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

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.