Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 CARIBAVIA 2025:Silver Airways’ failure ends conventional regional model By Kathryn B. Creedy. The long-awaited death of Silver Airways in Florida, a prolific name serving the Caribbean, closely follows the spinning out of Air Wisconsin as an American Eagle, calling into question the survivability of the US regional airline sector for both independents like Silver and code-share airlines like Air Wisconsin. Having covered this sector since the early 80s I foresee only two survivors amongst the hundreds that populated the industry in the 1980s - SkyWest and Republic - which remain the only regionals not owned by their major carriers. Yet, their partners have stakes in the airlines. But here’s a question. Can you really call what these airlines do ‘regional’? I suggest not, based solely on SkyWest’s extensive route map. It’s 2,400 daily flights connect passengers to 267 destinations across North America. It has 20 domiciles and a fleet of nearly 500 aircraft. Courtesy of SkyWest. Independent Regional Model Ends The fate of Silver Airways followed several similar failures of predecessor airlines such as Gulfstream Airways. So, it is no surprise that Silver finally went west. A few years ago, when ATR announced Silver was taking ATRs, I had my doubts and wondered if this was an attempt to prop up an otherwise failing carrier - or to merely reintroduce turboprops back to the US. I wonder no more. After all, weren’t the regional airlines heavily subsidized by these manufacturers in the 1980s?
CARIBAVIA 2025:30th birthday, new Grand Caravan on the waySt Barth Commuter marked its 30th birthday this April and is celebrating with the delivery of a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX (its third of the type) this autumn, bringing its fleet to six Cessna Grand Caravan (C208B) aircraft.
Since 1995 St Barth Commuter has transported thousands of travellers - locals, professionals, families, couples, and adventurers - to destinations like Saint Martin, St Maarten, Antigua, San Juan, Dominica, the Grenadines, and many more,” said CEO Bertrand Magras, who is now running the business, together with his sister Stephanie, as COO. Their father Bruno Magras and co-founder Michel Martinon established the company in 1994, obtained the first Air Operator Certificate in April 1995 and its now flown almost one million passengers. In 2024, St Barth Commuter operated 2,100 charters and 4,100 scheduled flights.
CARIBAVIA 2025:Embracing the future of aviation, aware of environmental responsibilitiesXavier Lédée in conversation with Alison Chambers.Xavier Lédée, President of the Territorial Council of Saint Barthélemy, would love to have more air connections to his stunning Island. At the same time, where would more tourists be accommodated? It’s all about keeping the right balance, he says, satisfying stakeholders, managing activity. Keeping on top of housekeeping and retaining St Barth’s high-end tourism model.
Xavier Lédée "We tend to have regular visitors coming here, we know we have that reputation as a party Island - and after two enforced quiet years - they couldn’t wait to come back. The market has definitely corrected itself, he says. “We’ve just come out of two very over the top years.” “We pride ourselves on our geographic charm, our French heritage. Both are a key part of our exclusivity. Preservation efforts are vital and that includes ensuring the airport and its systems are up to date. Plans are afoot for a new firefighter station next year, plus ongoing investment in ATC and security. Not just for crime but for privacy breaches. “We have had our share of social media (celebrity) catastrophes!,” he acknowledges.
CARIBAVIA 2025:Unlocking Economic Growth through Aviation InvestmentBy Kathryn B. Creedy. Economic diversity is the hallmark of governments intent on lifting their populations out of low-paying jobs and it couldn’t be more important for tourism-based economies such as those in the Caribbean, where Capt. Alicia Hackshaw, MSc. is advocating a sea change in the region through developing manufacturing, training, and maintenance hubs. Aviation Driving Economic Growth “We must discuss how strategic aviation investments - particularly in training and manufacturing - can drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and position the Caribbean as a dynamic player in the global aerospace ecosystem,” Hackshaw told delegates at the recent CARIBAVIA conference in St. Barths.
Capt. Alicia Hackshaw. “The Caribbean region is unique - comprising over 700 islands, with a population of more than 30 million. It welcomes an equal number of tourists annually. Despite our geographic and demographic strengths, the aviation sector currently contributes just 1.4% of our GDP - around $2.5 billion. "However, the potential is immense. Aviation supports over 1.6 million jobs regionally, spanning airlines, airports, ground services, training, tourism, and logistics.”
BahamasILTM North America heads to Bahamas this OctoberOver 550 luxury hotels, cruise lines, destination management companies, charter, airline and handling companies will converge at Baha Mar, Bahamas during 6th to 9th October for International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) North America. This unique invites marries luxury sellers with top spending, hand-picked travel agents. Three days of pre-booked scheduled appointments through bespoke appointment programmes and networking sessions will this year be preceded by an LGBTQ+ opening conference in partnership with Proud Experiences. This previously stand alone event has been scheduled with the aim of tackling critical issues in LGBTQ travel, through engaging interviews, thought leadership and practical guidance. ILTM North America centres on bespoke appointment programmes and networking sessions. Aviation related ‘exhibitors’ include Air New Zealand, Caribbean operator Tradewinds and leading charter brokerage Hunt & Palmer.
