The possibility of the Dutch Government giving the air connection between St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba public transport status (see related story) is an interesting one. Such an arrangement could mean subsidy to keep fares down for what are known as “thin routes” not necessarily viable for a commercial airline.
But it will probably imply commitments too, perhaps in a so-called public service obligation (PSO) contract. Exactly what impact this would have on Winair and its operations, including to other destinations, is hard to say and obviously depends on the details.
However, considering the local carrier’s need for financing as again expressed by the board in Parliament last week, such a scenario might offer some prospect of future stability. After all, St. Maarten as majority shareholder probably lacks the funds to help right now.
The Netherlands, with a minority stake on behalf of Saba and Statia, already provided the company with a recent mortgage loan and does not appear inclined to do so again, making it worthwhile to view other alternatives. The Dutch government does realise how crucial Winair’s service is for these two overseas special municipalities.
Also considering the start of a pilot Makana ferry service between the three islands on November 1, for which the Ministry of Infrastructure and Waterworks in The Hague made two million euros available, the air connection must not be neglected. It provides a much shorter trip, while anyone who has been on the current ferries to Saba especially with high seas will agree that it isn’t exactly a pleasure ride certainly compared to sailing between Marigot and Anguilla.
Besides, civil aviation and maritime passenger traffic can coexist, like, for example, with St. Barth’s. The two offer quite different travel options and should be able to complement each other.
