BVI Airways received government certification and approval to launch its first scheduled airline service out of Tortola's Beef Island Airport in the British Virgin Islands.

BVI Airways will fly to St. Maarten and Antigua. The St. Maarten flight will continue to Dominica.

The carrier said it anticipates the launch of service late this month using 32-seat prop planes.

CEO Scott DeLacy said that the carrier’s competitive edge "will be schedules convenient for connecting to the major European airlines' flights with no more daylong waits at the airport.

"We expect to have a very positive impact on the BVI economy by increasing the number of airline seats into the BVI and making the BVI more attractive to tourists by the convenience of our schedule."