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VI route a ‘big next step’ to AA ‘expanding presence’ in Caribbean- AA Regional MD

- says new route will bring largest gateway that American Airlines has to VI
Regional Managing Director for American Airlines, Mr Jose Maria Giraldo said the Miami-VI route will bring the largest gateway that American Airlines has to the Territory. Photo: Facebook
Some 79 passengers, including Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), were onboard the first American Airlines flight that arrived at Beef Island after 1:00 PM on June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO.
Some 79 passengers, including Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), were onboard the first American Airlines flight that arrived at Beef Island after 1:00 PM on June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO.
A ceremony took place at the boarding gate at Miami International Airport to mark the occasion of the direct flights, with representatives from Miami International Airport, American Airlines, and the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: Miami International Airport/Twitter
A ceremony took place at the boarding gate at Miami International Airport to mark the occasion of the direct flights, with representatives from Miami International Airport, American Airlines, and the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: Miami International Airport/Twitter
The direct flights are being operated by Envoy Air, under the American Eagle brand, with the Embraer E175 aircraft. Photo: VINO
The direct flights are being operated by Envoy Air, under the American Eagle brand, with the Embraer E175 aircraft. Photo: VINO
Razor Blades performing at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
Razor Blades performing at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
TRELLIS BAY, Beef Island, VI- Described by the Regional Managing Director of American Airlines (AA) as “something that doesn’t happen very often”, two American Airlines direct commercial flights from Miami in the USA landed at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island on Thursday, June 1, 2023, signalling the start of the long-awaited direct flights from mainland USA to the [British] Virgin Islands.

Some 79 passengers, including Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), were onboard the first flight that arrived at Beef Island after 1:00 PM.

A large number of persons, some waving flags, turned up at the airport terminal to witness the historic occasion.

Once the passengers cleared Immigration and Customs they were greeted outside by dancing Moko Jumbies and Moviene F. Fahie and her famous donkey. The passengers were also treated to refreshments and canapes and fungi music by Razor Blades.

At a ceremony to celebrate the occasion, Regional Managing Director for American Airlines, Mr Jose Maria Giraldo described the day as fantastic and amazing.

He said he almost had tears in his eyes seeing the plane land because of all the hard work that has been put into making “this great moment”.

‘Milestone’ for AA

Giraldo also described the operation as a “milestone” for American Airlines.

“This is going to be a big next step as we continue to expand our presence in the Caribbean. This new route will bring the largest gateway that American Airlines has to the BVI. It is now 149 destinations worldwide that connect with a non-stop flight with these beautiful islands.

“Now people can travel and enjoy this magnificent place.”

Mr Giraldo said American Airlines continues to strengthen its position as the largest airline flying in the Caribbean from the United States, “taking us up to 863 flights to 40 destinations and as I said before [I am] very proud today that Tortola is part of this fantastic list.”

Daily flights

AA Flights will operate daily through August 14, covering the peak summer months, and will then be paused, before resuming again in November, ready for the busy winter period.

“We look forward to the successful operation during the summer,” Giraldo said.

The direct flights are being operated by Envoy Air, under the American Eagle brand, with the Embraer E175 aircraft.

According to the latest data from ch-aviation.com, Envoy Air's fleet currently boasts 107 Embraer E175 aircraft, each carrying a total of 76 passengers, and with an average age of 5.5 years old.

7 Responses to “VI route a ‘big next step’ to AA ‘expanding presence’ in Caribbean- AA Regional MD”

  • 1st district original (02/06/2023, 08:28) Like (8) Dislike (12) Reply
    Thank God for head coach vision. To God be the glory!!
  • Why??? (02/06/2023, 09:36) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Daily flights from now to August 16
    Then none until November? What nonsense is this? When the school kids have to go back after the summer break this nice connection is not available
    Hope AA will change their mind
    Keep in mind that ppl like to travel outside the „rush hours“
    • @Why??? (03/06/2023, 12:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Supply and demand. Simple. Why you thin we have slow season? If there's a need then t hey will adjust accordingly
  • BVI Resident_kinda (02/06/2023, 09:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great move for both AA and the BVI. Awesome potential to bring visitors and business to/from. Good job to all who were involved in this endeavor. * applause*, *standing ovation*
  • cay (02/06/2023, 10:11) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    Vip is the party of progress
  • Watching and ???? (03/06/2023, 01:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hope it brings only reputable passengers and legal baggages and substances. Then all the hoopla won’t be in vein. Amen.
  • disappointed (03/06/2023, 23:21) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Envoy Air? I thought the flight were American airlines itself. What a disappointment ????.


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