The government has opened the bidding process for qualified operators to provide new air transport services to Montserrat.
It published an invitation to tender on the government’s procurement portal on Wednesday, 18 September, and interested parties have until 16 October to apply.
Bidders must be able to provide transport at regular scheduled times using aircraft with short takeoff and landing capabilities that comply with John A Osborne Airport’s restrictions, the tender details say.
Applicants are expected to be able to run routes to Montserrat from one or all of the neighbouring islands of Antigua, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe, or Dominica.
They must submit a detailed proposal ensuring that all operational details, service standards, aircraft certification requirements, and legislative compliance statements are clearly articulated.
“The overall aim is to enhance Montserrat’s air connectivity by integrating the strategies of network expansion, operational optimisation and marketing efforts,” the website explains.
This should increase access and connectivity, attracting more visitors and positioning Montserrat as a prominent destination in the Caribbean, it adds.
Expand air access
Governor Sarah Tucker and Premier Joseph E Farrell announced their intentions to seek new air transport operators in a joint statement on 9 August.
“You may have seen the recent industry engagement work, led by procurement to enable open discussions with airlines, to assess their availability and interest in operating in and out of Montserrat,” they wrote
“This work is almost complete and has been the subject of Cabinet discussion.”
At the time, they said a formal procurement process would be initiated to invite interested parties to submit proposals for adding, continuing or developing air transport to and from Montserrat.
“The ambition is clear – to expand the current air access and where possible enable this to offer more than one entry point to Montserrat,” they said.
The governor and premier explained that the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has been working with them both to identify how they can best provide support.
Currently the only companies providing access to Montserrat are Fly Montserrat and SVG Air – both operating air routes to and from Antigua. There is no ferry service.
Avgas issues
VC Bird International Airport in Antigua exhausted its supply of aviation gasoline, know as avgas, on July 22 resulting in significant complications for local airlines.
Both Fly Montserrat and SVG Air operate Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander twin-engine light aircraft, which only run on avgas, on the route between Antigua and Montserrat.
Fly Montserrat continued to operate as close to its usual schedule as possible, refuelling with avgas during regular trips to Nevis and Guadeloupe.
However, SVG Air temporarily cancelled its route because the company said it could not make it financially viable.
After a nearly three-week shortage, the governor and premier announced that the aviation fuel was available again in their joint statement.
The De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter twin-engine turboprop aircraft, which operates on the more readily available jet fuel, is universally popular on short routes.
But, while the aircraft can land at John A Osborne Airport with no restrictions, the length of the runway means that the plane cannot take off with a full load of passengers, luggage and fuel.
Sea transport services
In their statement, the governor and premier said that in addition to the air transport procurement process, there would be a concurrent sea access activity following a similar approach and timeline.
However, the government has to date only asked companies if they have the capacity to supply sea transport services during high season and beyond, and has not yet published a tender invite.
Farrell said access is essential to the development of Montserrat, and as premier will “continue to work with all relevant parties to ensure we have the best outcome for our island’s future”.
“My discussions continue with the UK government in terms of sustainable support, and the minister with responsibility for the OT’s has pledged his support to work with us to find a positive outcome,” he said.
The governor added: “I know that access is a complex challenge across the region. Safety and security of all travellers remains the priority of my office, as is the development of Montserrat.
“I am pleased to be able to support the premier and his team in finding positive ways forward for the medium term, whilst ensuring work continues on a long term solution.”
