Philipsburg – WINAIR is pleased to announce the acquisition of two (2) ATR 42-500 series aircraft. The first ATR aircraft will be delivered March 2023. This aircraft will provide service to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominica and Port au Prince. The second ATR aircraft will be delivered April 2023, this aircraft will provide service to Antigua, Tortola, St. Lucia, Barbados, with further analysis/review of route expansion to other destinations is ongoing.
WINAIR’s growth comes after six (6) years of ACMI-lease partnership with Air Antilles Airlines based in Guadeloupe. The ACMI-lease demonstrated the viability of the ATR operation and created this opportunity for WINAIR’s growth. “Our partnership with Air Antilles will continue to evolve, strengthening WINAIR’s and Air Antilles’ route structure in the Caribbean, also providing commonality of fleet type.” stated Mr. M.D. Cleaver, President & CEO.
This ushers in a new era for WINAIR, the National Carrier of St. Maarten, operating its own ATR aircraft thus enhancing our current business model. This preparation/ planning has taken one (1) year of intensive analysis and studies were done ensuring this was the best aircraft for WINAIR’s future growth. This strategic plan has the support and approval of the Shareholders and the Supervisory Board of Directors of WINAIR.
WINAIR is working closely with Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) and St. Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) for the processes to continue and ensure regulatory bodies and all regulations are fulfilled. Safety and security is of the utmost importance, all processes require approval by SMCAA for the introduction of ATR fleet type in St. Maarten.
The expansion of WINAIR’s fleet requires additional qualified personnel, local employees/ residents are being utilized wherever possible. Training of existing flight and maintenance personnel, as well as re-certification of additional staff is ongoing.
With the introduction of the ATR aircraft WINAIR is better equipped to respond to customer demand, changing market needs and support St. Maarten and our stakeholders for the future.
Source: BES Reporter https://bes-reporter.com/after-6-years-of-wet-leases-from-air-antilles-winair-will-get-their-own-atr-planes/
A small correction of the commercial propaganda in this so-called news article:
This company did never pay his employees decent wages, and from the start of the corona period the exploiters got the legal opportunity to cut all salaries, of course except those in the board and directors.
Furthermore, by being such a nice helper of the Dutch government, the discriminating subsidies of millions of taxpayers money, under all kinds of excuses, were used to fill the bank accounts.
Even fares that were part of deals could be increased, because the white men and women in Den Haag, made it possible.
Maintenance of their planes became worse, so, again money was spared.
And all people on our islands know by own experience how bad the service of this company is.
Result: A few new planes, but a shit service, prices that are far too high, and most important: indecent level of wages for the workers of this company.