With its world-leading immaculate sun-kissed beaches and alluring properties, the Turks and Caicos Islands has snared yet another commercial airline service.
On Monday, December 18, the Howard Hamilton International Airport welcomed Silver Airways, to fly between the TCI and Hollywood Ft. Lauderdale.
Following the water cannon salute, signaling the arrival of an inaugural flight, a welcome news conference was held at the departure area of the airport, and was attended by Minister of Immigration and Border Services Hon. Arlington Musgrove; Minister of Health Hon. Shaun Malcolm; Wesley Clerveaux, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, and who represented Minister Hon. Josephine Connolly; Steve Rossum, CEO of Silver Airways; James McAnally, President of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association; and Raquel Brown, Change Manager and Interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos, and who also chaired the event.
Silver Airways is scheduled to fly between Ft. Lauderdale and the Turks and Caicos Islands twice weekly - Mondays and Fridays.
Esmond Johnson, Regional Manager for Silver Airways, and who is based in the Bahamas, said by flying to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Silver Airways provides the TCI with greater connectivity. He said the introductory ticket price starts at $129, adding that the flight time will be two hours on its ATR Turboprop aircraft.
For his part, Musgrove pointed out the Silver Airways would further open the Turks and Caicos Islands to the world thereby creating greater employment opportunities for Islanders.
“The Turks and Caicos is a destination of unparallel beauty with white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and a vibrant culture that captivates all who visit our shores. Now, with the arrival of Silver Airways, our islands are set to become even more accessible, allowing us to further share our slice of paradise,” he said.
He added: “With increase in activity we can attract more tourists and hence (further) economic growth and create new employment opportunities for our people. As we embark on this new partnership with Silver Airways, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the airline’s leadership and TCIAA (Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority), who worked tirelessly to make this partnership a reality.”
Clerveaux, who read Connolly’s remarks, said she wanted to be at the event, but other pressing issues had kept her away.
“This marks a positive step for the Turks and Caicos Islands as we continue to enhance our growth in the tourism sector. As an island nation, we recognize that increased accessibility is fundamental to the development of our beloved TCI.
“While we take pride in being a sought-after destination for discerning travellers, we also understand the importance of providing affordable travel options not only for our visitors, but for our people alike. It is our belief that a diverse range of travel options contributes to the growth and sustainability of our island nation,” Clerveaux said.
He pointed out that more affordable flights would not compromise the luxurious brand of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Clerveaux urged Silver Airways to maintain the high standard of travel that the visitors to these shores and residents have come to expect.
“We have every confidence that Silver Airways will rise and surpass the challenges and contribute to the continued success and global recognition of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a world-class destination,” Clerveaux pointed out.
Devon Fulford, Acting CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority described the event as a very special day. He expressed confidence that the partnership between the TCIAA and Silver will blossom into a mutually beneficial endeavor. He also commended Silver Airways’ commitment to excellence and safety.
Rossum said he was overly excited about the new partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially because “The Turks and Caicos Islands has a rich tradition of treating people well, resulting in people coming back year after year.”
He also affirmed that the captivating beaches, dive sites, shopping experience and the wonderful culture makes the Turks and Caicos Islands a pulling card for tourism.
Rossum pointed out that Silver Airways has always forged synergetic relationships with every destination that it services.
“We not only do we bring our reliable brand and our friendly customer service, but we also bring partnership with United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Delta Airways,” Rossum said.
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