Continental Adds Flights To Turks and Caicos (PLS)

Continental Airlines announced this week that it will begin non-stop flights between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Providenciales on Feb. 18, subject to government approval.

Initially flights will operate four times a week — on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays — converting to daily service on March 6.
“We are pleased to offer convenient access to Providenciales, a world-class getaway and an exciting new addition to the list of Caribbean destinations served by Continental and United,” said John Slater, United Airlines vice president of sales. “Our merger allows us to offer new flights to new destinations as we begin to efficiently utilize the combined fleet of both carriers.”

The approximately 3½-hour flight will depart Newark at 9:35 a.m. and arrive in Providenciales at 1:10 p.m. The return flight will depart Providenciales at 2:05 p.m. and arrive in Newark at 5:45 p.m.
Continental will use a Boeing 737-800 for the new service, with seating for 160 passengers — 16 in first class and 144 in economy.
"The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes the decision of Continental Airlines, a leading international airline, to operate nonstop flights between New York and Providenciales in time for winter travel," said government CEO Mark Capes, now serving as acting governor. "Continental's decision demonstrates continuing confidence in the TCI and in our tourism product.
"Tourism, as the predominant industry of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its main income generator, is an important part of the interim government's agenda. With various initiatives, such as the Tourism Working Group, the aim is to grow, promote, and support the industry in order to expand the target markets and range of tourism activities. This in turn will provide economic stimulus in the hospitality sector as well as in retailing and other related activities."
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Airport Improvement Project Begins

After years of waiting, the day finally arrived Monday, July 12, when dignitaries and local community leaders gathered to celebrate the ground breaking for the expansion of the Providenciales International Airport.

Not even the impressive downpouring of rain could dampen the spirits of those in attendance who believe the extension is a sign of better things to come for the country currently feeling a major financial squeeze.

“This morning we assemble here to mark a major milestone in preparing the Turks and Caicos Islands for recovery in the global economy,” said Acting Governor Mark Capes.

Phase one of the airport expansion project is now underway, with the primary focus of extending the runway from its current 7,600 feet to a length of 9,200 feet. This extension is expected to facilitate new long-haul flights from Europe and Asia to the TCI, allowing for planes such as the Boeing 777 and 747 to land at the airport.

Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association CEO Caesar Campbell, who also addressed attendees, said they were already in talks with a carrier who is interested in adding the TCI to its routes.

“The construction of the new runway is an important step towards creating a modern, safe and efficient international gateway that will enhance the appeal and competitiveness of the TCI,” said Capes.

“Economic success in the TCI will critically depend on our ability to grow and diversify our tourist base in a competitive global marketplace. Some forecasters suggest tourist arrivals in the region could grow by around 4 percent each year. There are already encouraging signs that visitor numbers are rebounding, and we must be ready to consolidate and build on this.

“So it is vital that we should have the modern infrastructure and services we need to compete effectively for international tourism and to attract a wider variety of visitors. This in turn will help fill our resorts and create more business opportunities in leisure, retailing and other service sectors.”

In addition to the long-term potential offered by the airport runway project, Capes said there are also early benefits for the TCI.

“It will inject several million dollars directly into the economy, safeguarding many local jobs during this difficult period of economic recession that confronts the region,” he said.

Taking on the one-year project, weather permitting, is Dexter Construction, a Canadian firm who will work together with local partner Cove Construction. As part of the contract with the government, Dexter is required to have a minimum of 70 percent local involvement and adds a mechanism is already in place through the TCIAA to ensure this standard is adhered to.

Dexter will also be establishing a scholarship programme for a number of Belongers working on this project who will have a first-class opportunity to study at training facilities in Canada. This will help to bring on young local talent and build a skilled indigenous workforce, ready to contribute to the future of this country, according to Capes.

TCI Airport Authority CEO John Smith said the public can expect a safe, efficient, world class facility at the end of the project.

While there was clearly much enthusiasm about the start of the project, Smith also warned their will be some patience required by the travelling public.

The new terminal and parking will only come in phase two of the project, which Smith says will only start towards the completion of phase one.

However, some renovations have already been undertaken in the current airport facility, such as improving the air conditioning system. Smith says they will also be taking on some other minor projects to de-clutter as well as put some new procedures in place to fast track entry into the country.

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