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Premier forecasts positive GDP impacts from AA’s Miami to VI service

- points to potential benefits to VI’s restaurants, hotels, cultural artisans & transportation services industry
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has forecasted positive impacts to the territory’s GDP as a result of direct flights from Miami to the Virgin Islands to commence on June 1, 2023, through American Airlines. Photo: VINO/File
On June 1, the Virgin Islands will welcome the inaugural American Airline flights, after a successful test flight was launched on May 25, 2023. Photo: GIS/Facebook
On June 1, the Virgin Islands will welcome the inaugural American Airline flights, after a successful test flight was launched on May 25, 2023. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is predicting positive impacts to the territory’s GDP as a result of direct flights from Miami to the Virgin Islands to commence on June 1, 2023, by American Airlines (AA).

“I am happy that there will be greater accessibility, affordability, and convenience which will serve as a catalyst for enhanced opportunities to expand our tourism product. I am anticipating that restaurants, hotels, cultural artisans and transportation services, will benefit from this initiative, which will impact the Territory’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said on May 26, 2023.

Premier Wheatley detailed how the direct flights to and from the US mainland can generate potential positive implications for the cruise and charter boat industry in the Virgin Islands.

“The development of the Blue Economy is contingent on fully capitalising on the economic impact of sailing, yachting, and cruising events.”

VI now better position to meet tourists' needs - Premier 

He said with American Airlines committing to direct flights to the Virgin Islands, the territory will be better positioned to better meet the needs of tourists interested in chartering boats, who will be able to do so with more ease and accessibility.

“One significant aspect of having American Airlines as a partner is that persons can earn credit, and use advantage miles to travel,” he further added.

The Premier said these miles can use to fly to other American Airlines destinations, which creates a new niche of passengers with direct access to the VI. 

On June 1, the Virgin Islands will welcome the inaugural American Airlines flight after a successful test flight was launched on May 25.

This new service ties in with the VI’s National Sustainable Development Plan, which encourages the diversification and expansion of the tourism sector as a mechanism to facilitate economic development through encouraging foreign direct investment.

7 Responses to “Premier forecasts positive GDP impacts from AA’s Miami to VI service”

  • agreed (31/05/2023, 10:43) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Honestly! This is a + and I accepted it. Like anything else if can’t afford it just leave it!!
  • Prophecy (31/05/2023, 10:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    or publicity? Let's wait until 1st June 2024 with the factual results of these direct flights before issuing any more public statements from politicians.
  • Stroopssssss (31/05/2023, 11:04) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fix the damn roads... Hold W&S accountable when they dig up the roads..
  • Hmm (31/05/2023, 12:12) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr economic guru, Fixing our crumbling infrastructure like roads so we can get to these hotels and restaurants and businesses is what will improve grow GDP, not 60 people coming in on an AA flight.
  • Right up my alley (31/05/2023, 14:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I know is no more ferry ride to ST.Thomas to catch a plane to Miami. I visit Miami at lest once every other month to visit my daughter and grandson in Fort Lauderdale which is only a 45 minute car ride from Miami.
  • Disinterested (31/05/2023, 18:55) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Undoubtedly, the nonstop flight from MIA to EIS is a Big F’ing deal. and is worthy of embracing and celebrating
    . But students in the airline business know that route can.
    be easily as started. The key the factor in the success is as E. Leonard noted in another blog is passenger load factor with the price being a driver.The price must be competitive with other routes. Hon Premier we know that you are giddy about the route but whoa Nelly slow your roll. Give it time and if it successful and proven sustainable, there will time to crow, bray, etc. Give it time. The bottom line is that AA controls things, for they decide if the flight get and stay airborne or grounded.

    Moreover, there is an infrastructure discontinuity in the Journey. OK, passengers will embark a modern airport in z Miami, fly nonstop to EIS, disembark at the semi-modern airport at EIS and then traverse on non First World , pothole riddled roads. Let’s fix the damn roads. We are behaving like proper asphalt (flexible pavement) and concrete ( fixed pavement)road construction, maintenance and repair is rocket science, biochemistry or brain surgery. It is not. So let’s stop it. We can build a quality, functional, secure and safe road network. Further, with the projected increase in passenger arrivals, do we have enough beds for the increasing number heads.
  • Kokane (02/06/2023, 11:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It would've been more GDP if Andrew was still in power chupes smh.


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