U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – St. Croix will welcome the return of Delta Air Lines this winter with nonstop air service from Atlanta.
The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced that Delta Air Lines has strengthened its commitment to the Territory with weekly Saturday service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. The service will run from December 20, 2014 to May 10, 2015.
“We are committed to bolstering service to the entire Territory and these new flights are part and parcel of our strategy,” said Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty.
The new St. Croix service will operate on MD-88 aircraft with 149 seats, and will be backed by a joint marketing strategy between the airline and the Department of Tourism. Flights are scheduled to be available for purchase from June 21, 2014.
“We anticipate promoting this service throughout the Atlanta metro area, and in key feeder markets such as Alabama, Ohio, Minnesota and Tennessee,” said Nicholson-Doty whose team will be reaching out to the private sector to develop packages and promotions to spur advance sales.
The Department’s marketing strategy to support this flight includes utilizing digital and social media, and television. Additionally, several in-market activities targeting consumers, travel agents and Virgin Islanders will be organized by the Department.
Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) Carlton Dowe welcomed the new service: “I would like to thank the Governing Board of the Virgin Islands Port Authority for approving the airline incentive which has been an important element in our negotiations with the airlines.”
Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. said the new service will help boost not only tourism, but also the government’s economic development plans across the Territory. “Tourism, small business development and information technology, including broadband, are key pillars of our economy, and we believe that this new air service will advance our efforts in these areas.”
Commissioner Nicolson-Doty noted that efforts are ongoing to enhance additional lift to St. Croix.
