American Airlines inaugurated its regular flights between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA), marking the first time that the island is connected non-stop with the United States.
The first operation landed in Anguilla last Saturday the 11th at 2:50 p.m., and upon entering the apron was greeted with the traditional water arch by fire trucks.
American Airlines will operate two weekly frequencies, departing from Miami on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:50 am to arrive in Anguilla at 2:49 pm. The return flight will be at 15:40, landing in Florida city at 17:53. Starting January 5, 2022, a third weekly flight will be added on Mondays. All are operated in Embraer E175 aircraft with a capacity for 12 passengers in Business and 64 in Economy.
«The possibility and realization of this flight is a success for both the airline and for Anguilla. We will do everything in our power to ensure that it is sustainable, as success depends on each other,» said Haydn Hughes, Anguilla’s Minister of Tourism, who was onboard the inaugural flight.
The official also stated that the company «will forever be in the records of history for operating the first commercial transatlantic flight connecting the United States with the most beautiful island in the world, Anguilla.»
«We are enthusiastic and encouraged by American Airlines’ decision to increase the schedule to three times a week beginning January 5, which ensures demand from travelers to our destination. With this new Miami route, our guests in the United States, United Kingdom, South America, Dubai, and Canada will now have more convenient access to our wonderful island,» added Quincy Gumbs-Marie, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism.
This historic new American Airlines route in Anguilla opens up new possibilities for tourism by enabling passengers to avoid connections at other airports since the flow was previously channeled through neighboring islands such as St. Maarten or Puerto Rico. The company had last operated on the island in March 2011, connecting it with San Juan.
Besides American, the flight offer in January at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport will include Silver Airways with two weekly flights to San Juan de Puerto Rico (with Saab 340 aircraft), Cape Air with 14 weekly flights to St. Thomas (in Cessna Grand Caravan), Anguilla Air Services with 28 weekly flights to St. Maarten (in BN-2B Islander) and Tradewind with three weekly flights to St. Barths and three weekly flights to San Juan de Puerto Rico (in PC-12 aircraft).
