New In-Transit Lounge opens @ T.B. Lettsome International Airport
Present to officially declare the facility open were Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Sharie B. deCastro (AL) along with the Acting Managing Director of the British Virgin Islands Airport Authority (BVIAA), Mr Clive Smith and along with Mr Keith Flax.
Revenue boost
Speaking on behalf of Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A Fahie (R1), Hon deCastro complimented the BVIAA on the opening of the facility.
"It is an innovative one and they have repurposed this space that we are in currently and it will bring necessary revenue to the airport authority so that it can properly serve its operations."
In-transit passengers will pay a $10 fee incorporated in the cost of their tickets, that will go to the BVIAA as explained by Mr Smith. "The $10 fee that would be charged is specifically for in-transit passengers, The $10 environmental fee is for arriving passengers it does not apply to arrive passenger. The $10 fee, is simply for in-transit," he said.
According to Mr Smith, the airport currently has around 250-300 in-transit passengers per week, "so this is a timely addition to the services at the T.B. Lettsome International Airport," he said.
Promise delivered - Premier Fahie
With the lounge in place, Mr Smith says the chance of a person entering the territory without required status has been significantly reduced.
"The board's mandate was to get it done and we got it done in good time and we are happy now that we have this facility up and running," said Mr Smith while congratulating his staff for bringing the initiative online.
Premier Fahie in statements released after the opening congratulated to the Acting Managing Director and his team for ensuring that the lounge was ready to accommodate passengers.
"I thank the Chairman Mr Bevis Sylvester and other members of the BVIAA Board along with other Government agencies who worked in partnership to make this day a reality. Today is a big day for a prosperous BVI tomorrow. A Promise Made. A Promise Kept. A Promise Delivered!," Premier Fahie said.
16 Responses to “New In-Transit Lounge opens @ T.B. Lettsome International Airport”
If the above can be achieved then a average of 275 passengers a week x 52 weeks =14300 persons @ $10 per person =$143.000.00 a year, or it may all just be pie in the sky
Second the fee will not be paid by everyone only those in transit e.g. the flight from Santo Domingo that continues to Dominica and st Lucia.
Other airports in the Caribbean does the same thing e.g. Antigua and Barbados.
It’s better to have the people the recheck through security before they continue on to a next international destination. It’s also better than having them remain on a hot aircraft while it’s being refueled.
BVI people just like to make a big issue about nothing. It’s for safety and security that’s why it’s being done.