Taking Travel To Higher Heights: Top Ten Ways the BVIAA is Advancing in Aviation

There is something truly magical about walking down the aisle. The plane aisle, of course. There is the sound of rolling suitcases and clicking seatbelts, then hearing the airline announce, “Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight!” Then, you take off. Before you know it, you are flying over 30,000 feet in the air. This is the magic that the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority (BVIAA) captures in every flight.

In the azure skies of the Caribbean, the BVIAA stands as a beacon of innovation, connectivity, and service excellence. Since the inauguration of non-stop flights between the US mainland and the BVI with American Airlines on 1st June 2023, the BVIAA has been on a trajectory of remarkable growth and transformation. From expanding daily flights to fostering regional connectivity and elevating passenger experiences, this special issue of the Virgin Islands Life & Style magazine explores the top ten ways that the BVIAA is reshaping Caribbean travel and setting new standards of excellence in the aviation industry.

1. NONSTOP FLIGHTS

On June 1, 2023, a monumental milestone was achieved with the arrival of  American Airlines flight 3989 from Miami to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. With Miami being the 8th busiest airport in the United States, and second busiest as an international airport, the inaugural nonstop flight signaled the start of new economic opportunities for the territory. “Our partnership with American Airlines has not only connected our islands with the US mainland, but has also opened doors to new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” remarked Mr. Kurt A.G. Menal, Managing Director of the BVIAA. “It’s a testament to our commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the British Virgin Islands and the region. We are dedicated to meeting the increasing demand for air travel to and from the British Virgin Islands,” Mr. Menal said.

2. INCREASE IN DAILY FLIGHTS

By expanding the daily flight offerings and increasing capacity with partners like InterCaribbean and Silver Airlines, the BVIAA is ensuring seamless travel experiences for regional passengers. Menal emphasized the importance of nurturing these airline partnerships, ensuring they are mutually beneficial and support the dynamic growth of tourism in the British Virgin Islands.

3. CARIBBEAN AIRLINES TO JOIN

By the end of June 2024, Caribbean Airlines will be joining the growing family of airlines at the BVIAA. Bringing the warmth of the islands, this new partnership will allow passengers to explore new places while experiencing a new way to travel to well-known destinations. Menal also highlighted that introducing this regional carrier serves to address the gap left by the treasured LIAT, who made its final flight in January this year. It will enhance Caribbean connections and diversify tourism, catering to high-end travelers and visiting friends and relatives.

4. IMPROVED PASSENGER EXPERIENCE

From check in to take off, the BVIAA is committed to continually prioritizing the passenger experience, placing them at the centre of its operations. By actively listening to customer feedback, the BVIAA has revised and expanded a number of its services in an effort to maintain a welcoming and efficient environment. In Virgin Gorda, there was a recent refurbishment of the terminal facility. The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is also undergoing significant enhancements. There is the ongoing expansion of the departures area, including additional comfortable seating and potential new concessionaires like a coffee shop. There are also strides being made to streamline arrivals by eliminating unnecessary forms and easing customs bottlenecks. The BVIAA also has plans in the making to relocate the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) to upgrade the Welcome Center, expand customs and immigration areas and install a new conveyor belt.

5. STAFF TRAINING

The BVIAA is continually diversifying it’s focus on human capital development, by ensuring that all staff across every department receives relevant training. “Our employees are the heart of the BVIAA. That is why we prioritize staff training across all departments to ensure that we stay at the cutting edge of best practices and continue to deliver exceptional service to our passengers,” emphasized Mrs. Dawn Leonard, Director of People and Culture. As an active member of the Airports Council International (ACI), the leading organization for promoting global excellence in the aviation industry, the BVIAA has been able to provide high quality and efficient training solutions to all airport staff. Through ACI, staff has undergone training and certification in fields such as safety and technical, general aviation, economics and marketing. There is also a great deal of focus given to comprehensive customer service training for all employees. “We are setting new standards for passenger satisfaction through our service excellence training programme,” stated the Director of Operations, Mr. Kyle Cummings.

