Above: a Cape Air plane

By Alexander Britell

Regional airline Cape Air is adding new service to Culebra, Puerto Rico and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, according to the company.

The new service will begin in February with four daily flights between San Juan and Culebra. Also in February, the company will begin operating three daily flights between San Juan and Virgin Gorda.

“We are thrilled with these additions to our Caribbean route map,” said Linda Markham, President of Cape Air, in a statement. “There is a real need to provide reliable service from San Juan to Culebra and Virgin Gorda, and the new service will benefit travelers and locals alike. We are so committed to the success of these routes that we have acquired new aircraft specific to the unique needs of Culebra and Virgin Gorda,”

Because of the short runways in both Culebra and Virgin Gorda, the company has acquired three Britten Norman Islanders “specifically suited to the needs of these markets,” the company said.

“By acquiring this new equipment, we are maintaining our nine passenger model on an
aircraft appropriate for short take offs and landings that will allow us to take our passengers to destinations that have limited access but are unique,” she said.

The planes are nine-passenger, high-wing, twin-engine aircraft.

“The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is excited about Cape Air’s expanded service into our destination,” said Sharon Flax-Mars, director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “Guests traveling to Virgin Gorda now have another seamless transfer option. We applaud Cape Air for their initiative and dedication to our islands,” said Sharon Flax-Mars, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands.”

Cape Air operates more than 100 flights every day to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola, Vieques, Mayaguez, Anguilla, Nevis and, soon, Culebra and Virgin Gorda.

“Our Five Star Island is a diverse destination that offers something for everyone. The new Cape Air flights make Puerto Rico even more attractive to those looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway,” said Ingrid Rivera Rocafort, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.