US Airways Increases Service to U.S.V.I.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has announced the return of nonstop flight service to St. Thomas via US Airways from two of the destination’s key mainland markets –Philadelphia, Penn., and Charlotte, N.C.- representing an overall increase in air service to St. Thomas this winter season compared to the same period last year.

Led by the Department of Tourism and Virgin Islands Port Authority, the public/private sector committee formed by Gov. John de Jongh has worked closely over the past six months to meet with existing and potential airline carriers and strategize joint initiatives to address announced service reductions across the airline industry.

In June 2008, planned flight reductions represented a 31 percent decrease in air capacity for the territory. St. Thomas will now see a 3 percent year-over-year increase in air capacity. Efforts to restore service to St. Croix have been similarly successful, with all but 9 percent of proposed reductions restored. Flights are daily additional service on Saturdays.