The Minister made the announcement at the Swearing-In Ceremony and First Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on May 18, 202.

American Airlines is set to commence its first commercial direct flight from Miami to the VI on June 1, 2023.

“Madam Speaker, as this government, we commit to extending our runway. We must at this time, Madam Speaker, celebrate our upcoming historic event of having to welcome the first commercial direct flight from Miami to the BVI and when you go on American Airlines flight 3989."

Hon Rymer added, “And Madam Speaker, on June 1st, we will be welcoming guests on that inaugural flight and, Madam Speaker, you know I've gotten approval from American Airlines to announce that the demand is so high that they will be putting on an additional flight on that first day, so we'll have two flights coming in on the 1st of June.”

Hight demands and additional flights

According to the Minister, the demand is so high the airline has committed to five additional flights for the month of June, leading to two flights each also on June 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th.

“So, Madam Speaker, I invite our entire territory to join us at the airport on the 1st of June, walk with your flags, walk with your family, your friends, let's welcome them, a BVI welcome, when American Airlines lands here in our territory,” he added to cheers and applause from the audience at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.

On December 5, 2022, the Minister announced that on June 1st, American Airlines will begin direct flights between Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at Beef Island and Miami International Airport in mainland USA and they have simultaneously issued a press release to this effect.

The aircraft that will be used for this service will be an Embraer E175, which can operate with the VI’s existing runway length at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.