6. IMPROVING OPERATIONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY

“Safety is our priority” is the motto of this forward moving organisaiton. They understand that managing safety and health risks is paramount for any airport ground operations. With that, the BVIAA is launching a new occupational health and safety programme to guarantee passengers’ security while enhancing the airport’s resilience. “With the rollout of our new occupational health and safety programme we are moving towards alignment with BVI statutory requirements to ensure the highest standards of operational safety and efficiency, stated Mr. Darrvl Flanders, Safety Manager.

7. BUSINESS CASE FOR AIRPORT EXPANSION

It is time to answer an age-old question; should the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport be expanded? The BVIAA is currently working with a consultant to develop a comprehensive business case to determine the next steps for the development of the airport. This business case will consider the expansion in detail and will answer the burning questions about the feasibility of this type of development. Some of the areas of focus include economic viability, costs and benefits, potential revenue, risk management and compatibility with the territory’s economic and tourism strategies. This effort underscores the BVIAA’s mission to establish and maintain a world-class aviation facility that meets the ever-evolving needs of the people of the Virgin Islands. “Paving the way for the extension of our runway is vital for accommodating larger aircraft and meeting the growing demands of our passengers and stakeholders,” explained the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Theodore Burke. “Our Business Case for Runway Expansion is a strategic investment that will unlock new opportunities for growth and sustainability”, Chairman Burke further stated.

8. ADVISOR ON ACI BOARD

In November 2023, the BVIAA was elected to serve as an advisor on the governing board of the ACI-Latin America and Caribbean (LAC). This new appointment allows the Authority to actively contribute to the council’s overall vision and mission, with a special focus on air transport liberalization and intraregional connectivity in the Caribbean and Latin America. By sitting on the governing board, the BVIAA is playing a key role in ensuring that policy recommendations and activities represent the collective interests of ACI members. Such a recognition not only highlights the expertise of the authority’s team, but also positions the territory to tap into valuable resources for our airport development project, fostering growth and connectivity for the BVI’s sustainable development. Apart from its leadership position, the BVIAA also benefits from a broad range of valuable resources to aid in its airport development activities. For instance, the authority has access to over 700 business partners associated with the council, which can further advance their airport standards globally.

9. REBRANDING

From new business developments to their strong ongoing recovery from the pandemic and the storms of 2017, the BVIAA is rebranding to reflect a new season of growth and economic opportunities for the Virgin Islands. Through their rebranded designs, the authority aims to represent that same warm BVI hospitality that each airport and its staff demonstrate with every visit.

In the coming weeks, the BVIAA will proudly unveil its new logo, marking a significant milestone in its journey of renewal and transformation. Through this rebranding initiative, the authority reaffirms its dedication to serving the needs of the Virgin Islands community and beyond, while also embracing the challenges and opportunities of the future with confidence and optimism. Stay tuned as the BVIAA embarks on this exciting new chapter, symbolizing a new season of growth, resilience, and prosperity for the British Virgin Islands.

10. BVIAA to Host ACI Conference in July 2024

For the first time ever, the ACI Airport Day conference will be held in the Virgin Islands, bringing the Caribbean’s leading airport industry executives and authorities to our shores. On July 9, 2024, the Virgin Islands will become a gathering place for advancing technologies,  education, management and other developments in aviation and airport management, attracting a growing number of participants and contributors from across the Caribbean, Latin America and wider world. Some of the topics on the agenda that will be discussed include: Air Service Development, Maximizing the potential of General Aviation and Airport Concessions – Best International Practices. With 60-100 delegates registered to participate, the impact of the conference will be felt throughout the tourism sector. This conference is also crucial in enchancing the value the authority provides to its passengers.

As the BVIAA continues to embark on its journey of transformation, the skies over the Virgin Islands are brimming with promise and possibilities. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and service, BVIAA is not only redefining air travel in the Caribbean but also inspiring a new era of connectivity, prosperity, and sustainability for the region and beyond.