Anguilla marked an aviation milestone this week with the arrival of the inaugural AnguillAir aircraft to Clayton J Lloyd International Airport (AXA).
The service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), run by Bermuda’s flag carrier BermudAir, touched down on Wednesday, 17 December.
The flight crew and passengers were welcomed with a ceremonial water salute from the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service and a ribbon-cutting by the aircraft steps.
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Aviation stakeholders, officials from the Government of Anguilla, and BermudAir CEO Adam Scott all gathered for the celebration.
The formal programme featured a warm welcome from Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA) chief executive officer Sherman Williams.
This was followed by performances of the National Anthem and National Song by the 1264 Island Boys, and a blessing of the ceremony’s proceedings by the Reverend Wilmoth Hodge.
Farrah Banks, who acted as master of ceremonies, told attendees that the launch marked an important step forward for Anguilla’s air links, adding: “Connectivity is vital to island nations such as ours.
“It supports tourism, facilitates business, strengthens family ties, and ensures that Anguilla remains accessible to the world.
“AnguillAir’s entry into our aviation landscape enhances choice and reliability, both of which are essential to sustainable growth.”
Next to deliver a speech, Premier Cora Richardson Hodge described the arrival of the new service as a “pivotal moment in Anguilla’s history”.
She said the AnguillAir flights from Boston, Newark and Baltimore, are a “game changer” and will deliver “unprecedented ease of access” to Anguilla.
“Reliable regional air lift is critical to our tourism sector, our business community and our people, and today’s arrival strengthens and goals accessibility and economic resilience.”
Tourism minister Cardigan Connor said: “We are celebrating far more than a new route – we are celebrating a milestone achievement for our island.”
He described the north-east United States as a major source market for tourism across the Caribbean, and said the new routes are a source of “enormous pride”.
“This expanded airlift is not only about making it easier for visitors to reach us, it is also about making it easier for Anguillians to reach the world.”
In his speech, infrastructure minister Jose Vanterpool said the government is proud to be working with BermudAir.
He said their confidence in Anguilla “speaks volumes about our potential in the market, as well as our shared commitment to quality and service delivery”.
BermudAir CEO Adam Scott described Anguilla as the “best kept secret” in the Caribbean, adding: “It’s been an amazing trip so far. We’re just getting started. We’re very committed to Anguilla.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, chair of the Anguilla Tourist Board, who celebrated a moment of pride, progress and promise.
AnguillAir services from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) will be touching down on 18 and 19 December.
The Boston route will run twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, leaving BOS at 10.05am and returning from AXA at 4.10pm.
The Newark route will run twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, leaving EWR at 10.30am and returning from AXA at 7.35pm.
The Baltimore route will also run twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, leaving BWI at 10.25am and returning from AXA at 4.25pm.
The schedule will continue until April.
Click below to see images of the ceremony:
