There is a new airline in the Caribbean, and it’s providing a new boost for service between St Thomas and St Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. 

Fly the Whale, which operates a charter network of destinations in the Northeastern United States (including East Hampton, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, among others), has launched regularly-scheduled service between the two islands. 

The carrier is now operating multiple daily flights between St Croix and St Thomas. 

The company’s entry to the USVI is the product of several years of talks, which were fast-tracked in the last few months, according to the Virgin Islands Port Authority.

The VIPA Board of Governors recently approved an incentive program that makes more attractive for airlines to offer new routes both to the USVI and within the USVI. 

“As important to visitors coming to our territory is the ability for us residents to move between the islands,” said US Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte. 

The service will also open up island-hopping opportunities for travelers, including the ability to visit St Thomas, St John and St Croix on day or overnight Tripps. 

“We have to understand that we are building a product that we want to be proud of,” said US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. 

Fly the Whale’s operations will be based in St Croix. The company is leasing ticket counter and office spaces in both St Croix and St Thomas’ airports. 

For more, visit the US Virgin Islands.