Trans Anguilla Airways (TAA) has opened a new office at Robert L Bradshaw International Airport in St Kitts as part of efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on the afternoon of 30 September brought together tourism, government and airport officials from both Anguilla and St Kitts and Nevis.
Speaking at the event, Anguilla’s tourism minister Cardigan Connor described the longstanding ties between the two nations and the importance of regional transport links.
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“For small island states such as ours, air connectivity is not simply about getting from one destination to another. It is an economic lifeline,” he said.
“It supports tourism. It facilitates business and trade. It connects families. And equally important, it allows Caribbean people and our visitors to experience more of our region with greater ease.”
He congratulated Trans Anguilla Airways and said its expansion demonstrates what is possible when Caribbean businesses have the vision and determination to grow beyond their shores.
Confidence and commitment
In a press release before the event, Anguilla’s tourism director Jameel Rochester said the new office will deepen the Anguillian owned and operated airline’s presence in St Kitts and Nevis.
He added that it will enhance customer support, and allow Trans Anguilla Airways to work more closely with tourism, airport and travel trade partners.
“TAA’s expanded presence represents much more than the opening of an airport office,” he said.
“It demonstrates confidence in the market, a commitment to passengers and a long-term investment in moving people more effectively among our Caribbean destinations.”
Rochester, who represents Anguilla on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Airlift Committee, said dependable and affordable transportation is essential to tourism competitiveness and economic development.
“We should recognise the value of each step forward – a new office, additional service, increased capacity or easier booking – because together they move us closer to a better-connected Caribbean,” he said.
Long-term commitment
Founded 26 years ago, Trans Anguilla Airways provides scheduled and charter flights connecting Anguilla with Antigua, Nevis, St Barts, St Eustatius, St Kitts, St Maarten and Tortola.
Managing director Vernol Gumbs said: “St Kitts is more than another destination within our network. We have longstanding ties to the federation and consider it a second home to TAA.
“Establishing our own office and local team reflects our long-term commitment to the market and will enable us to provide passengers with direct, hands-on support while working more closely with our tourism and travel partners.”
The airline’s regional network also provides connections to international services operated by carriers including American Airlines and BermudAir.
Its recent availability through a global distribution system (GDS) has also increased its international visibility, making its services more accessible to travel advisors, tour operators and travellers.
The company is also advancing plans to introduce the Beechcraft King Air C90 twin-turboprop aircraft to its fleet with preparatory training and regulatory certification processes underway.
