Caribbean Airlines has made its inaugural flight between Trinidad and Tobago and the British Virgin Islands.
Flight BW 294 touched down at the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport in Tortola at 11:20 am after taking off from Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport at 7:40am.
The flight made a quick stop in Antigua before heading over to the BVI.
BVI government officials greeted the more than 47 passengers, including CAL’s management, as they arrived at the airport.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheathley expressed his joy that CAL had finally launched the service to the BVI, which was expected to begin in May or June 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wheatley said the new service opens up a wealth of opportunities for the BVI as it connects the territory with major transit airports in the Caribbean such as the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico and VC Bird International Airport in Antigua.
“With flights to Puerto Rico in one direction and Antigua and Barbados in the other, and connections to not only Caribbean Airlines’ route network but also all the operators in destinations that can be accessed through these transit airports, this is a significant step in boosting the connectivity and accessibility of the BVI with the world, but most importantly with our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean,” he said.
“We in the Caribbean know that intra-regional travel catalyzes economic growth. It opens up new markets, creates jobs and stimulates investment. For the Virgin Islands, increased connectivity means more opportunities for our tourism sector, the backbone of our economy and for developing new sectors. It means more visitors to our shores, more business opportunities for our hotels, restaurants and local artisans and more opportunities for local businesses to expand outward.”
Wheatley stressed that intra-regional travel is a lifeline for the Caribbean as it helps enable business, familial and cultural exchanges.
The premier, who is also the finance minister, noted that many expatriates from nearby countries are working in the BVI, and having more convenient travel options is beneficial for them.
He is hopeful that this new linkage will deepen the relationship between Caribbean countries as the sharing of culture and people will be easier.
Luce Hodge-Smith, the BVI’s junior minister for Tourism and Culture, also expressed her happiness that CAL has begun flying to Tortola after years of negotiations.
“This particular airline is going to help to boost our economy. It is also going to bring visitors from different parts of the world to enjoy our beautiful territory. We are grateful for Caribbean Airlines,” she said in her opening statement.
Nirmala Ramai, Chief Operating Officer at CAL, announced that the state-owned airline, which is the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, is thrilled to add Tortola to its growing route network that will soon include flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe.
“With four weekly flights, we will bring over 540 seats into and out of Tortola enabling us to connect passengers directly from Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Puerto Rico and Barbados. Our schedule also gives access to a wider network in South and North America and soon into the French Caribbean,” she said.
Ramai said CAL is committed to ensuring that its operations have a positive impact on the BVI.
The new service will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday with connections between Antigua, Barbados, and Puerto Rico.
CAL is using its ATR 72-600 aircraft to operate the route.
