Winair Marks 65 Years Serving Caribbean
Regional carrier Winair has celebrated 65 years of continuous aviation service connecting islands across the Caribbean. The St. Maarten-based airline highlighted its growth, resilience through major storms, and ongoing role in linking regional communities and travel hubs.
Regional airline Winair has celebrated a major milestone, marking 65 years of continuous service connecting communities and economies across the Caribbean. Aviation leaders, government officials, and industry partners gathered in St. Maarten to reflect on the carrier's history and honor the pioneers who established its foundation.
The airline's journey began on August 24, 1961, when aviators Georges Émilien Gréaux and Hippolyte Faustin Lédée joined forces with St. Maarten businessman Norman Chester Wathey. Driven by a mission to provide reliable island-to-island air transport, Winair launched scheduled flights to Saba in 1963 before introducing the iconic Twin Otter aircraft in 1965, an airframe uniquely suited for short and challenging Caribbean runways.
For residents and travelers across the northeastern Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, regional carriers like Winair remain vital for tourism, medical travel, and business transit between neighboring territories. Today, Winair operates more than 25,000 flights annually and carries over 330,000 passengers, utilizing a mixed fleet of Twin Otters alongside larger ATR 42 aircraft.
During the anniversary proceedings, Winair Chief Executive Officer Hans van de Velde, alongside St. Luc Mercelina and other dignitaries, acknowledged the airline's resilience through turbulent periods. Notably, following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the carrier restored service to most regional routes within eight weeks, later navigating the travel downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Van de Velde noted that the airline's longevity rests on the contributions of generations of flight crews, ground staff, and regional passengers. As Winair looks toward its next chapter, management aims to continue strengthening regional route networks, investing in modern fleet capabilities, and enhancing travel links across Caribbean destinations.
Primary source: VINO