BVI Airways is one major step closer to launching its highly-anticipated service between Miami and Tortola.

The company has received a revised Air Operator Certificate from UK-based regulator Air Safety Support International, granting the carrier authority to operate its Avro RJ 100 jet aircraft from Tortola’s Beef Island Airport.

Now the carrier can immediately file with the U.S. Department of Transportation to obtain the necessary approvals to fly into the U.S.

This is a significant step forward toward commencing the first-ever non-stop flights between the United States and the BVI,” said Jerry Willoughby, President and CEO of BVI Airways.

Once approved, BVI Airways will be allowed to begin ticket sales and schedule its first official flights, pegged for late April to mid-May.

“We are working as fast as we can to make this happen,” Willoughby said. “But the regulatory process, by its nature, is outside of our control.”