MONTSERRAT AIRWAYS TO OPEN JUNE 1 By John Denny Observer Reporter
(Montserrat) – Perhaps it is a light at the end of the tunnel that in times of closing or shrinking air routes through the Caribbean a new regional carrier is emerging. Under the name FlyMontserrat the new airline is opening for business with one plane thanks to a grant from the islands tourism board. “Montserrat Airways Limited (MA Ltd) was made possible by funds granted to it under the Montserrat Tourist Board British Department for International Development (DFID) Government of Montserrat sponsored Tourism Challenge Fund, which will aid and enable it to pursue the establishment of a Montserrat-based and controlled Airline, responding effectively to the Island’s needs. MA LTD believes a local airline service would massively stimulate the growth of the island’s economy,’said the Managing Director of the company, Capt. Nigel Harris. “The development of tourist related services will be a priority for the company. The Company believes further, current access is demonstrably inadequate. A Montserrat based Airline will provide the stability, reliability and flexibility to transfer visitors to Montserrat as well as other islands.”The company MA LTD will fly under the name “Fly Montserrat”, and for completeness may be referred to as ‘Montserrat Airways Ltd. a.k.a. FlyMontserrat.” Under this banner the company hopes to work in quick time towards its ultimate ‘catch phrase” of “Leave no (Montserrat bound) passenger behind”. Fly Montserrat is currently in the process of completing all the necessary approvals, registration and procurements and is aiming to begin its operations on or before June 1, 2009. The company’s first Islander is currently receiving its FlyMontserrat livery, and is expected on Island before the end of May. Further aircraft acquisitions will follow. MA LTD stresses that the local airline must be seen as and recognized as an integral part of the island’s infrastructure, no different to other essential public utilities. As such the airline can offer the following services at short notice:
• Vital Air Ambulance evacuations 24/7
• Urgent freight movements
• Additional capacity at peak periods
• On-demand charter direct to Antigua and other islands
• Day trips both onto and off island. The company also announces the availability of its “Information document”which contains information for the public or anyone wishing to invest in the company. This is about its structure, management, philosophy, strategy, its goals and objectives, and an overview of its marketing plan. For further information, please contact: Dwain Lovett – tel 664-491-5690; email: dwain@flymontserrat.com Bennette Roach – tel 664-491-2233l; email: bgm@flymontserrat.com
