Governor Sarah Tucker has addressed the lack of available aviation fuel for the two airlines that service Montserrat this week, calling it an “extraordinary situation”.
In a statement on 25 July, she wrote: “I recognise the challenges that both the airlines and their passengers have experienced this week due to the current Avgas shortage in Antigua.”
Avgas is a type of aviation fuel used in small piston engine powered aircraft. Last week, it was unavailable from Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport.
“This is an extraordinary situation,” Tucker said, “and I am grateful to the access team in the Office of the Premier and to the two airlines, Fly Montserrat and SVG, for all the fast work they have done to ensure as stable a timetable as possible and to meet their commitments to their customers.”
She said everyone is clear about their priorities – while the Access Division manages day to day issues, the Governor’s Office is working with the UK and local government on a medium to long term strategy.
This will allow for the development of access while keeping safety and security risks at an acceptable level, the governor said.
Flight problems
Last week several flights to and from Montserrat were either delayed or cancelled because of aviation fuel supply issues in Antigua.
A government press release on Tuesday, 23 July, said both SVG Air and Fly Montserrat were making every effort to support the travelling public “during this time of difficulty”.
It estimated that the problem would be resolved by Monday, 29 July.
A press release from FlyMontserrat on 24 July said it was conducting its current programme of fights as near to normal as possible.
It said the delays were due to there being no aviation fuel available at VC Bird International Airport since 22 July and no notice being given when it ran out.
“We have put in place rehearsed alternative supplies from elsewhere – which is currently working well with small delays,” the airline said.
The press release said updates would be put on the home page of the company’s website, www.flymoniserrat.com
Further information on the flight issues is available from the Access Division at (664) 491 3378, on WhatsApp at (664) 392 3600, or by email at accessmni@gov.ms
