22 August 2017
At a reception held at Plantation House yesterday evening, Governor Lisa Phillips welcomed to St Helena personnel arriving on Airlink’s proving flight to the Island.
Guests at the reception included the CEO of Airlink, Rodger Foster, members of Airlink’s marketing and ground operations team, the two flight crews that will operate the St Helena route, representatives from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, tour operators New Frontiers and African Ample Assistance, and Mantis.
In HE’s opening speech, Governor Lisa said:
“The proving flight is a precondition for the scheduled commercial air service to St Helena and today moves us one step closer to Airlink commencing flights to the Island.
“I hope that we will not only ‘prove’ to colleagues in the South African Civil Aviation Authority that the Airport operation is technically very capable. But also that we will ‘prove’ what a special place St Helena is.
“We are very keen to start passenger services as quickly as possible, though recognise this cannot happen until all the regulatory approvals are in place. To the tour operators and marketing managers, we are looking to you to bring us the ‘right’ people. This means tourists who will appreciate what we have and who will tell their friends. St Helena needs investors who have ethical approaches and who will consider what they can put into the Island, not what they can take out.
“I’m sure this will be the start of many successful partnerships. There is palpable enthusiasm on the Island for the next step in St Helena’s history – one that will ultimately bring a better standard of living and a better future for everyone who lives here.”
Rodger Foster thanked Governor Lisa and all on St Helena for the warm welcome to the Island. He spoke of how pleased he was with his team and the teams at St Helena Airport and within SHG and St Helena Tourism for their hard work in preparing for yesterday’s flight.
Rodger was positive about the air service that Airlink would provide for the Island and was hopeful that there would be an announcement shortly regarding a commencement date for scheduled air services and ticket fares.
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SHG
22 August 2017