Chartering a flight for 8 people from Antigua to Tortola

[SamP]

Please excuse me if I'm posting this in the wrong thread, but this is my first post and I was hoping to pick some brains!

I'm trying to organise return flights for my family from Antigua to BVI in Feburary 2010, and since there are 8 of us (5 adults, 3 children), I wondered if it would be cheaper to charter a small 8 seater plane, or to go with the slightly larger commercial companies, such as Liat.

Any opinions? Obviously we would want a reliable safe pilot with the relevant experience and qualifications, etc. I wanted to post here, as one site recommended Norman Aviations Limited, but a posting on this site said "Norman Aviation in Antigua have had their AOC and Flying school approvals removed by the ECCAA for alleged unsafe practices"

For obvious reasons, that concerned me, so I'm keen to hear what the pro's recommend.. :)

Thanking you in advance!
SamP

[20driver]

I am certain it will be cheaper to use LIAT etc unless you are only doing a day trip. The problem with charter is you are paying for 4 legs but using two.
8 people will mean a caravan or a twin, both of which will be expensive.

Re reliable info on the safety of an operation. Even in Canada or the US is very difficult to get meaningful information on the real safety of a charter operation. Down the Island way, good luck.

20driver

[Wadadli]

.....if your flight is delayed, the scheduled flight won't wait and you might have to try to find a hotel:ooh:. Also, it might be hard to get 8 seats on the same flight. On departure the chartered flight will get you to ANU some 2 hours before departure........more time on the beach and more peace of mind. With regards to Norman Aviation, I do not have any recent info, but I had never heard of any unsafe practices. He was our competition during the 5 years I worked there, but that is soon 15 years ago! Unfotunatelly my old company stopped trading last fall. Check with your hotel, travelagent or try Omel at Omel Ground Handling Services (http://stkittsyp.com/ClassPage/1/2/3/4/mcid-39483/CurrentiProdURL) she has worked in aviation in Nevis for 20+ years and I am sure she can advise you regarding charters or make change your mind and go to Nevis instead
;)

Hope this helps, Wadadli.

[towser]

We have chartered planes several times to go from Antigua to various islands, mainly St Barts and Anguilla. We used to use Carib Aviation but they aren't around any more. We used St Barts Commuter the last time. It does work out more expensive than using scheduled but the biggest advantage is that you specify when you want to leave so fitting in with all other plans rather than relying on LIAT.

[treesurgeon]

FlyMontserrat could offer you a charter in their Islander. www.flymontserrat.com; [email protected] or 1 664 491 3434.

There are no locally based operators in Antigua.

Treesurgeon

[blueplume]

There is also Transanguilla on Anguilla for Charter Flights.

[chongololo]

Use FlyBVI, I know them personally and would recommend them.
Liat is a pain and your flight will be delayed, cancelled or you will lose your luggage.
Good luck.

[Check 6]

LIAT = Leaves Island Any Time :)

[poina]

I agree with 20driver, no way can you ascertain the safety quality of charter operations in small aircraft.

[joehunt]

FlYBVI

There was a thread running on them until it was locked. I am in a position to add quite a lot regarding the mentioned owner.

If it is still him at the helm, then my advice would be to steer well clear.

[chongololo]

The ownership changed last year, so perhaps not the same guy you are thinking of.
If you are thinking of the previous owner then I would agree with your concerns.
New company now, much better.

[intortola]

For 8 people use Fly BVI, have used them many times and never a problem. Unfortunately i also use LIAT regularly and there is always a problem of some kind.
Alternatively use Virgin to San Juan and then American Eagle, that is what i am doing during the winter months for travel to Europe while VS operate to San Juan, VS operate on Saturdays LGW-SJU via ANU during this coming winter.

[B Sousa]

Call Nicolas at Air Center Helicopters in St Thomas 340 775 7335. He can steer you to a good Caravan .