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1 of the $7M BVI Airways jets arrives @ Beef Island airport

- No passengers; Still doing testing while behind in regulations approvals
The first BVI Airways jet landed at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island today, November 3, 2016. Photo: Team of Reporters
The jet arrived with only a crew and, according to BVI Airways, will be engaged in 'customary and usual flight demonstration and ground personnel training.' Photo: Team of Reporters
The jet arrived with only a crew and, according to BVI Airways, will be engaged in 'customary and usual flight demonstration and ground personnel training.' Photo: Team of Reporters
The BVI Airways jet, Spirit of the Virgin Islands, at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport. Photo: Team of Reporters
The BVI Airways jet, Spirit of the Virgin Islands, at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport. Photo: Team of Reporters
BEEF ISLAND, VI- While the public still seems to be unsettled with the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration bailing out the bankrupt BVI Airways to the tune of $7M in exchange for direct flights between Miami International Airport and the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, today November 2, 2016 marked an important day in the bailout deal.

It was around 2:21 P.M. today November 3, 2016 that the first test flight arrived at Beef Island with no passengers but only a crew. The test flight was greeted by officials from the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) who BVI Airways owes close to 100,000 United States dollars.

A few days ago, the company funded by tax payers announced to selective media houses that its first BAe Avro RJ100 regional four engine jet, named the Spirit of the Virgin Islands, will arrive in the territory by the end of this week.

Still no date for take-off with passengers

However, the press release from BVI Airways avoided information to the public as to why it has missed another flight deadline but claimed that the plane will be engaged in “customary and usual flight demonstration and ground personnel training.”

BVI Airways has missed two reported deadlines for its first direct flight, which was to have started on October 1, 2016 according to what Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith told the public. The other promised take off date was November 1, 2016 which also never happened.

It is our newsroom’s understanding that Platinum Services, owned by the Romney’s, is the agent.

If the flight ever materialises, this will be the second time that there has been direct flights between Miami, Florida International Airport and the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport on Beef Island.

52 Responses to “1 of the $7M BVI Airways jets arrives @ Beef Island airport”

  • Curious (03/11/2016, 15:59) Like (15) Dislike (11) Reply
    well the vip was subsidizing LIAT after the then minister of communication and works minister failed with negotiation with american airlines during their time in office.. then the people cried that they should invest in a local airlines: now we are skeptical and upset about this investment. what is be a better solution to the airlift problem? can someone please tell me?
    • 100% (03/11/2016, 16:22) Like (25) Dislike (18) Reply
      Don't mind the noise! NDP is the action government. They don't get it right all the time but this is a big step for the BVI. I really hope everything goes well and we can get some scheduled flights direct to/from Miami before this tourist season is over.
      • Pay Local Investors (03/11/2016, 18:28) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
        How can the NDP really be out investing in $7 million-airline that has not delivered any service to the BVI, and not paying local investors who have provided services for the benefit of the people of this Territory? Then some quick to try and hush people 'bout "Born Here". Apparently locals have no representation, which is a very sad dilemma.
    • @Curious (03/11/2016, 17:20) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
      The difference between then and now is that we are financially strapped for cash, the Treasury is dry and because of this, there is a possible UK takeover because these NDP Ministers are NOT being accountable with taxpayers' money. Nuff said!
    • solution (03/11/2016, 18:02) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      First you can start by stop telling lies. The Minister was not subsidized LIAT, it was straight up guarantee of revenue.
      • W*F (03/11/2016, 19:57) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        So what do you think that means? Any shortfall will result in govt subsidy.
  • voter (03/11/2016, 16:01) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    ok then look at my investment
  • vi (03/11/2016, 16:03) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    Cant wait to get to Miami straight flight and don't have to deal with scrappy Seaborn Airlines!!!