CARIBAVIA 2025:The workforce issue - connect the dots!“All we need to do is connect the dots,” when it comes to developing an aviation/ aerospace education ecosystem to support industry’s workforce needs, said Kathryn B. Creedy, editor, Future Aviation / Aerospace Workforce News and Women in Aviation International ambassador.Chairing a workforce panel with Melissa Gumbs, Member of Parliament (Education, Culure, Youth and Sport) for St Maarten and Duncan van Heyningen, Manager ATS Training at Princess Juliana Airport , education needs to start at a young age, they agreed.
The Workforce Panel And that could be through model aircraft making, gaming - with aircraft simulator programmes - aviation art. Let’s push the A in STEM, suggested Kathryn Creedy. We already have an international aviation art contest from the National Association of State Aviation Officials which provides generous scholarships to winners. Aviation needs to have a voice in every corner of the USA, which communities need to get behind. Recommendations included exporting initatives from AOPA’s High School STEM Curriculum and EAA’s pilot training school programme - all free.
Air Charter Service Kerry HolderLeading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has appointed the highly experienced Kerry Holder to the position of Chief Financial Officer, taking over the position from Stewart Pitt who has held the role for 19 years, as he moves to a non-executive director position.Chris Leach, Chairman and Founder of ACS, said of the appointment: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Kerry to Air Charter Service and to the board of directors. She brings with her almost 30 years’ experience in finance, starting her career at KPMG in 1997 and as Finance Director at large companies with similar complexities in her two most recent roles. She starts as our CFO on August 1st, the midway point of our financial year.“I’d like to thank Stewart Pitt, who has done an incredible job as our CFO, and has been instrumental in ACS’s transformation from four offices, when he joined in 2006, to now 37 across the world. We’re delighted that Stewart will still be involved with us, in the capacity of non-executive director.” Kerry Holder added: “I’m very excited to be taking over this role from Stewart in what is such a fascinating and complex group. "ACS is unique in its field, with large volumes of business going through its global network across 18 countries. ACS is in a strong financial position, and I look forward to continuing the incredible work that Stewart achieved during his tenure.” |
The Caribbean aviation market demonstrated resilient growth during the first seven months of 2025, with total flight activity reaching 329,903 movements - a 3.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Business aviation led the expansion with 133,534 flights (up 3.6%), while scheduled operations contributed 196,369 flights (up 3.2%).The region's aviation infrastructure supported operations across 381 active airports, with connectivity patterns heavily focused on US markets. Business aviation outpaces scheduled growth
Large-scale conferences have been around for quite a while now. Because of their scale, these events leave little room for meaningful networking opportunities, tailored experiences, and learnings that come mainly from peer mentorship and the exchange between driven business professionals.What makes CARIBAVIA different? On the contrary, the boutique-style CARIBAVIA Summit and Retreat sets the tone of community building in a small setting where everyone feels included and comfortable to connect. For this reason, it’s not a surprise that it has gained increasing popularity. Due to its size, it offers more intimate engagements for those who truly want to make an impact and aim for greater leadership. CARIBAVIA stands for more core and less mass. Or somewhat differently phrased, we don't count the people we may reach, we want to reach the people who count. After this year’s event an objective observer commented: “CARIBAVIA for me is such a different event. Something went quite magical this year. You’ve not only created a community, but almost a family. A family or thinkers and people doing things and pushing the industry to get better solving issues.”
Purchasing an aircraft is a significant choice for an airline, an operator, a country, or a lessor. Before choosing an aircraft type, many hours of planning, examination, and comparison is required.Return on investment, business strategy, business plan, etc. Highly skilled experts present crucial information on aircraft types, benefits, and questions, accountants pore over it armed with a thorough understanding of profitability and return on investment.
However, how can an aircraft be sold without selling? I must champion the most recent, unambiguous example we encountered during CaribAvia 2025. I'm sure everyone in the audience would agree with me. It was Day 3 and Francesco Sferra was presenting on Tecnam, the company, which just surpassed 75 years and specifically the P2012 Traveller.
Born in New York and raised in Saint Barthelemy, Sherkane de Haenen draws her inspiration from a unique family heritage where aviation, exploration, and the arts converge. After studying business in France and gaining experience in the automotive industry, Sherkane returned to St. Barth and founded BIRDY.AERO, trading as BIRDY Private Jets, her own private aviation charter company.
Sherkane de Haenen. Her grandfather, Rémy de Haenen, an iconic adventurer and pilot, made the first historic landing on St Barth’s Saint-Jean’s savannah (la Savane). He advised no one of his plan - just landed between the hill and the sea - in February 1945. Captured by the tiny island’s beauty, he decided to settle there and became one of the most notable figures of the Caribbean.
