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June 1, 2023 is a 'red-letter day’ for VI’s air transportation growth– Hon Rymer

- As American Airlines makes first commercial direct flight to VI from US mainland
The American Airlines flight gets a water cannon welcome at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
Minister for Transportation and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) has called a ‘red letter day’ the official landing of the direct flight from Miami via the Virgin Islands (VI) via American Airlines Today, June 1, 2023. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Minister for Transportation and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) has called a ‘red letter day’ the official landing of the direct flight from Miami via the Virgin Islands (VI) via American Airlines Today, June 1, 2023. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Passengers head for the airport terminal after disembarking the American Airlines flight at Beef Island today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
Passengers head for the airport terminal after disembarking the American Airlines flight at Beef Island today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
A number of persons turned up to welcome the direct commercial flight by American Airlines today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
A number of persons turned up to welcome the direct commercial flight by American Airlines today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
A number of persons turned up to welcome the direct commercial flight by American Airlines today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
A number of persons turned up to welcome the direct commercial flight by American Airlines today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
Former legislator Dr Kedrick D. Pickering, left, was one of the passengers on the American Airlines flight from Miami to the Virgin Islands today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
Former legislator Dr Kedrick D. Pickering, left, was one of the passengers on the American Airlines flight from Miami to the Virgin Islands today, June 1, 2023. Photo: VINO
TRELLIS BAY, Beef Island, VI – Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) has called a ‘red letter day’ the official landing of the commercial direct flight from Miami to the Virgin Islands (VI) by American Airlines today, Thursday, June 1, 2023.

In a short ceremony, the minister who was a passenger on the flight, along with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), said 37 years have passed since the first direct flight to the Virgin Islands from the US mainland.

He said since then there was an expansion to the airport, new terminal, runway extension, along with improved aircraft design, "that makes today's inaugural flight as American Airlines, American Eagle, historical, a red letter today in our territory's growth for air transportation.”

Acknowledgements 

He continued, “We must acknowledge though, the past efforts of past government, passed boards, past management, private individuals and companies, and I take this time to say thank you, because it's on your shoulders that we stand on today,” Hon Rymer added.

The Minister also thanked Premier Dr the Honourable Wheatley for assigning this role to the Ministry of Communications and Works, along with the Managing Director of the Airports Authority, the BVI Tourist Board, and the Director of Projects along with the staff of the BVI Airports Authority for making the day possible.

Historic day for VI- Hon Rymer 

The Minister detailed that after more negotiations on the possibility of landing certain airplanes in the VI, the local team pursued aggressively to have the flights be made a reality in the VI, with the confirmation coming in December 2023.

“Today here we are, a historical milestone is being achieved and we congratulate and acknowledge American Airlines for recognising the potential of the Virgin Islands and being bold enough to add the BVI as a destination through in collaboration with Envoy.”

The Minister added that the move means progress and a positive step towards continued growth and development and enhancement of the local tourism product.

30 Responses to “June 1, 2023 is a 'red-letter day’ for VI’s air transportation growth– Hon Rymer”

  • Yep (01/06/2023, 17:39) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
    At least it seems like kedrick found his place after two defeats, now its for Carvin to find his!
    • @Yep (01/06/2023, 18:55) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
      The story line is a positive one. And it is disappointing that you took time (not to add value to the actual story) by commenting, but to take pot shots at two men who by all account, celebrated the VI’s success today.

      I hope you get a hug to displace this anger in you.

