Will BVI Airways ever fly? Date remain unknown on 'clear for take off'
The National Democratic Party (NDP) Government pumped some $7M of tax payers monies into the defunct BVI Airways, with a promise for direct flights between Miami, Florida, USA and the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport at Beef Island.
The public has been given three start dates for when the first flight was to commence; at the end of October 2016, the other end of November 2016 and the final December 2016.
To date none of the dates have come to pass and the public, the media and the Opposition remain skeptical about the Government's investment on the taxpayers back.
No new date to fly from Premier
Today December 19, 2016 at the Third Sitting of the Second Session of the Third House of Assembly (HoA) Premier and Minister of Finance the politician behind the deal, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith disclosed in a statement that regulator, Air Safety Support International (ASSI) has not given approval for the airline to fly commercially.
"ASSI as a civil aviation regulator for the VI currently, will need to issue an air operator certificate to BVI Airways before they can fly commercially from the BVI," Premier Smith told the public this morning.
In addressing the three time-frame delays without giving the residents an explanation, Dr Smith said "...it has been our intention that this airline be fully operational by the beginning of the winter season of this year, but circumstances have caused the schedule to slip," Premier Smith said.
However, Premier Smith failed to advise the public if all the other approvals required from the United States Department of Transportation via the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been granted.
Under the bailout deal for BVI Airways, if they never fly the VI Government, hence taxpayers, are not eligible to get a dime back from the $7 million public funds.
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27 Responses to “Will BVI Airways ever fly? Date remain unknown on 'clear for take off'”
Now the Gov't plans to operate a service from here to Miami are frustrated but their own (or rather the UK's aviation authority) and no doubt will be equally frustrated by the US authorities. Maybe the Govt will learn and stop its uncivil servants being so difficult here in the BVI - but I doubt it.
BVI Airways brought a plane to Terrance B. International Airport (TBLIA) apparently for show. It has missed several planned dates to get airborne. Getting and staying airborne seemed to be a problem for the airline. Has it spent more time grounded than in the air.
Moreover, no doubt residents, visitors, business men/women......etc would like the convenience of hopping aboard a flight in Miami and disembark at TBLIA. But the jury is still out on whether BVIAirways can attained the passenger load factor to stay airborne, assuming it takes flight. Was the taxpayers given a 6 for 9 or it was dealt a royal flush? Residents bawling and government giving away $7M. Has BVI Airways gotten approval from the FAA to fly? Is the capability and capacity available to service BVI Airways at TBLIA? Is it going to be refueled at TBLIA?
The rest of us might be to broke to afford their cost.
It have also been said - that if you make up a team with only the best and brightest, they will be a Big void of reason and common-sense; and without this, the team will surely fall like a house of cards. NDP is exhibiting all these symptoms.