CARIBAVIA 2025:Girls in Aviation Day engages St. Barth's studentsBy Ludmila de Weever. Women in Aviation International’s Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) made a vibrant return to the Caribbean on June 13th, hosted in St. Barth as part of the closing activities for CARIBAVIA 2025.Students from Collège Mireille Choisy engaged in a half-day, hands-on exploration of aviation.
The day started with presentations from female pilots, air traffic controllers, management, fire department, security and more from the three airports; Princess Juliana International Airport in St.Maarten, L’Esperance Airport in St. Martin, and Remy de Haenen Airport in St Barths.
CARIBAVIA 2025:St Barth Executive lauds its new P2012 Traveller"We call it the ‘nap plane," says Vincent Beauvarlet - Président, St Barth Executive. He is referring to the operator’s new Tecnam P2012 Travellers, two of which have logged over 1,000 hours’ flying serving Guadeloupe and clearly proving a hit with passengers.Passengers were tired of the Islander, said Vincent, noting passengers board and promptly fall asleep on the 50-minute route. They tell us it’s even sexier than the PC-12.
The Caribbean operator, which has only been operating regular scheduled services for a year, complementing its on demand executive charter services, is launch customer of the P2012 (STOL) version. And meanwhile in Europe . . .flyvbird Germany teams with flYellow partner for Smart Regional Air Mobilityflyvbird, the German AI-driven aviation start-up reshaping regional air travel, and flYellow, a seasoned air operator based in Passau, Germany, have announced a new operations-led partnership.
The collaboration will provide the foundation for the launch of flyvbird’s flexible, on-demand flight services from Germany - on schedule to start from next month, with Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft operating on flYellow’s AOC. Initial routes will connect regional airports including Friedrichshafen, Mönchengladbach, Münster/Osnabrück, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Hof-Plauen Airport and Berlin Strausberg, says flyvbird CEO Tomislav Lang. Passengers can already submit booking requests via flyvbird’s platform, with first flights scheduled for September 2025.
Costa Rica:Bombardier delivers first Challenger 3500 in Costa RicaBombardier has delivered its first Challenger 3500 business jet in Costa Rica, marking a significant milestone for the company in Central America.
With its impressive combination of range and speed, the Challenger 3500 enables seamless connectivity between key Central American capitals and major cities across the Americas. From San José, operators can efficiently reach destinations such as Los Angeles, New York, Santiago, and Buenos Aires - demonstrating the jet’s remarkable capability for regional and long-range travel.
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 CARIBAVIA 2025:Nevis plans new FBO, Embraer 175 regional services By Alison Chambers. “The possibilities to connect here are endless,” declared the Honourable Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism, Trade, and Consumer Affairs, Nevis Island Administration (NIA), in an impassioned address for enhanced regional airlift and connectivity in the Caribbean.
Mark Grantley: Impassioned for a unified Caribbean. He was at CARIBAVIA - taking a rather circuitous route to get there - to introduce expansion plans at Vance W. Amory International Airport. The airport is only 15 minutes away (by air) from St Barth, but the Islands aren’t connected. The Honourable Alexis Jeffers, Special Advisor to the Premier on Investment Matters outlined the expansion. At its heart are plans to create a new private jet facility (FBO) with the ability to accommodate up to 50 business jets. To accomplish that - and attract bigger aircraft - it would expand the 4,000ft runway to 6,700ft and expand the parking apron. Other infrastructure additions include provision for a new fuel farm, new fire equipment, upgrading the control tower and a new (external) cargo facility (currently housed inside the terminal). Nevis Airport has not seen any serious investment since 2003, we heard. |
Jetting or yachting to paradise - St Barth has it all
By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert
Where does one find a pleasant and peaceful environment of pristine and abundant natural beauty? Connoisseurs immediately recognize that the island St. Barth in the Caribbean is just that - and with gracious thanks to St. Barth Tourism, our recent 7th CARIBAVIA edition was held in Saint Barthelemy, as it is officially known.
The island, originally known as Ouanalao, inhabitated by the indigenous Arawak and Carib Indians way back in the 12th / 13th centuries, before its land was claimed by France in 1648. It was then traded to Sweden in 1784, becoming a free port under Swedish rule - where it took the name Gustavia, in honour of King Gustav III. France took back the Island in 1878, but the Swedish influence lives on with the architecture, street names - and of course the capital’s. French language is foremost, St Barth being an overseas collectivitie of France and the celebrated jewel of the French West Indies.
St Barth’s is tropical nonchalance, with its laid-back vibe, combined with exotic grace which results in a unique Caribbean elegance and chic. The Saint-Barthélemois call it “L'art d'être une île”, the art of being an island. Its ‘rich and famous’ clientele will make several trips per year to this oasis. International investment and the wealth generated by its guests testify to the high standard of living on the island, where a stay in its most exclusive villas can commend Euros 500,000 a week. Want to come to St Barth’s for Christmas? It’s the most in demand time for the ‘seasonaires,’ who head for St Tropez from April. Many of the villas around the Island are rented out of season. One could also rent a house within Eden Rock, one of the most prestigious (and expensive) Island hotels, with its own, private beach.
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