Hoteliers and other tourism representatives in the public and private sectors in Anguilla and two representatives of American Airlines have had discussions on the island about the planned withdrawal of the American Eagle ATR-42 aircraft by the end of the year and the need to expand Wallblake Airport to accommodate the ATR-72.

Hoteliers and other stakeholders in the tourism industry meeting at Paradise Cove with American Eagle officials

The airline was represented by the Vice President responsible for Customer Service in the Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas and Cuba region, David Kuhns and Director of Finance and Planning, Pedro Fabregas. Both meetings were held January 31, the first with Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Osbourne Fleming, Minister of Finance Victor Banks and other Government officials and the second was with hoteliers, villa and restaurant operators, representatives from the Tourist Board, Hotel and Tourism Association and the media.

The private sector representatives expressed concern over what would be the position in Anguilla during the interim period when the airport is under construction. One option they inquired about was the possibility of American Airways flying visitors bound for Anguilla to St. Maarten. Mr. Kuhns replied that at present there was one flight from New York to St. Maarten but indicated that it was a low factor in the flight operations. He stated that he would be willing to use a 757 aircraft from New York to St. Maarten but only if hoteliers in Anguilla would share in the risks. Another suggestion was that the airline could use some smaller aircraft in the island for the time being.

L-R: American Airline officials David Kuhns and Pedro Fabegras

Some persons commented that the airline had made money in Anguilla and should now try to assist the island in the difficult period. They were told that money was made last year - it was only that the airline did not lose as much as it did in other places. Mr. Kuhns said the Anguilla market remained viable, was important to the airline and that it wanted to stay, provided Government met its obligations.

A section of attendees at meeting with airline officials

The airline officials said they were discussing the plans of the airline with the Government for some years; that they had done their due diligence and the Government was now doing the same to get the airport expansion started by September this year. Mr. Fabregas stated that the Government had indicated to them that it might have the airport ready by March 2004 rather than in September that year, and would give them a letter to that effect in a couple of weeks.

He said such a letter would be acceptable. “I need something in black and white because I cannot play a game with the people that are buying the airplanes. If it is three months it is three months or four months tell me so that I can react,” he said. Mr. Fabregas added that he was told that a Government delegation was to visit London for talks with British Government officials on the airport project. It is after that the letter should be received by him.

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