April 2, 2007 — The governor met with airline officials in Miami Monday to discuss long-range plans for service in the territory, according to a Government House news release.
"The closed-door meeting between (Gov. John deJongh Jr.) and the airline's principals will center around the carrier's present level of service to the territory and the long-range plans for its continued presence in the Virgin Islands," the release said. It did not give the name of the airline, but identified it as "a major airline now serving the Virgin Islands."
Currently six major airlines provide service to the territory: American, Continental, Delta, Spirit, United and U.S. Airways, the release said, noting, "In 2006, more than 533,000 airline passengers called on St. Thomas, down slightly from the 2005 level of 543,000 passengers."
The governor left for Miami Sunday evening and was scheduled to return to the territory Monday afternoon. In his absence, Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis served as acting governor in accordance with provisions of the Revised Organic Act of 1954.