Governor Albert Bryan Jr. celebrated the launch of a new United Airlines nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, with the administration of Bryan and Roach viewing this connection as a key milestone in their broader initiative to boost U.S. Virgin Islands flight connectivity, enhance the tourism sector, and foster economic prospects for local residents and commercial enterprises, as reported by the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Expanding Access to the Northeast Corridor
The new service begins Saturday and represents the latest success in a multi-year strategy focused on building strong partnerships with airlines, hotels, and tourism stakeholders. The goal is to increase seat capacity and improve access to the Territory’s key visitor markets. Since taking office, the administration has pursued air service growth through targeted tourism investments, cooperative marketing initiatives, and direct engagement with airline partners.
These efforts have helped secure new routes, expand existing service, and diversify transportation options throughout the Territory. This includes partnerships with carriers such as Contour Airlines, which recently introduced direct service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten to strengthen regional connectivity.
“The launch of this new United route is exactly the kind of result we envisioned when we made airlift expansion a central pillar of our economic development strategy,” Governor Bryan said. “Tourism remains the backbone of our economy, and increasing access to St. Croix and the Virgin Islands creates opportunities for our hotels, restaurants, attractions, small businesses, and working families.”
The addition of Newark service is particularly significant because it strengthens the Territory’s connection to the Northeast United States. To raise visibility among northeastern travelers, Governor Bryan initiated a strategic marketing partnership between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the New York Jets organization. The partnership aims to increase awareness of the Virgin Islands as a premier travel destination and support demand for additional airlift through targeted branding and promotional campaigns.
A Historic Homecoming for Crucian Pilots
Saturday’s inaugural service carries special significance for St. Croix because the flights will be operated by four Crucian pilots, transforming a transportation milestone into a homecoming celebration. According to United Airlines, Flight UAL 1409 from Newark to St. Croix will be piloted by Captain Shawn Lewis and First Officer Eugene Washington. Flight UAL 1410 from St. Croix to Newark will be piloted by Captain Douglas Armstrong and First Officer Regine Acosta. The inaugural flight arrives at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport at 1:20 p.m. on Saturday.
Governor Bryan emphasized that the participation of four Crucians in the inaugural service highlights the talent and determination existing throughout the Virgin Islands.
“Nothing could better symbolize the progress of our Territory than watching Crucians bring this historic flight home,” Governor Bryan said. “While we are creating new opportunities through expanded tourism and economic growth, these pilots demonstrate what is possible when Virgin Islanders pursue their dreams and represent our islands on the national stage.”
First Officer Regine Acosta started her path in commercial flight via the Virgin Islands branch of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals prior to her employment with United Airlines, hailing originally from St. Croix. Her return to St. Croix aboard the inaugural flight represents a full-circle moment. Captain Shawn Lewis, who also grew up on St. Croix, forged a notable career in regional aviation that featured tenure at Seaborne Airlines and managerial roles across the Caribbean sector prior to advancing to a Boeing 737 captaincy.
Connecting St. Croix to a National Aviation Hub
The new route provides an important gateway between St. Croix and one of the nation’s busiest aviation hubs. It creates greater convenience for visitors and residents while supporting continued growth in the Territory’s tourism sector.
“As we continue expanding our reach into key markets and strengthening our airline partnerships, we remain focused on creating a world-class visitor experience and ensuring that the benefits of tourism growth are felt throughout our community,” Governor Bryan said. “This new route is another major step forward for St. Croix and the entire Virgin Islands.”
