Historic American Airlines Inaugural Flight Arrives in Anguilla

American Airlines arriving in Anguilla
Author

Jesson and Co / MNI Alive

Release Date

Friday, December 17, 2021

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The Hon. Minister of Tourism for Anguilla, Mr. Haydn Hughes and Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie flew on American Airline’s inaugural flight from Miami, Florida into Anguilla on December 11, 2021.  The first commercial flight from the US mainland flight touched down at the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) on Saturday at 2:50 PM, bringing a full complement of passengers and crew to the island. The plane was met with the traditional water salute from two brand new fire trucks as it taxied to the terminal building.

On disembarking from the plane, Minister Hughes welcomed the American Airlines inaugural service to Anguilla. He commended the team at American Airlines on their vision and thanked them for their dedication and professionalism.  Minister Hughes continued, The possibility and reality of this inaugural flight will be a success for both American Airlines and Anguilla. We will do all we can to ensure that this is sustainable, as our success is dependent on each other.”  He acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the funding provided by the UK government through the Governor’s office, which ensured that the service came to fruition.

Saturday, December 11, 2021 is indeed a historic day; and many who took this journey with us will forever remember that they were a part of history,” he concluded.

We look forward to growing our destination with American Airlines,” stated the Hon. Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie. We are heartened and encouraged by their decision to increase the schedule to three times a week come January 5th, a sure indication of the strength of our product and the demand for Anguilla. With this new Miami route, our guests throughout the USA, the United Kingdom, South America, Dubai and Canada now have convenient access to our wonderful island.”

Jorge Ramirez, VP, Envoy International Operations, and Cathy-Ann Edwards, Regional Manager, Eastern Caribbean Airports for American Airlines, were also on hand to mark the occasion.   Captain Joe Thies, who piloted the aircraft to Anguilla, presented the Hon. Premier of Anguilla, Dr. Ellis Webster, with the Anguilla flag, in honor of the occasion.

The scheduled service will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays through January 4th,  2022, with an additional Monday flight starting on January 5th, 2022:

Miami, FL (MIA) – Anguilla (AXA)

December 11, 2021  – January 4, 2022

 

Anguilla (AXA) – Miami, FL (MIA)

December 11, 2021  – January 4, 2022

Schedule

Depart

Arrive

 

Depart

Arrive

Mondays Wednesdays

10:50 AM

2:49 PM

 

3:40 PM

5:53 PM

 

 

 

Miami, FL (MIA) – Anguilla (AXA)

As of January 5, 2022

 

Anguilla (AXA) – Miami, FL (MIA)

As of January 5, 2022

Schedule

Depart

Arrive

 

Depart

Arrive

Mondays Wednesdays Saturdays

10:50 AM

2:49 PM

 

3:40 PM

5:53 PM

 

“I speak for all of the island’s tourism stakeholders when I say that the introduction of scheduled service from the US mainland is a game changer for our tourism industry,” declared Mr. Kenroy Herbert, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. Our partners on island have generously assisted us with carrying out many of the improvements at the Clayton J Lloyd International airport in preparation for this arrival.  Our vision is to develop a truly international airport, to welcome continental and transatlantic flights from around the world to our shores.”

Mrs. Stacey Liburd, Anguilla’s Director of Tourism chaired the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the airport. “Our tourism industry is primarily leisure based, but there are significant opportunities to grow in the incentive and corporate travel market,” stated Mrs. Liburd. “Scheduled service on a legacy carrier, offering first and business class as well as coach, makes a huge difference in our pursuit of this lucrative market segment.” 

Representatives from the government, the Anguilla Air and Seaports Authority (AASPA), the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), the Anguilla Hotel and Tourist Association (AHTA), the CJLIA airport management and personnel, the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce, ground transportation and tourism stakeholders attended the ceremony.

For flights and reservations to Anguilla visit www.aa.com or contact your preferred Travel Advisor.

For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; YouTube; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

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