What is the current state of the aviation sector in Saint-Barthélemy. What are the challenges and opportunities on the island?
Bertrand Magras: Aviation has always been one of the economic lifelines of the island. Along with the port, it plays a crucial role in connecting Saint-Barthélemy to the world, both for tourists and locals. Currently, the sector is dynamic. Despite setbacks like Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the pandemic in 2020, we’ve seen a recovery. By 2022-2023, traffic levels were almost identical to those in 2019.
Stéphanie Magras: Yes, we’ve seen significant activity. In 2023, we transported 40,142 passengers and operated 7,949 flights—nearly 8,000 flights in a year. However, this dynamism brings challenges like airspace saturation, limited airport infrastructure, and the constraints of our small runway.
Why are there no nighttime operations in Saint-Barth?
Bertrand Magras: Landings here are unique and require specific pilot training. Civil aviation authorities have decided not to extend nighttime operations, except for emergency medical evacuations. Regular nighttime landings are not authorized.
Could you give us an overview of Saint-Barth Commuter, including some key numbers and destinations you serve?
Stéphanie Magras: Saint-Barth Commuter was established in 1995 by my father and an associate. In April 2025, we’ll celebrate 30 years. The company was founded to provide a transportation solution between Sint Maarten and Saint-Barthélemy where private jets cannot land here due to the runway size.
We started with two small twin-engine piston planes and later expanded with scheduled services to Saint-Martin Grand Case and Juliana. Over time, we transitioned to Cessna Caravans, which we currently operate. Our fleet consists of five planes. We operate regular flights to Juliana (Sint Maarten International Airport), Grand Case (Saint-Martin), and Guadeloupe, as well as charter flights across the region, from the Dominican Republic to Grenada.
Do you serve destinations in the United States?
Bertrand Magras: We connect to nearby US Virgin Islands such as St Thomas, St Croix and of course Puerto Rico, which provides convenient access to the U.S. mainland for American travelers.
What are your strategic priorities for the future of Saint-Barth Commuter?
Bertrand Magras: Our priority is to continue delivering high-quality service for the island. We aim to maintain flexibility and focus on reliable connections to Saint-Barth. Expanding into jets or larger planes isn’t part of our strategy because of infrastructure and environmental constraints.
Stéphanie Magras: We also aim to keep our fleet modern and efficient for better passenger comfort and operational performance. While our focus remains regional, we’re committed to supporting growing demand for charters and maintaining our current level of excellence.
What percentage of your operations is dedicated to charter flights?
Bertrand Magras: In 2024, we operated 2,100 charters and 4,100 scheduled flights. Charters represent around 30% of our total flights and contribute significantly to revenue, with roughly a 60-40 split between charter and regular operations.
What measures does Saint-Barth Commuter take to address fluctuating demand and natural disasters?
Stéphanie Magras: During hurricane season, we monitor weather closely and evacuate planes if necessary, often to the south, like Martinique or sometimes Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Irma, for instance, we facilitated the transport of emergency supplies and personnel. We also advocate for modernizing air navigation systems, like transitioning to GPS-based routes, to reduce dependence on ground-based infrastructure that can be destroyed in disasters.
How does Saint-Barth Commuter promote itself?
Bertrand Magras: Word of mouth is significant, especially among repeat customers. We also focus on online visibility, ensuring our website is well-referenced on search engines. Locally, we are well-known, and internationally, we are represented by charter brokers who have been long-term partner and recognize our reliability.
What role does Saint-Barth Commuter play in supporting the local community?
Stéphanie Magras: We are heavily involved in youth training and education, hosting apprenticeships in aviation maintenance. We collaborate with local schools and training centers in Guadeloupe. Additionally, we sponsor cultural and sporting events like the Cata Cup and local festivals, and we financially support promising young individuals pursuing careers in aviation.
Where do you see Saint-Barthélemy in the next 5-10 years?
Bertrand Magras: The island has reached a high level of development. The focus now should be on maintaining quality rather than pursuing continuous growth. Saint-Barth’s exclusivity and safety are its main attractions. Preserving these qualities, along with its unique charm and high standards, is vital for its future.
Stéphanie Magras: Yes, it’s about sustaining what we have—whether that’s infrastructure, service quality, or the overall experience we provide.
Lastly, do you have a message for Newsweek readers considering Saint-Barthélemy as a luxury destination?
Bertrand Magras: Saint-Barthélemy is a unique place where the journey is part of the experience. Its exclusivity and charm are preserved by its relative inaccessibility, making it a destination that “earns” its visitors. Once here, they’ll find French gastronomy, luxury, and a warm welcome.
Stéphanie Magras: Exactly. Saint-Barth offers a blend of elegance, safety, and tranquility. It’s a destination like no other.
