The Virgin Islands is making moves towards improved air access.

Today, BVI Airways announced it has received a revised Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from its United Kingdom based regulator, Air Safety Support International. The AOC authorises BVI Airways to operate its Avro RJ 100 jet aircraft from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE congratulated BVI Airways, stating, “Congratulations to BVI Airways on making history for both the company, and the Virgin Islands’ guest experience.”

“The approval brings the Territory one step closer to achieving direct air access to and from the United States. The partnership will allow direct air access between the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and Miami International Airport,” said Premier Smith.

Honourable Premier also stated, “The partnership between the Government of the Virgin Islands and BVI Airways is an immediate response to the Territory’s current air access challenges. The next step is the expansion of the T.B. Lettsome International Airport to accommodate regular flights to and from the eastern seaboard of the United States, and establishes direct connections to and from the international travel hubs in Central and South America.”

With the recent regulatory approval, BVI Airways will seek authorisation from the United States Department of Transportation to fly into the United States.

The BVI Airways agreement with the Virgin Islands, to provide direct flights to the Territory, is in line with the Government’s present economic agenda, “Positioning the Virgin Islands for the Future”.