Brent Pinheiro
brent.pinheiro@guardian.co.tt
Caribbean Airlines Ltd’s (CAL) regional network expansion continued yesterday as the airline began commercial service to Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI). 9Y-TTJ, a CAL ATR 72-600 operating as BW294, touched down at the Terrance B. Lettsome International airport just after 11am local time.
The aircraft and its crew were greeted by a water cannon salute, which is traditionally given when an airline begins a new route.
Tortola is CAL’s 24th destination and according to the airline’s CEO Garvin Medera, it will not only be a “boost to tourism but also additional opportunities to foster trade and deepen cultural ties.”
Madonna Debique, one of the passengers onboard told Guardian Media she wanted to be part of history, so she booked her ticket specifically for today’s service as soon as she heard it being announced. Having never been on an inaugural service before, the retiree and avid traveller says it won’t be her last. Her next flight? Guadeloupe. Debique says it’s all about exploring and connecting with other islands in the Caribbean.
BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley, along with several of the island’s officials, were on hand to speak with guests and members of the media. The BVI has been in discussions with CAL since 2019 to begin service to the islands. Wheatley says it’s a “gratifying feeling” to see their vision come to reality.
“These things are not simple, it took a lot of work. It took Caribbean Airlines doing its due diligence and we are so grateful for the confidence Caribbean Airlines has shown in the Virgin Islands product,” he added.
Noting the large number of Caribbean people living and working in the British Virgin Islands, he told Guardian Media the new route will help to make intra-regional travel more efficient and shorten the journey times.
With four weekly flights, Caribbean Airlines will provide 540 seats weekly.
