New Nonstop Flights Expand Anguilla Access

Saturday's launch of the first-ever nonstop twice-weekly flights between Miami International Airport and Anguilla's Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport significantly eases access to the Caribbean island for West Coast and Canadian travelers and opens Anguilla to nascent incentive and group market travelers.

The new American Airlines flights are at the forefront of a strong post-outbreak tourism environment for Anguilla. Construction of a new ferry terminal, currently the island's main access point, is underway, and resort officials here report strong winter bookings, led by the new Aurora Anguilla luxury resort.

The new American flights resulted from "a team effort," said Hadyn Hughes, Anguilla's tourism minister, at a ceremony following the flight's arrival.

"Without the buy-in of our hotel partners, the work of the chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) Kenroy Herbert, director [Stacey] Liburd and [ATB's] board and staff this would not be possible," he said.

Hughes also cited the Ministry of Tourism staff and personnel at the country's health and finance agencies for readying Anguilla to host the nonstop service.

"This is a historic day and it is safe to say [it] would not be possible without the dedication and professionalism of American Airlines, who like us kept engaged and exchanged information freely at a level of unprecedented transparency," he said. "Most of all, this would not be possible without the support of the people of Anguilla."

"We are incredibly proud of our continued growth in the Caribbean," said Cathy-Ann Edwards, American Airlines' regional manager, Eastern Caribbean airport. Edwards said American will serve 35 destinations in the region this winter.