Wednesday, January 20 – Government is continuing its efforts to improve airlift capacity into the Territory to increase the potential for tourist arrivals.
As part of this continuing effort Premier and Minister for Tourism Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE received a courtesy call last Friday from the Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of Cape Air and Jet Blue Airways, Mr. Daniel A. Wolf and Mr. Dave Barger, respectively.
Meeting in the new BVI Tourist Board VIP Lounge at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, the officials spoke about the airlines’ agreement to facilitate the seamless transition of passengers between Jet Blue Airways and Cape Air.
Speaking to the executives over mid-afternoon snacks, Premier O’Neal welcomed the efforts of the two airlines to increase airlift capacity into the Territory, a critical element in the continuing success of the tourism industry, a major economic pillar for the Virgin Islands.
Acknowledging efforts by Cape Air to begin flying into Virgin Gorda, hopefully later this year, the Premier also gave assurances that Government is committed to the development of the airport on Virgin Gorda. “The Virgin Gorda Airport is a vital necessity to tourism and also for emergencies. I want to assure you that Government is working full speed ahead on making the necessary improvements. We will do our best to push the project, so we can have a better airport and the airline can come in,” Honourable O’Neal stated.
The Premier also acknowledged that sometimes “Government appears to move slow and some events are beyond our control but we are prepared to meet the changing world, for example in the areas of commerce and transportation.”
He noted too that it is also important to “make life easier and more comfortable for people and get them from island to island in the quickest possible time.”
In his remarks, Cape Air’s President and CEO, Mr. Daniel A. Wolf, described Virgin Gorda as “a perfect Cape Air destination.” He also noted that, “It is a huge statement of support for the community.”
His sentiments were echoed by his counterpart from Jet Blue Airways. That airline’s President and CEO Mr. Dave Barger said, “We are delighted to be here and we look forward to our partnership with Cape Air.”
The Jet Blue/Cape Air partnership and Cape Air’s plans to fly into Virgin Gorda provide welcome news for the Territory at a time when Government is trying steadfastly to streamline access to the Virgin Islands and increase the airlift capacity into the Territory.
British Virgin Islands News