CONTINENTAL/GULF STREAM
BEGINS NEW SERVICE INTO BVI

Residents of the BVI now have another option for air travel out of and into the territory.

Continental Connections, through its carrier Gulf Stream, made its maiden voyage into the Beef Island International Airport on Thursday February 10th. The new airline joins LIAT, American Eagle, Fly BVI, Clair Aero, WINAIR, Air Sunshine and lately Cape Air, as the airlines now serving the British Virgin Islands. The airport terminal underwent a major transformation to accommodate this new airline, temporary though it is, with the construction of a new airport underway. The VIP lounge, the gift shop and the Immigration Department were re-located to make space for Continental's check-in counter.

Continental Connections' local Manager Roxanne Sylvester chaired the ceremony. In her remarks, Acting Supervisor Nema Benjamin welcomed everyone to what she referred to as their newest connection to the Caribbean and to the world. "As we enter the threshold of the new millennium, where globalisation has opened the door to competitive business ventures, where quality is the basis of customer satisfaction, we here at Continental Connections strive to foster a harmonious relationship with the people of the British Virgin Islands," she stated.

Vice President Mr. Michael Demeritt of the company's corporate office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, thanked the people and government of the BVI for the warm welcome extended to Continental Connections. "We look forward to being a very large part of the British Virgin Islands as a community, as a team leader and as a part of the community as a whole," he said. Mr. Demeritt said they founded the company with a structure that dictate a very active role in the community. "At this time, I can only say that we are very blessed to be here and we are very fortunate to be a part of the British Virgin Islands as an airline and we look forward to long-term service in the community with ourselves and our Continental Connection partners and our Trans World Airlines connection partners," he concluded.

Director of Civil Aviation in the BVI Mr. Milton Creque noted that it was back in mid-September 1999 that the BVI government received word from Gulf Stream Airlines of their intention to establish scheduled air services between Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. He said it truly amazes him how swiftly times slips by and it intrigues him even more to know how much has been accomplished in so short a space of time. "In September, the company had no aircraft in its fleet which could be used on this route, they had no authority from the Federal Aviation Administration or the United Kingdom Department of Transport to operate air services to the British Virgin Islands," said Mr. Creque. He said his Department was also not in a position to accommodate another airline in the overcrowded terminal and had no funds to correct this situation. "Isn't it amazing how a small group of willing minds, all moving in harmony, can accomplish so much in so short a space of time with so little?"

The Director of Civil Aviation was quick to point out however, that the $165,000 spent at the airport over the past two and a half months was not limited to terminal improvements, but included expansion of the aircraft parking apron. "Because of the positive and aggressive attitude of the management of Gulf Stream Airline, I have every confidence that this airline will succeed in its endeavour," he added. He gave them the assurance of government's support in the realization of their dreams. District 8 Representative the Honourable Lloyd Black, opposition Member of Parliament, was on hand to join in welcoming Continental Airlines to the British Virgin Islands. Having started out in the airline business as a pilot with Air BVI, he spoke of his great love for this industry.

"People ask me if I would ever fly again, but you've seen that I've taken on a new profession, so I think that is unlikely at this time, but certainly, I'm very pleased to be here to welcome Continental to the British Virgin Islands," he said. Hon. Black also referred to the new company's positive attitude and commended them for hiring a local Manager. He congratulated the local staff for the impressive facilities laid out for their customers. "It certainly does something to uplift the entire airport surroundings." "As a new carrier, it would be difficult in the start-up phases, but certainly, if they continue to demonstrate to the people of the British Virgin Islands their willingness to stay here for the long-term, certainly they will get their full support," he added. The pilot turned Opposition Legislator also encouraged the new airline of the need to be competitive in view of the competition that already exists. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Works Mr. Theodore Fahie represented the Minister at the inauguration ceremony. He said this is indeed another milestone in government's efforts to attract more airline passenger seats to serve the territory's growing tourist industry. According to Mr. Fahie, when the Minister was informed of Gulf Stream's interest in serving the BVI out of San Juan and of its affiliation to Continental, he immediately advised the Director of Civil Aviation to do whatever was necessary to get the company on board.

"Government immediately recognized that there was no available counter space to accommodate your airline, but could not let a simple, though complex matter such as that, prevent you from providing a valuable service to these islands," the P.S reported. He noted that the improvements that have taken place at the airport terminal since late November last year are temporary stop-gap measures, but should adequately serve the public until the planned new terminal facilities become available in the second half of next year. "The Minister is confident that your entry into this market will be mutually satisfactory, subject only to your willingness and determination to stay the course and continue to provide the quality and affordable services which your customers expect and deserve," Mr. Fahie stated.

He said the Ministry would do everything possible to ensure the success of this new venture.