Senate Committee Hears VIPA Director's Optimistic Take on Airlift and Passenger Traffic

V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe spoke glowingly about the new air connections between the U.S. Virgin Islands and other Caribbean destinations during his appearance before the Senate committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on Monday. “The last time we were before this body, most of what we’re reading here was not in place,” he noted.

Some of the new airlift include Cape Air’s eight flights a week from St. Thomas to Nevis since February of this year, and the establishment of Sky High Aviation’s twice weekly service from St. Thomas to Santo Domingo in March. Mr. Dowe also noted that Sky High Aviation is working out the logistics to enable its aircraft to fly between Santo Domingo and St. Croix. Additionally, Silver Airways has resumed island airbridge services between St. Croix and St. Thomas, and also flies to San Juan, and Fly the Whale is the new, exciting airline that spurred Seaborne to restart inter-island travel.

Internationally, “VIPA will continue to work closely with the Department of Tourism as they restore international negotiation with airlines in Denmark, Italy and Canada,” Mr. Dowe said. St. Croix’s 10,000+ foot runway and upcoming terminal upgrades, he expects, “can attract flights from the United States, Canada and Europe for winter 2024/2025.”

Mr. Dowe mentioned that a previously utilized airline incentive is currently in place as a means to attract additional airlift on new or existing routes at both international airports.