The Montserrat Express Air Services incorporated may soon have an additional airline added to its list. This is based on an interested expressed and is likely to offer service in and out of the island should all go as planned.
According to reports, the Hon. Charles Kirnon, Minister of Communications and Works is in support of the venture and he believes that this may be a move in the right direction for Montserrat. He said during the Budget debate last Tuesday that it is important that air travel to and from Montserrat is not monopolized It is expected if this project becomes areality, then persons travelling will not only be afforded a choice but also a competitive fare structure between Montserrat and Antigua.
The Montserrat Express Air Services Incorporated is owned by both Montserratians and others who reside overseas. The company is presently exploring the possibility and some amount of dialogue has been held with government. The proposed venture is now under a microscope and the way forward will soon be determined.
It was only in mid-March that the St. Vincent Grenadines Air (SVG Air) got the nod of approval from Government and commenced operations between Montserrat and Antigua. Two daily return flights are offered to commuters.
The service took off on Tuesday March 15 in time for the annual St. Patrick’s Week of activities.
That airline also offers chartered flights to Antigua and neighbouring islands.
Meanwhile, Fly Montserrat celebrated an important milestone last weekend by carrying its 10,000th passenger. According to Capt. Nigel Harris, managing director of Montserrat Airways Ltd. (MAL), Loralyn Fergus a former festival queen was that lucky passenger, who along with her baby Diera arrived on flight 805 on Saturday April 2. She was presented with a bottle of champagne as she joined in the festivities.
In a press release on the occasion, Harris said: “We like to look after our customers and carrying our 10,000th passenger is a significant milestone for us.”
Captain Harris stressed: “FlyMontserrat doesn’t just fly to Montserrat, we live here too and are part of the community”.
Caption: Arriving in style: Loralyn Fergus, 10,000th passenger.
Left to right: FlyMontserrat’s MD Nigel Harris, Loralyn Fergus with baby Diera, and Pilot Dennis Fehrenbach.