Citing that the toll taken by the 2017 hurricane season was continuing to have profound effects on its operation and funding of the continuing recovery, air charter company Fly BVI has closed its operations based at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. Photo: Fly BVI

No less than five (5) locals were left unemployed when Fly BVI closed its operations at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on June 30, 2019. Photo: VINO/File

The suspension of operations and lay off were confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online by Fly BVI General Manager, Mr Steve A. Pelletier today, August 20, 2019.

According to information reaching our newsroom, no less than five (5) locals were employed with the airline.

Fly BVI had stopped taking any new bookings for flights after 30 June 2019, stating on its website that the toll taken by the 2017 hurricane season was continuing to have profound effects on its operation and funding of the continuing recovery.

“Expecting many months ahead before being able to return sustainable margins, we will suspend flight operations at the end of June 2019 and look towards reorganization,” the Fly BVI website stated.

It further said while the charter yacht sector was quick to recover, giving hope, land-based accommodations and especially the major resorts in the VI are still struggling to rebuild and re-open.

“We feel it is preferable for us to pause and regroup to better serve the BVI once the recovery is complete.”

Asked if there as a time line that Fly BVI was looking at to resume operations, Mr Pelletier told our newsroom he could not comment on that.