Cape Air to fly San Juan to Culebra, Virgin Gorda routes
Cape Air’s Britten-Norman Islander will make its debut in December with the start of a new San Juan to Culebra and San Juan to Virgin Gorda routes.
Regional Cape Air is moving ahead with growth plans for the Caribbean with the addition of non-stop service between San Juan and Culebra and between San Juan and Virgin Gorda.
Beginning on Dec. 17, four daily flights will operate between the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport and Culebra and on Dec. 18, three daily flights to Virgin Gorda, the company announced Thursday.
“We are thrilled with these additions to our Caribbean route map,” said Linda Markham, president of Cape Air. “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’re so committed to the success of these routes that we have acquired new aircraft specific to the unique needs of Culebra and Virgin Gorda,” she added.
Culebra and Virgin Gorda both have short runways, which limit the type of aircraft that can land at their airports. Cape Air has acquired three Britten Norman Islanders that are specifically suited to the needs of these markets. The Britten-Norman Islander is a nine passenger, high wing, twin-engine aircraft with the capability to land on short runways.
“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,” said Markham.
For the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the announcement represents giving tourists more options from San Juan.
“The new Cape Air non-stop flights make Puerto Rico even more attractive to those looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway,” said Ingrid Rivera-Rocafort, Tourism Company executive director.
“The convenient daily flight schedule between Culebra and San Juan gives visitors the opportunity to experience more of our beautiful home during their stay. We look forward to continue working together with Cape Air in our goal to give travelers more options and stimulate the economic development of the tourism industry,” she added.
Cape Air has been offering frequent daily flights throughout the Caribbean since 1998. With its Caribbean hub in San Juan, Cape Air operates more than 100 daily flights to St. Thomas, St. Croix, Tortola, Vieques, Mayagüez, Anguilla, Nevis, and now Culebra and Virgin Gorda.
