LIAT 2020 Limited’s ATR 42, 48 seater landed at the T.B Lettsome International Airport with 24 passengers and 4 crew members on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters

Chief Executive Officer LIAT (2020) Limited Ms. Hafsah Abdulsalam said that connecting the Islands is more than a service as it is a lifeline. Photo: Team of Reporters

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) (right) and LIAT 2020 Limited’s CEO Ms Hafsah Abdulsalam at a ceremony on December 8, 2024, following the airline’s inaugural flight to the Virgin Islands. Photo: Team of Reporters

The ATR 42, 48 seater landed with twenty-four passengers and four crew members at approximately 7 PM to a traditional welcome. The crew was met by several officials and stakeholders including Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), Chairman of the Board of Directors of The BVI Airports Authority Mr Theodore E. Burke along with his Managing Director Mr Kurt A.G. Menal and team, Platinum Officials led by Ms Patricia M. Romney among others.

During a brief ceremony, Premier Wheatley shared that LIAT 2020 will be making daily flights plus additional services connecting Tortola to St. Kitts, Sint Maarten, and Antigua, from where travellers can connect to a world of other regional and international airlines and cities.

"I am advised that the total is about 14 arriving and 14 departing flights weekly, which will add upwards of 400 seats per week into - and another 400 out of – the BVI; and these are lower-end estimates,” he said.

Reliable air service critical to VI economy- Premier Wheatley

Stressing the importance of reliable and available airlift services the Premier said it is critical for expanding the Virgin Islands’ economy. "Airlift is important, of course, for the growth and expansion of our tourism industry. As you already know, the BVI is one of the top tourism destinations in the region and the world, and presently we are witnessing a surge of interest from major airlines and other service providers and markets."

The commencement of LIAT 2020’s service he continued presents an opportunity for everyone to win.

“We all will get out of this endeavour what we put into it. LIAT2020 can be assured that the BVI, through our Tourist Board, the Airports Authority, our hotels, tour operators, and all our other stakeholders, will be working very hard alongside you to fill those seats,” Dr Wheatley said.

Regularly scheduled flights are set to commence on December 19, 2024, with daily flights into the Territory and not less than two flights daily to the Territory come 2025

Intra-regional connectivity is ‘more than a service’- LIAT 2020 CEO

Meantime, Chief Executive Officer LIAT (2020) Limited Ms. Hafsah Abdulsalam said that connecting the Islands is more than a service as it is a lifeline.

"It binds our economies, unites our families, and fuels our collective aspirations. At LIAT (2020), we envision a Caribbean where trade flourishes, tourism thrives, and cultural exchanges inspire and empower,” she said.

The LIAT 2020 boss added that with their service they connect lives, dreams, and futures.

"Today, I invite you to share in this vision. Imagine a Caribbean where travel is seamless, where local businesses grow and prosper, and where every flight strengthens the bonds that make us not just neighbours, but family. This is the future we are building—together. A future where every island, every community, and every individual feels the impact of our shared progress."

Ms Abdulsalam said LIAT 2020 is not just an airline but “your partner in creating opportunities”.