Anguilla’s air connectivity continued its upward trend in August, with the number of aircraft arrivals and departures increasing 38% compared with the same month last year.
The island recorded 1,409 aircraft movements made up of 710 flight arrivals and 699 departures, according to the latest published data from the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority.
This year’s figures show that activity at Clayton J Lloyd International Airport has remained consistently higher than last year:
- January: 2,638 aircraft movements, year-on-year percentage unavailable
- February: 2,179 aircraft movements, up 20.7%
- March: 2,434 aircraft movements, up 17.5%
- April: 2,015 aircraft movements, up 28.3%
- May: 1,409 aircraft movements, up 18.8%
- June: 1,454 aircraft movements, up 23.4%
- July: 1,614 aircraft movements, up 32.2%
Tourism director Jameel Rochester told Anguilla Focus: “For a small island, Anguilla’s aviation footprint is becoming increasingly significant, and that is something of which we should be immensely proud.
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“The growth we are seeing indicates that our collective efforts are producing results, but we also recognise that considerably more opportunity lies ahead.
“Our ambition is not simply to celebrate where Anguilla is today, but to continue building the partnerships, infrastructure, visibility and connectivity that position our destination even more strongly within an increasingly connected Caribbean and an increasingly accessible world.”
Regional aviation
Trans Anguilla Airways has strengthened Anguilla’s regional connectivity through its established network and the introduction of a new service to the British Virgin Islands this year.
Anguilla Air Services has also expanded the regional landscape with its inaugural service to St Kitts and its continued contribution to passenger movement throughout the region.
Rochester, a member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Airlift Committee, said the island should celebrate that it is home to local carriers that serve both the island and the wider region.
“Strong local carriers are an essential part of our tourism ecosystem, and we are tremendously proud of the Anguillian entrepreneurship, investment and confidence in our destination that they represent,” he said.
Meanwhile, SKYhigh Dominicana provides a direct link with Santo Domingo, further strengthening Anguilla’s connectivity with the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean.
Cape Air, Tradewind Aviation, Air Sunshine and other aviation partners also contribute to the network of regional connections.
Private and international aviation
Private aviation is also an important and growing part of Anguilla’s air-access story, particularly through the services provided by Anguilla’s fixed-base operator, Lloyd’s Aviation.
“Private jets and executive charters are a natural complement to Anguilla’s tourism product and our positioning as a leading luxury destination,” Rochester said.
“For the discerning traveller, accessibility, convenience, privacy and seamless service are all part of the luxury experience.”
The tourism director said improvements to Anguilla’s airport infrastructure could further position the island as a preferred Caribbean destination for private and executive aviation.
Meanwhile, American Airlines continues to provide a non-stop service between Miami and Anguilla, with two flights daily and up to three on peak weekend days.
And BermudAir has announced that its winter schedule will create additional access to Anguilla from Boston, Newark and Baltimore.
Its connecting service between Toronto and Anguilla via Providenciales will begin on 19 December, while travellers from Tampa-St Petersburg will also be able to reach Anguilla through Providenciales.
A collective effort
The Anguilla Tourist Board has taken a deliberate approach to improving air access by strengthening relationships with airlines, airports and key aviation stakeholders, Rochester said.
It is also supporting infrastructure improvements, participating in industry events and promoting the growing range of direct and connecting flight options to Clayton J Lloyd International Airport.
Rochester said the progress in air access has been a collective effort involving numerous aviation professionals.
He thanked the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority, Lloyd’s Aviation, airline partners, the Government of Anguilla, tourism stakeholders and the people of Anguilla.
“Every new route, additional flight and passenger traveling through our airport represents an opportunity – not only for tourism, but also for our taxi drivers, accommodations, restaurants, attractions, entrepreneurs, employees and families,” he said.
“Aviation is ultimately about connecting people, creating opportunities and strengthening our economy.”
