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Flight delayed! BVI Airways now expected to begin operations in November

- says Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith
Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith stated today, July 18, 2016 that BVI Airways is now expected to begin operations in November instead of October as we previously announced. Photo: www.airplane-pictures.net
Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith the press conference at Office of the Premier today, July 18, 2016. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith the press conference at Office of the Premier today, July 18, 2016. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Government had previously stated that BVI Airways would begin direct flights from Miami, USA to Beef Island, Virgin Islands in October of this year. There has, however, been an early delay to takeoff as Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith stated today, July 18, 2016 that BVI Airways is now expected to begin operations in November.

“I am pleased to announce that we are on track, progressing well and barring any unanticipated hiccups, I expect to see schedule flights—direct flights to and from the United States mainland, between the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and the Miami International Airport before Thanksgiving of this year,” Premier Smith stated during a ‘One on One with the Premier Press Conference’ at the Office of the Premier, Central Administration Complex, earlier today.

Asked whether negotiations for all the necessary permits for BVI Airways to begin operation were complete, Premier said those were ongoing between the airline and the BVI Airports Authority and also Air Safety Support International (ASSI).

“But those are on track and we expect not problems, we expect them to continue towards satisfactory arrangements. When it comes to the time that they begin operation, the time schedule was October, there may be some slippage, maybe [October] or November, but we expect it to be very close to the time that we spoke about.”

The National Democratic Party Government has come under criticism for subsidising a defunct BVI Airways to the tune of $7M when the airline had once pulled operation some years ago, owing monies to BVI Airports Authority. Further, ferry operators have been calling for similar help from Government.

Others believe that $7M could have better been spent on urgently needed school supplies, as well as paying vendors owed.

Seaborne Airlines’ new agreement

Meanwhile, Premier Smith disclosed that on Friday, July 15, 2016 Delta Airlines and Seaborne Airlines announced that they will begin selling their brand on Seaborne at San Juan to and from the Virgin Islands effective September 7, 2016.

“This mark the first time in the aviation history of the Caribbean that one airline will operate with the three major brands doing business in the Caribbean. Seaborne will now have code-share agreements with American, Delta, and JetBlue - - providing ease of access to the BVI through a powerful distribution and reservations network as well as ticketing and baggage.

“This will be coupled with new nonstop service by BVI Airways which is set to launch in the fall increases BVI's visibility in the tourism scape and helps with our accessibility challenges,” Premier Smith said.

17 Responses to “Flight delayed! BVI Airways now expected to begin operations in November”

  • wize up (18/07/2016, 18:10) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    when you see this plane flying in and out of beef islands then you believe the old talk; come thanksgiving it will get push back to Christmas and come Christmas it will be pushed back to the New-Year !!!!
    • @wize up (18/07/2016, 19:27) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      You are hoping that is the case. The Devil may grant your wish and for your happiness I hope so. A delay will not diminish this accomplishment or any of the myriad accomplishments of NDP under the progressive leadership of Premier Smith.
      • wize up (18/07/2016, 20:25) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ @ wize up.....seeing is believing and the project is not a bad idea!!! ...I remember the days when The territory had its own airline and won't be bad to have another national airline again; BUT I will be happier when I see this airline in and out of the territory for a few years???
    • wow (18/07/2016, 19:48) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      You think air traffic is like building a wall and sidewalks? No plane will fly unless all the approvals are granted and all red tape dealt with. We are always wishing the worst and when the worst comes we all acting shocked and saddened. This is our country and politics is only for a time. Wtf is really wrong with us?
  • VG (18/07/2016, 18:42) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fraser told you it was a scam
  • Wonder (18/07/2016, 19:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    STRUPESSS
  • just wait (18/07/2016, 19:57) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Then in november they will say december.
    • @just wait (19/07/2016, 10:17) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
      That would mean that they are proceeding cautiously with diligence towards a flawless implementation. There are many players in this venture and the pieces must fit perfectly. You have a problem with our that? Too bad. NDP is not a half acid group. They are successful business men . They are not needing and wanting waiting to throw some incomplete mess at us just to say they did something. Applause is second nature to them .
      • @ just wait/@wizeup/SMH (19/07/2016, 14:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        You seem upset at these persons options and questions - are you a financial stakeholder or just an over-enthusiastic and closely affiliated backer of the airline group? While due diligence is absolutely necessary; false advertising is not acceptable here also imo. Opinions are like candy - there's tons of different flavors - some sweet some sour, which are you? I have yet to see a reputable CBA on a modern sea transport system vs the airlport expansions option; have you btw? The majority of the population may not have intricate knowledge as the information has been piece-meal - so don't get your undies in a knot for divergent opions.
  • fat cat (18/07/2016, 21:00) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    $7 Million dollars at least R H got an eat
  • pat (18/07/2016, 23:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow NDP & Doc you simply just not getting it, GO!!
  • 911 (18/07/2016, 23:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    the direct flight thing is to be used as political gimmickry.
  • dog (18/07/2016, 23:11) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    and we need a longer runway for this plane? Nothing is worth it if schedules, efficiency, maintenance, and professionalism are all taken seriously. So far the airport is almost third world in attitude. the facility is fine (and empty between flights). It doesn't need to be bigger until government gets their act together. More flights leads to big hotel, stores, commercial centre etc. There goes Trellis as we know it.
  • NDP voter (18/07/2016, 23:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    A wee [ndp] out of touch with middle BVI.


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