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.

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

Razor Blades performing at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport 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 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.