BVI Airways (Tortola) has been sold to an undisclosed New York-based merchant bank, the company has announced.

“With our capital base and management infrastructure fortified, we now have the tools and resources to expand and reward the traveling public in the Eastern Caribbean with an elevated level of air service, professionalism, and reliability,” Chief Operating Officer Luke Smith said.

Among the most notable immediate changes to occur is the appointment of Jerry Willoughby as the airline's its president and CEO. Willoughby was a longtime international Check Captain at Delta Airlines and, until recently, had served as an aviation consultant.

In line with its network expansion plans, BVI Airways plans to add a second Jetstream 32 to its fleet over the summer, joining its current turboprop which is expected back from maintenance on April 7.

“New aircraft will also mean new destinations,” Willoughby said. “We’ve got exciting plans to better connect the Eastern Caribbean in the coming months. BVI Airways is about to take off.”

Out of its Tortola hub, BVI Airways currently serves St. Maarten and Dominica Melville Hall.