WINAIR’s decision to acquire two ART 42-500 planes (see Friday/Saturday edition) is an important step for the government-owned airline. They will be used for regional fights that are now mostly already covered on behalf of the local carrier by Guadeloupe-based Air Antilles.
However, the latter is based on a so-called “wet lease” agreement, which means leasing the aircraft with full crew. Having own pilots and cabin personnel aboard translates to keeping a bigger share of revenue produced by the flight.
There are always risks, as seen in the past. Some may question the wisdom of such a move for a government-owned company still dealing with financial effects from the COVID-19 crisis.
Compared to some similar previous attempts, this one is based on six years of experience not only with operating the routes involved but doing so with the same type of equipment. In addition, continued cooperation with Air Antilles and the “commonality of fleet type” mentioned can help ensure continuity that is essential certainly in today’s Caribbean aviation industry.
At the end of the day, going back to only Twin Otter flights that service mainly St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Barths is simply not enough to sustain WINAIR long-term. Its growth is obviously important to Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) and its hub function as well as country St. Maarten in the sense of jobs and tax earnings.
This step further facilitates the destination to focus more on inter-island tourism, also considering problems facing other regional players like LIAT. There is still plenty of competition, for example on the Curaçao route, mind you, but when facing such, being able to fly one’s own planes can make a heck of a difference.
