The simulation exercise at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on October 10, 2024, has been deemed successful by the BVI Airports Authority. Photo: BVIAA

The simulation scenario at the T.B Lettsome International Airport on October 10, 2024, involved an ATR aircraft inbound to the airport which crash-landed on runway 07 with 10 passengers on board, resulting in 7 casualties. Photo: BVIAA

BVIAA Managing Director Mr. Kurt A.G. Menal said the goal of the simulation exercise at the TB Lettsome International Airport on October 10, 2024, was to ensure that the necessary systems are in place and functioning effectively to manage and mitigate any potential crises. Photo: Facebook

In a press release, BVIAA Managing Director Mr. Kurt A.G. Menal said the primary objectives of the exercise was to test the Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) procedures, assess the response time of the RFFS, and evaluate the effectiveness of interagency communication and the Incident Command System, along with evaluating the reliability of the airport's security infrastructure.

“Our goal was to ensure that the necessary systems are in place and functioning effectively to manage and mitigate any potential crises,” he said.

The exercise was part of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to safety and operational excellence and was designed to evaluate the response and recovery capabilities in the event of an actual airport emergency.

Crash-landing scenario

The simulation scenario involved an ATR aircraft inbound to T.B. Lettsome International Airport, which crash-landed on runway 07 with ten (10) passengers on board, resulting in seven (7) casualties. The exercise rigorously tested the airport’s Emergency Plan and the responsiveness of multiple agencies involved in emergency management in the Virgin Islands.

The exercise involved close collaboration with several key agencies, including the Department of Disaster Management, Domestic Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the BVI Health Services Authority, the 911 Call Center.

According to the press release, this multi-agency approach was crucial in assessing the communication networks and coordination protocols during a simulated emergency.

Director of Operations, Mr Kyle Cummings said, “One of the key takeaways was the need for enhanced coordination in the early stages of the incident command...While the response time of the emergency services mostly met expectations, the exercise revealed areas where interagency communication could be further streamlined for better real-time decision- making.”

Improvement recommendations being considered

The BVIAA is already considering a few recommendations for improvement following the simulation.

Mr Cummings said these include refining the communication protocols among first responders, enhancing the airport’s security protocols to better safeguard critical areas, and further developing the Incident Command System to ensure seamless leadership during crisis situations.

The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport will be seeing more and more traffic, as new airlines begin to fly to the Virgin Islands. Only on Monday, October 14, 2024, Caribbean Airlines made its inaugural flight to the territory.