tourism Andrew Fahie, Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley, Deputy Governor David Archer Jr, Territory-at-Large Representative Shereen Flax-Charles and Sister Island Coordinator Sasha Flax.

Speaking at the Landing Ceremony in Virgin Gorda, Premier Fahie expressed his gratitude to members of the Virgin Gorda community who were supportive and pushed for the reopening of the airport.

The Premier also extended his gratitude to members of his government and also other government officials who he said gave crucial contributions to the completion of the airport’s facilities.

Fahie also showed appreciation to the private contractors as he said they completed the works on the airport in 10 days which allowed the commencement of flights to the sister island.

“Today, I want to welcome Cape Air on becoming the first non-private flight to come to Virgin Gorda Airport since the reopening. We have had many other flights since the reopening which are charters and they have come from international quarters of course but this is the first commercial one we are having. We as a government are in negotiation with other airlines to have the regular commercial flights,” Fahie added.

The Minister of Tourism said although the incoming traffic to the airport have dwindled over time, the days of old are coming back. He said there is an appetite for tourists to visit the Virgin Islands and especially Virgin Gorda once more.

“That is what I quote from all the executives from all the airlines. As a matter of fact, the executives of Cape Air said when they put Virgin Gorda on the schedule a few months ago, the number of bookings was quite impressive,” Fahie said.

Cape Air pilot Richard Bellofato expressed his pleasure in landing at the Taddy Bay International Airport and also his excitement in resuming flights to the territory.

“We have just completed all the training for the pilots. We have a great group of pilots that will be coming here; very qualified. Thank you for all the support you have given to Cape Air. It means a lot to the airline and I’ve always been really excited to resume the operations here,” Bellofato said.

Cape Air will be having three daily flights from San Juan to Virgin Gorda and vice versa. The flights arriving at the Taddy Bay International Airport will be at 10 am, 1:43 pm, and 5;16 pm. There will be departures from Virgin Gorda to San Juan daily at 7:05 am, 11:05 am and 1:58 pm.