A seemingly unending line of 52 passengers made their way from the American Eagle Super ATR72 aircraft to the Terminal Building on Tuesday afternoon this week, as it touched down on its first commercial flight to Anguilla since the completion of the extended runway.

The first passengers arriving in Anguilla on the American Eagle ATR72

“We are back,” a group of the elated travellers, mainly from the Northeast United States, told reporters. They were announcing their own return to the island as well as that of the Eagle to which many persons in Anguilla and visitors have been looking forward.

View of improved Terminal building

The arrival of the aircraft which replaced the smaller ATR42 was also anxiously awaited by hoteliers and other operators of accommodation facilities. In fact, it is true to say that taxi-drivers and the island as a whole had been looking forward to the resumption of the service which is a vital component of Anguilla’s tourism industry and its travel requirements. The hope now is that in due course there will be an increase in the number of American Eagle flights to the island.

Airline Officials leaving American Eagle’s aircraft

The plane, which has seating capacity for 64 passengers, first flew to Anguilla on Wednesday January 5 for a series of test runs for navigational purposes. The aircraft was piloted by Captains Carlos de La Quardia and Angel Torres who flew in it in last week without passengers.

Government and Airline Officials at press conference

On the first scheduled commercial flight this week, Captain Torres spoke a press conference at the VIP Lounge: “This first flight has been great. We have been looking forward to it since many, many months. Anguilla is an excellent place for business for our crews and I am delighted to be here on this first flight.” Earlier he told reporters that the passengers had commented that they had barely felt when the aircraft landed, a reference to the smoothness of the 5,440-foot runway.

A water salute to the Eagle from Fire Tenders

The airline’s Regional Sales Manager for the Caribbean, Evette Negron, said: “All I have to say is that the Eagle has landed again and we are here to stay. This is my favourite island in the Caribbean and I will be back many, many times.”
Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Osbourne Fleming, commented: “History has been made today in Anguilla. It is the first time in Anguilla’s history that a plane landed at our airport with so many people. It is the beginning of what is to come.

Government Officials

“I want to express, on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, our appreciation to American Eagle’s staff for helping us to get back the American Eagle in the schedule. Like Evette, I am convinced that the Eagle is here to stay. The Government and people of Anguilla will do all we can to ensure that the climate and confidence remain in Anguilla whereby this airline will prosper from day to day.”

The Eagle resumed its passenger service to Anguilla following certification of the runway by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) as well as the East Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA).

“Dumpa” (centre) and Perry Hughes (left) entertaining arriving passengers

The Caribbean Star, which like LIAT, operates a Dash-8 aircraft service to the Anguilla, is still to resume its flights to the island.

Meanwhile, the next big event at Wallblake Airport will be the official opening ceremony which is planned for January 28.

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