  • wize up (03/11/2016, 16:08) Like (17) Dislike (13) Reply
    Cant wait to hear fahie and fraser at the next sitting of house of assembly; I hope they won't call today an optical illusion....should also be fun to hear the talk show host....
  • Yes (03/11/2016, 16:14) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    So its not just a figment of political imaginations!
  • wize up (03/11/2016, 16:22) Like (14) Dislike (8) Reply
    Just a follow up; with Romney acting as agents for this so called NDP Airline let's see who will run against Mark in district 4 come 2019(will it be Dr Do-Little or Roxie)..when NDP started to renovate AO Shirley ground is was said it won't work(look at it now): when NDP began the Noel Lloyd Park it was said it won't work(one gentleman even laid down in front of the machine(look at it now)....loads of talk about the cruse ship dock but today we have something: NOW an aeroplane actually showed up TB Lettsome so we all know the conversation will go another direction(I am not political because I can not vote)
    • Hmm (03/11/2016, 17:50) Like (4) Dislike (17) Reply
      Well, since you can't vote, shut your mouth and keep your useless opinions and observations to your self.
    • The watchman (03/11/2016, 19:20) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      Romney's are shareholders in BV Airways so is Michael Thomas and others. Why would they not handle themselves?
      • NO BIAS (04/11/2016, 09:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Sometimes I wonder if some of us think before we speaks. If you continue being negative. What do you think is going to happen, all you will see is the wrong things all the time. Let's be positive now and hope for the best. Do you think god will behave this way to you? No, so let's stop it and move forward.
    • Psychic Warrior (04/11/2016, 09:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ wizeup: My crystal ball tells me it is going to be the Malone chap whom recently said he would not try to serve as the VIP chairman again.....my bet is on C.M.......any takers?
  • lol lol (03/11/2016, 16:39) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Now be smart having a plane show up meens that flights about to start. Planes sit for years sometimes waiting on approval.
    • flight (03/11/2016, 17:15) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
      So why do you have to be negative about it? This is something that will benefit the country in a major way.
    • Nice @Lol lol (03/11/2016, 18:22) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Go fact check your comments, the FAA is quicker to approve regualation... than ASSI! But I take pride in having a BVI registered plane operating VP-LOS soon than your shameful comment. You little minded MoFo, I hope the day you decide to book a flight, that you think so little of progress and regret this petty comment. People like you are shameful for our Virgin Islands.
    • wize up (03/11/2016, 18:23) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ lol lol.....at least you see something for your tax money(remember BVI shell out 10 million on this venture
  • hundred thou (03/11/2016, 16:48) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Did they brought the monies owed to airport authorities?
  • Ummm (03/11/2016, 16:50) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
    For 7 Million Dollars investment you would think the BVI flag would visible! Not a good introduction in my opinion!!!!!!!
  • ndp (03/11/2016, 16:53) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    PROGRESS!
  • BVI Observer (03/11/2016, 16:56) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why have they purchased a plane? Surely they should lease one?
    • Help me here (03/11/2016, 21:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why would you think they purchase a plane?
      Why would you think that 7 million dollars can purchase a passenger plane of that size?
  • Curious George (03/11/2016, 16:59) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    CURIOUS ABOUT THE PRICES IT WILL COST FROM HERE TO MIAMI
  • VG Realist (03/11/2016, 17:01) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    But yet, the Treasury is still dry, we are broke and a possible UK takeover in the works so this is just to shut up gullible people not me though.
  • booze (03/11/2016, 17:38) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    A little boost in the economy. New jobs and money pumping in.
  • ........ (03/11/2016, 17:41) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Spirit of the Virgin Islands....AHHHHH LIKE IT....!! In your face naysayers........
  • Music (03/11/2016, 17:58) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Did it fly nonstop?
  • Music (03/11/2016, 18:14) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why isnt this on ZBVI 6pm news?
  • Boo (03/11/2016, 18:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Ministers (cough cough) shareholders must be proud to see their 7 million doing something
  • de silent one (03/11/2016, 18:31) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    We should all put politics aside and give the Government some props for the effort made. Such flight could only bring about some relief for all those who uses the service. It's not just for the tourist benefit but for the locals who want to go to Miami to shop and some medical reason. It's cuts out all of the going through, St Thomas and Puerto Rico business and fly direct which should give you more time to deal with your business, hopefully no lost of baggage (s).Give it our best wish to work. There aren't much other Caribbean countries that have invested in that size aircraft.
  • Zone 6 (03/11/2016, 19:42) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Now that it landed on the existing runway why do we need to in debts our country 200million runway
  • season (03/11/2016, 20:31) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    It's a new season its a brand new day. can't you feel it can't you see it. The way forward.
  • fish (03/11/2016, 22:16) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I want to know when to book my flight?
  • Hmm (03/11/2016, 22:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    How much is s ticket for the BVI to Miami?
  • Yes (03/11/2016, 22:34) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    PR airport isn't horrible!! Y'all BVI landers just mess it up by carrying in ........then have the heart to complain??! And stop being down the other airlines!! When BVI airways mess up, you will be right back at seaborn desk!!! Y'all need stop it.
  • Wendy (04/11/2016, 00:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Isn"t she lovely..Truly the angel's best.. Boy,I'm so happy..We have been heaven blessed. I can't believe what God had done........But isn't she lovely...(Stevie Wonder)
  • just asking (04/11/2016, 06:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can BVI landers or belongers benefit from this airline by using a visa waver to go to Miami,don't they have to enter US territory before being able to use a visa waver to travel to America just trying to gather information
  • Dan (04/11/2016, 08:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    will we still nees the us visa wavier since u are going fly direct to mamia?
  • Dan (04/11/2016, 08:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    so that mean bvi citizens need to apply now for the uk passport so dem can go mamia from tortola
  • wize up (04/11/2016, 15:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    while some of us just taking and taking; some of us can see that things are being done for the benefit of the people; my children will have the option of traveling from st thomas or from beef island; some who standing in house of assembly taking and talking have done nothing for locals; the member brought in Digicel and disenfranchised the local owners of CCT; the same member who truly cares about how this country is running brought in a water company and put the local water company completely out of business: some of us will fall for the hype and talk but some of us read between the line....
  • chad (04/11/2016, 18:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Delta airlines next in line
  • Expat (05/11/2016, 14:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Looking gooood! Like Freddy Prince would say. Hope the platinum services does not come with platinum prices.
  • NHI (07/11/2016, 10:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WE NEED ONE PLANE DEPICTING PICS OF BVI HERITAGE DANCSER FISHES LOBSTER SAIL BOATS U NAME IT THAT PLANE LOOK TO PLAIN


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