Norville Brathwaite, Accounts Manager/ Chief Pilot signing the FAA certification Documents for V I Airlink

Photo Credit: Provided

Norville Brathwaite, Accounts Manager/ Chief Pilot signing the FAA certification Documents for V I Airlink

Photo Credit: Provided

After two years of negotiations, local airline VI Airlink can now fly directly to the United States (US) following the inking of several documents with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), US on December 19, 2011.

Neville Brathwaite Jr. of VI Airlink told BVI Platinum News today, January 9, that with VI Airlink receiving the approval to operate between Overseas Territories and the United States, it now has access to the US from the Overseas Territories.

The approval is for both chartered and scheduled flights into the USA.

He said that this is a great achievement and not only will the airline benefit, but the Territory as a whole.

"It's the first airline to gain United States access since 1993, since the departure of Virgin Islands Airways and also the second Overseas Territory carrier in the world to access the United States market. It also gives the airline access to the US market for the BVI. This took effect when the documents were signed."

Cayman Airways was the first to gain that access.