The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), has announced the receipt of proposals resulting from its recent tender process for a provider of aviation fuel to commercial airlines at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (TBLIA) on Beef Island. Photo: BVIAA/Facebook

Mr Bevis A. Sylvester, Chairman of the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority (BVIAA), said the Authority is working aggressively towards the realisation of a Capital Improvement Programme at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Photo: VINO/File

In addition to the quality of the proposals, BVIAA said it will also take into consideration, the price offered by each Tenderer, expressed as an amount that each company will pay to the Authority for each gallon of fuel sold. Under the existing contract, the amount paid is $0.20 per gallon. Photo: icarusjet.com

Local entities Platinum BVI and The Boys Service Station have collaborated to submit a proposal.

The Tender, according to a press release from BVIAA, was a result of a need to relocate the existing fuel farm in order to facilitate the development of new airport facilities under the airport’s master plan, and in doing so, promotes a competitive process to maximise revenues and the financial viability of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and the VI Airport system.

BVIAA said Proposals were received from three (3) Tenderers as follows:- (i) SOL St Lucia Ltd - $0.20 per gallon (ii) Platinum BVI/The Boys Service Station -$0.23 per gallon (iii) West Indies Oil Company - $0.30 per gallon.

In addition to the quality of the proposals, BVIAA said it will also take into consideration, the price offered by each Tenderer, expressed as an amount that each company will pay to the Authority for each gallon of fuel sold. Under the existing contract, the amount paid is $0.20 per gallon.

The three (3) proposals were opened in a public meeting where all Tenderers were invited to participate.

The evaluation process is expected to conclude within 2 – 4 weeks.

Tender for new terminal & hanger

The Authority said it is also currently evaluating a tender process for the development of a World Class Fixed Based Operator (FBO) to handle the operations of general aviation at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, including private jets.

This facility, it said, will include both a new small terminal and an aircraft storage hanger for this elite clientele. Three (3) proposals also resulted from that process.

The Authority disclosed that it currently only receives $0.20 per gallon from fuel sales to this class of airport operations.

The proposals for this tender were opened on July 21, 2020, with tendered prices as follows:- (i) Platinum BVI and $0.22 per gallon (ii) IAM Jet Center $0.25 per gallon (iii) BANG Aviation -$0.35 per gallon.

BVIAA committed to the goal- Bevis A. Sylvester

Mr Bevis A. Sylvester, Chairman of BVIAA, advised that “the Authority is committed to the goal of the Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and his Government, to build resiliency in the economy and the environment of the VI.

“Towards that objective, we are working aggressively towards the realisation of a Capital Improvement Programme at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, for the capability of nonstop jet service to anywhere in North America and Europe; a goal made even more urgent by the uncertainty of future inter-Caribbean connectivity.

“We are pleased with, and welcome these offers by tenderers to invest in our future, and provide this well needed capital to fund our future resiliency,” Mr Sylvester said.

For more information, contact can be made with Acting Managing Director, Mr Clive Smith at csmith@bviaa.com.