Seaborne Airlines to Begin Operations

in Virgin Gorda in Autumn

Government has met with officials of Seaborne Airlines, a St Thomas seaplane company, and they have agreed to begin operations in Virgin Gorda in either late October or early November of this year.  This announcement was made during an update given by Chief Minister, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith at the Friday 22 July sitting of the Legislative Council. The Virgin Gorda Airport was scheduled to be closed on 30 June, but the Chief Minister issued a press statement to inform  the people of the BVI that Government would meet with the officials of the Air Safety Support International (ASSI) on 5 July to reach a viable solution. As a result  the Virgin Gorda airport will remain open and continue to operate with a provisional certificate. Discussions will continue with ASSI to establish the terms and conditions of the provisional certificate with a view to obtaining full certification.

Government is busy seeking quotations from various companies who can assist in upgrading the Virgin Gorda Airport to a full licensable standard.

Hon. Smith explained that “the people of the BVI deserve a full understanding of the steps Government has taken. That is why I have given a timeline of events so that especially the people of Virgin Gorda are kept abreast of developments. I ask for the public to be patient and understanding with the process thus far”.

The BVI Leader explained that Virgin Gorda remains an integral link in our tourism product. The Chief Minister pointed out that the issue of the Virgin Gorda airport was approached on the basis of a number of clearly stated principles: First, that the interests of the Virgin Gorda community come first. Second, that  Government pledged to do nothing that would unnecessarily harm the local economy of Virgin Gorda, or threaten the livelihood of the people who live there.

Hon. Smith thanked the ownership of Little Dix Bay Resort for their willingness to negotiate in good faith and to keep the airport running until this issue could be fully resolved.

The Chief Minister had announced on the 23 February that the Government will acquire the land on which the Virgin Gorda airport is situated. Hon. Smith signed the agreement on 14 June for the purchase of the land with management of Little Dix Bay Hotel. The purchase agreement for $2.9 million is to be paid in four installments. Upon signing the agreement, Government handed over a cheque for $500,000 with the understanding that another $400,000 will be paid on 16 December, 2005; and 1 million to be paid on 1 July, 2007.

Last year Seaborne Airlines launched a Road Town connection. Seaborne employs over 125 Virgin Islanders and carries approximately 175,000 passengers a year. The airline operates only twin-engine, twin-pilot, air-conditioned, 17 passenger aircrafts under the same regulation as the major U.S carriers.