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by pltm
(PLTM) - As questions mount over the $7M investment deal with government and BVI Airways, the company announced that it has completed the purchase and taken delivery of its first jet aircraft for non-stop service between Miami International Airport and Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island.
In a press release issued this afternoon, Tuesday, September 27, BVI Airways stated that the AVRO Regional Jet (RJ) 100 will have a seating capacity of 86, including 12 Premier Class seats. It is one of three aircraft to purchased.
The 4-engine plane has a cruising altitude of 31,000 feet, and speed of approximately 500 mph. At that speed, the flight times between Miami and Tortola is approximately 2.5 hours.
As recent as last week, members on the opposition side of the House of Assembly, questioned the viability of the deal, and whether the flights will take off, noting that BVI Airways is yet to receive approvals from the regulators. Government h as already fork up $5M to the BVI Airways however, the date for the start of flights has shifted from October to hopefully November.
BVI Airways stated that, the AVRO RJ 100 was built by BAe Systems (formerly British Aerospace). The plane is currently located at BVIA’s major maintenance facility where the interior is in the process of being outfitted, the exterior painted and rebranded and the plane thoroughly inspected.
“This plane marks a major milestone in preparing BVI Airways for the commencement of this entirely unprecedented service between the United States and the BVI,” said Jerry Willoughby, CEO of the airline.
“The AVRO RJ is the perfect answer to the shorter runway at the TB Lettsome Airport. The plane was designed to land on shorter runways such as the London City Airport in the UK, where the runway length is also constrained by the geography. It’s well-known as being a quiet plane and has a proven track record of safety and reliability.”
The company stated that it intends to build out its fleet with another acquisition which is expected to be announced in a number of weeks, followed by a third shortly thereafter.
“We are currently undergoing the certification process with our regulator. Updates on the start of ticket sales will be posted on our website and people can also sign up to receive email updates," Mr. Willoughby said.
He added, "We are eagerly looking forward to opening this new route that will make getting to the BVI faster, easier and more comfortable than ever before."
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