Business View Caribbean - Dec 2023

45 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8 Menal sheds light on the significant traffic flow facilitated by the Ports Authority. “Around 300,000 people annually land in Saint Thomas with the BVI as their final destination, and this movement is enabled through the Ports Authority’s facilities,” he explains. This highlights the integral role of the Ports Authority in complementing the Airports Authority’s efforts to manage tourist influx. The collaboration extends beyond mere operational alignment. “We sit on each other’s boards, identifying and leveraging synergies wherever possible,” he says. This partnership is driven by a mutual goal to enhance the visitor experience, offering varied and high- quality travel options. “We often consult each other on issues and challenges, adopting applicable solutions from one context to another,” Menal states, painting a picture of a dynamic and responsive partnership. ADDRESSING STAFFING CHALLENGES IN AVIATION The global pilot shortage and staffing issues in the aviation industry have been points of concern worldwide, and the British Virgin Islands have not been immune to these challenges. Menal provides insights into how these issues have affected the BVI and the innovative strategies employed to address them. “The pilot shortage hasn’t directly impacted us since we don’t have home-based carriers,” he clarifies. However, he acknowledges that the Caribbean airlines, which service the BVI, might have faced challenges and presumably have taken steps to attract new talent. The more pressing issue for the BVI Airports Authority has been a shortage of air traffic controllers. “It wasn’t a popular profession locally, and we found ourselves significantly understaffed, operating with just six controllers against the ideal number of twelve,” Menal shares, highlighting a critical challenge. This shortage started impacting operations, necessitating immediate action. BVI AIRPORT AUTHORI TY