Nevis Deputy Premier hails Tradewind Aviation; a new service to VWA International
NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS — Deputy Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism Hon. Mark Brantley, hailed Tradewind Aviation for its decision to commence a daily premium nonstop service from San Juan to the Vance W. Amory International Airport which would cater to the travelling needs of both tourists and locals.
The Deputy Premier was at the time delivering remarks at a brief but significant ceremony to mark the Airline’s inaugural flight to the Vance W. Amory International Airport on November 02, 2013.
“As an Administration, our view is that we need this airport to be active; we need flights coming in and out because your transportation links are critical if the island is going to develop.
“Tradewind, we feel, is a perfect fit for Nevis through the tourism model that we have and the people we expect to attract and we are very happy that you have taken the plunge with us,” he said.
Mr. Brantley explained that the venture would not have been possible without the assistance of General Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Mr. Sven Wiedenhaupt, whom he said had encouraged the Administration to draw the Airline to Nevis.
“It’s a perfect example of the private sector helping to drive development because Sven got in touch with me and said there is this great carrier called Tradewind and we ought to try and do some business with them…I believe we owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Wiedenhaupt and the Four Seasons Resort because they were in the forefront of encouraging the service.
“I do not believe we would be here today, were it not for his personal involvement and for his efforts in making this happen, so Mr. Wiedenhaupt, I want to publicly record gratitude to you,” he said.
Mr. Brantley also publicly thanked Federal Minister of Transportation Hon. Ricky Skerritt, for his cooperation and assistance since it was important for the public to understand how they had arrived at the inaugural launch of Tradewind on Nevis.
“We could not have been here today were it not for the cooperation and assistance of the Federal Ministry of Transportation. I want to record that publicly because I think it is important that people understand how we arrived at a particular juncture when we do what we do and Minister Skerritt has been very helpful … and he has really been helpful in facilitating our being here today,” he said.
Mr. Brantley also had high praise for the executives of Tradewind Aviation and registered hope that the inauguration signalled the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship.
“Tradewind, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I would like to thank you. I trust and hope that this will be the start of a long, long, long and mutually rewarding relationship and we look forward to working very closely with you as we have done to this point… We thank you and may God bless you and this new service,” he said.
Meantime, President of Tradewind Aviation Mr. Eric Zipkin, expressed excitement for the airline’s new venture between Puerto Rico and Nevis and invited all to make use of the service.
“I am extraordinarily excited about beginning regular service to San Juan for Tradewind and continuing to enhance that as we go forward. The unique capabilities of our aircraft allow us to scale up as the demand develops and to share the success with the people of Nevis and throughout the entire area. So I thank you very much.
“I am excited and I look forward to welcoming all of you on board. Come to San Juan; come visit; come shop and experience it so you can tell your friends. Thank you very much,” he said.