New Non-Stop Flights Between Rhode Island and Cape Verde Islands

Twitter: @markcurtisABC6  

As snow plows cleared the runways at T.F. Green Airport, there was sunnier news on the horizon. Beginning in June, TACV” Airlines will offer two non–stop weekly flights to the Cabo Verde Islands.
 
“We want to expose the rest of the world to Rhode Island, and of course we ant to expose Rhode Islanders to the rest of the world, and this is one step in doing that,” said Governor Gina Raimondo, (D-RI).

Rhode Island‘s large Cape Verdean  population is thrilled, since many will reconnect with relatives.
 
“And now they are going to come to Rhode Island, rather than stopping in Boston. And this is going to be a direct flight,.” said Dr. Isadore Ramos, a Cape Verdean who lives in Rhode Island.
 
“The dream and hope of going to Cape Verde has always been something we grew up with. This makes it affordable,” said Dr. Claire Andrade-Watkins, a second-generation Cape Verdean in Rhode Island.

The jets can carry 210 passengers.
 
ABC6 Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis said, “So now TF Green will have direct international flights to Germany, to Cape Verde and, yes, the talks are still ongoing to have direct flights to Ireland.”
 
“Well it’s no secret that we’ve entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Shannon Group, at the Shannon Airport. Those dialogues continue, very favorable,” said Kelly Fredericks, CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.

So while flights to Ireland are still being negotiated, Rhode Islanders will be able to exchange travel like this (in snow), for this (the beach).
 
Reporter Q: These pictures behind you, what do you think of when you see the beaches and the island?’

“It would have been nice to be there earlier this week, instead of riding around on a plow truck, but…” said Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian.

Travel at T.F. Green has declined sharply in recent years, but it’s hoped the new international flights will start the turn around.