  • HMMM (01/06/2023, 17:49) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    Them prices sky rocket highhhhhhh mehson
    • @hmmm (02/06/2023, 09:21) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      The prices is not that high. If you add up the ferry price to ST. Thomas to catch a flight, the money you have to pay from the ferry to the airport by taxi, if you miss your flight, hotel money for the night will probably be more than the price you would pay to fly from Tortola to Miami.
  • warning (01/06/2023, 18:28) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is so heart warming. What a good feeling
  • Miami, Florida (01/06/2023, 18:43) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    My dad was one of the passengers on the historic flight from Miami to the British Virgin Islands. Dad called me after he checked into his hotel and he stayed the welcoming committee was awesome.
  • Guest (01/06/2023, 19:06) Like (8) Dislike (23) Reply
    All that fanfare and they did not bring down Andrew on the plane…….
    • @guest (01/06/2023, 22:11) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
      They should have because he and others not mentioned were instrumental in the BVI reaching to this point.
    • Bring down (02/06/2023, 07:52) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      No worries soon come. Who has the final say?
  • Jack-B-Quik (01/06/2023, 19:31) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    BEAUTIFUL!! Well done! Well done! ????????????????????????
    And I’m happy to see that persons turned out to welcome this awesome venture!
  • NezRez (01/06/2023, 19:33) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is a new beginning for the BVI.
    • @ NezRez (02/06/2023, 07:41) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
      all over the world already have this travel service. Let see how long the operations continue and what will be the airfare leaving beef to miami

      it is good idea but BVI Airways would have been 5 years in operation(EIS/MIA) Our very own airline....
  • 2023 (01/06/2023, 20:18) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    government needs to also look after our people when will the dump at pockwood pond given such attention

    Give some attention to the public highways
  • Happy (01/06/2023, 20:24) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This truly warms my heart.
  • Adjik (01/06/2023, 21:56) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shoutout to the two home grown pilots for a job well done. Now extend the runway so them two can bring in their bigger planes ✈️ that they fly congratulations are in order
  • ... (01/06/2023, 21:57) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    maybe now the ferry prices could drop so I could go rock and have change to catch the dollar bus
  • HMMM (01/06/2023, 22:09) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I guess now the Deputy is in charge nothing will come out of the $7.2 million robbery of BVI TAXPAYERS' MONEY.
  • Beloved (01/06/2023, 22:10) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great work everyone.

    Airports Authority team excellent job in bringing non stop connectivity between the VI and Miami.

    The activities today included everyone. We felt the BVI love.

    Airports Authority is team of the decade!!!
  • great news (01/06/2023, 22:35) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is indeed a step in the right direction for the territory. Many people will benefit from this venture.
  • jail (01/06/2023, 23:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    So are we going to get a refund for our 7.2 million
    • Congratulations (02/06/2023, 06:34) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      There was a court case and the bvi won, so hopefully the funds from that bad investment will be returned. Since you mentioned it, I wonder if there will be a refund of the funds given to so-called fishermen and farmers. Since there were about 10 real fishermen and 15 farmers, the refund should be in the region of $20+M.
  • Refunds (02/06/2023, 06:38) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    The bvi also needs refunds from the First Lady. She needs to decide if she wants to attend every pan knocks or stay in a job because it’s unfair for everyone else to go to work while she does not but has the same benefits.

    Injustice will never stop!
    • @Refunds (02/06/2023, 11:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      But of course, she sit back and enjoy the perks. There is no need for her to travel everywhere her husband travels. Of course our tax dollars is paying for her travel expenses. She need to get a platform. This First Lady title is ridiculous here in the BVI. One of the first duties as a First Lady is developing a platform. First Ladies has to put in work as well not just sitting back enjoying the perks. Look at the last one that held the title, not a damn thing she did but sat back like a lost dummy.
  • Fix Our Roads Now (02/06/2023, 07:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    When the tourist fly come down and driving on these depleted roads it won't be safe for them at all. If we open to the world to visit why the government don't have it in their interest to make it safe to drive and enhance the beauty of our country?
  • Thank you BVI (02/06/2023, 08:42) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    My sister and I were passengers on the flight to the BVI as well. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful welcome that we received yesterday at the airport. Looking forward to our 2 week vacation in the beautiful BVI. Thank you.
  • Will say (02/06/2023, 09:11) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    When I saw the plane touch down, it was such a wonderful feeling. Kudos to everyone that made this possible. Kudos to Premier Wheatley and Minister Rhymer, they held it down. Kudos to all the performers and everyone else that made the day a special day.
  • taxpayer (02/06/2023, 09:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very nicely done all round!!!
  • NB (02/06/2023, 10:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    All that water on the plane and me aint get a shower in 2 weeks. Priorities priorities...smdh


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