Bviaa elevated to Aci‑Lac Governing Member as
The British Virgin Islands Airports Authority (BVIAA) has been elevated to Governing Member status of Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI‑LAC), a move officials say will support the government's runway and terminal expansion plans. The appointment was formalised at the ACI‑LAC Annual Conference in Trinidad and confirmed in a Ministry statement and a VINO press release dated October 10, 2025. Local outlet JTV also covered the development, publishing images from the conference, while government leaders praised the BVIAA's new role and the expected benefits for technical cooperation, funding access, and capacity building.
The Ministry of Communications and Works has congratulated the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority after the Authority was elevated to Governing Member status of Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI‑LAC). The appointment was formalised at the ACI‑LAC Annual Conference in Trinidad, where BVIAA Managing Director Kurt A.
Menal represented the Authority, the Ministry said. Local outlet JTV reported on the development and published images from the conference. In a press release dated Friday, October 10, 2025, Minister for Communications and Works the Honourable Kye M. Rymer commended the BVIAA for securing a leadership position at a pivotal time for the Territory’s aviation development.
Minister Rymer was quoted by VINO saying, "This appointment is both an important recognition of the BVIAA’s achievements and a timely strategic opportunity for the Virgin Islands." He added, "As we advance our runway extension and airport expansion programme, the strengthened regional ties and direct access to global expertise provided through ACI‑LAC will help accelerate our efforts to deliver a modern, safe, and internationally compliant airport." The Ministry and the VINO release both noted that Governing Member status with ACI‑LAC will expand BVIAA’s access to technical cooperation, international best practices in airport design and operations, and deeper engagement with regional funding and partnership networks.
Officials said the Authority will be able to apply ACI‑LAC insights on air‑service liberalisation, sustainability and airport modernisation to its planning. Those lessons are expected to inform engineering decisions, environmental mitigation measures and the phased sequencing of construction works for upcoming runway extensions and terminal upgrades.
The BVIAA will also have improved access to technical assistance, knowledge‑sharing platforms and capacity‑building programmes aimed at strengthening local expertise in project management, procurement and operational readiness, the Ministry said. JTV’s coverage echoed the Ministry’s account and highlighted the membership’s aim of broadening access to regional partners and financing mechanisms.
Government officials emphasised potential benefits for project delivery, including faster timelines and more cost‑effective outcomes through stronger regional partnerships. Minister Rymer further praised BVIAA Managing Director Kurt Menal and the BVIAA team for enhancing the Territory’s visibility and influence within the regional aviation community, saying the milestone "strengthens our capacity to realise a modern, expanded airport that meets global standards and supports sustainable growth for our people," according to the VINO release.
Airports Council International represents airports worldwide, with more than 712 members operating 1,925 airports in 171 countries; ACI‑LAC is the regional body for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Ministry noted. The Ministry said it remains committed to working with the BVIAA, regional partners and other stakeholders as the Authority assumes its new role on the ACI‑LAC board and advances the Territory’s position as a safer, more connected and competitive aviation hub.
Local residents can expect the technical resources and partnerships secured through this membership to play practical roles in shaping upcoming works, from technical design and environmental safeguards to the way construction is phased to minimise disruption and meet international standards.
Primary source: BVI Government