Above: a Cape Air plane (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Regional carrier Cape Air will be adding nonstop service from St Thomas to Tortola beginning Dec. 16, the company announced.

Cape Air had previously offered the service until December 2012, but plans to resume operating the route due to increased demand.

“The local USVI and BVI communities both requested the return of the service between St Thomas and Tortola, and it is our pleasure to honour that request,” said Linda Markham, president of Cape Air, in a statement. “It is very important for us to be able to listen to the suggestions of our passengers and the communities we serve and respond to meet those needs.”

The daily service will depart from St Thomas at 2:30 PM and arrive in Tortola at 2:50 PM, with daily flights departing from Tortola at 12:40 PM and arriving in St Thomas at 12:55 PM.

“Cape Air has been a great partner to the British Virgin Islands and their added service between St Thomas and Tortola will be a great addition,” said Sharon Flax-Mars, director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “The British Virgin Islands is thrilled that Cape Air has positioned itself to service our gateway from St Thomas and provide a seamless connection for our guests.”