The announcement by American Airlines of its direct service from Miami to Anguilla beginning December 11, 2021, was welcomed news on Anguilla by Government, the private sector and the people of Anguilla at large. Nothing just happens and it is important therefore to give credit where credit is due.
The Anguilla United Front wishes to express thanks to all those who began the discussions with American Airlines back in 2018 including the joint public and private sector team, Mrs. Donna Banks, Hon. Curtis Richardson, Hon. Cardigan Connor and especially Mr. Nickolas Wangler of Forecast, the consultant engaged jointly by both the Government of Anguilla and members of the private sector, to pursue route development out of the US. Forecast was tasked with the responsibility of route development for the destination and in particular with the three dominant carriers into the region including American Airlines. We also want to thank the Government of Anguilla for continuing with yet another initiative of the Anguilla United Front Government.
We are pleased that the 2018 promise by American Airlines to Mr. Wangler and Forecast, to consider a weekly service beginning Winter 2019, though it was interrupted by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, has now materialised. This direct service will create great opportunities for Anguilla to grow its tourist arrivals out of various cities in the US as well as provide Anguillians with the added convenience of non-stop service to the island.
We thank American Airlines for their sustained confidence in Anguilla and we are confident that this decision by American Airlines is just the beginning of the realisation of many years of investment by various local administrations into Anguilla’s Access Development.
Cora Richardson Hodge
Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition
Leader of the Anguilla United Front Party
July 24th 2021
