BVIAA in 'heightened discussions' to fill void left by LIAT- Bevis A. Sylvester
Mr Sylvester, in a press release today, July 3, 2020, said he has viewed with “deep concerns” the developments unfolding with LIAT, a traditional fixture in the Caribbean, and an airline which has given longstanding service to the region in general.
“For all its challenges, LIAT has served our people well and its impeccable safety record has been its hallmark and a source of pride and comfort to all Caribbean people.”
Mr Sylvester added that in recent days, it has been said there's a very strong likelihood that LIAT will be liquidated.
‘Not welcoming news’- Mr Sylvester
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston A. Browne announced on Saturday, June 27, 2020, there were plans to liquidate LIAT and that a new entity would be formed.
“You would have found that since COVID, the planes have been grounded, they have to pay the lease payments and they are not getting any revenue. A decision will have to be made to collapse it and then maybe the countries within the region will have to come together to form a new entity,” Mr Browne stated.
According to Mr Sylvester, “As Chairman of the Authority, this is not welcome news; nevertheless, we hope that the former employees are afforded their benefits and we wish everyone associated with this institution well.”
Filling the void
The BVIAA Chairman said the VI needs to do what it must to be able to service its traditional routes, while at the same time, try to expand to new markets.
“This health pandemic has presented us with some serious challenges, especially in the travel and tourism sectors, but it has also presented us with new opportunities for partnerships and expansion.
“We are currently in heightened discussions with Inter Caribbean Airlines and Caribbean Airlines, with the hope that those two private partners will be able to expand their BVI routes beyond the pre-COVID structure, so that we can quickly fill the void left behind by LIAT.”
Runway expansion
Mr Sylvester also noted that the BVIAA is more than ever cognizant of the need to expand the runway at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport to meet the requirements for international carriers.
“This will significantly boost tourism in the Territory. This expansion of our capacity is based on projections for future use, as international travellers will be clamouring for destinations that are safe from the pandemic, or at least destinations that have proven themselves capable of managing or containing COVID-19.”
Mr Sylvester posited that the expansion will mean more jobs, both in the short and long- term, for Virgin Islanders.
“As Chairman, I am excited about the prospects ahead for the Airport's Authority, and I look forward to the new and emerging opportunities to make the BVI a household name in brand markets around the world,” Mr Sylvester remarked.
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10 Responses to “BVIAA in 'heightened discussions' to fill void left by LIAT- Bevis A. Sylvester”
to lose their jobs..So many people and families u all caused unnecessary suffering... The Airport could have been open from June 15 to accommodate regional travel only....Since the region had the virus under control... So Sad. God is watching...This hurt me so much...Regional tourist Black people, we spend... ..Lots of people are hell bound....