What is the current state of the aviation sector in Sint Maarten. What are the challenges and opportunities on the island?
WINAIR is the oldest airline in the region, with 63 years of history, no debt, and good profitability. Operating an airline in this region is challenging due to the small size of the islands and limited local traffic. Most passengers travel for specific purposes like weddings, funerals, or business.To succeed, we rely on combining local passengers with international tourists. Many airlines struggle, but some islands are recovering well post-COVID. Investments in airport infrastructure, such as new airports in Martinique and the reopening of St. Maarten's Princess Juliana Airport, create opportunities for tourism growth.
Can you provide us with a presentation on WINAIR and give us some key figures? What destinations do you fly to?
Currently, we are expanding from 200 to 250 employees. This week, our fleet increased from six to eight aircraft, including five Twin Otters (19-seaters) and three ATR 50-seaters. We operate 16 destinations across the Caribbean, such as Antigua, Curacao, and now Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent.
What are the main strategic development priorities of WINAIR to strengthen its position in the regional and international market? What are your expectations and objectives for the next 5 years?
Our primary focus is on partnerships with major airlines, like Air France, United Airlines JetBlue, and others. These agreements allow passengers to connect from larger carriers to our regional destinations. Enhancing these partnerships is crucial for sustainability, as local traffic alone isn't enough. We are also growing steadily, adding one or two aircraft annually.
How does WINAIR contribute to the development of tourism and the local economy in Sint Maarten?
We both bring passengers to Sint Maarten and connect them to other islands. Collaboration with the airport and government is vital for tourism development. For instance, our recent launch of the Barbados-Sint Maarten route was a joint effort with the airport director to explore and develop the market.
What strategies has WINAIR implemented to adapt to the fluctuating demand for air travel and natural disasters that often impact the Caribbean?
Adapting to the region's unpredictable weather is essential. For safety, we sometimes suspend flights, particularly to small islands like St. Barts during high winds. Hurricanes are another challenge, but we have a robust plan to move our aircraft, often to Curaçao, away from the storm's path. These disruptions mainly occur during the low season, so the impact on international tourism is minimal.
Can you tell us about WINAIR's initiatives regarding environmental sustainability and reducing carbon footprint?
Sustainability initiatives here face unique challenges. Costs are already high, and additional environmental efforts could make flying unaffordable for locals. However, this region is ideal for future initiatives like electric flying due to short flight distances. We're monitoring developments in aircraft technology, but support from governments will be necessary.
What role does WINAIR play in the development of freight transport?
Freight is a minor part of our operations due to space limitations on small aircraft. We recently paused our freight services but are considering a restart. While there’s demand, the logistical effort and limited financial return make it a challenging area for us.
How does WINAIR engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and support local communities?
As a company owned 92% by the country of Sint Maarten, we enjoy strong local pride and support. The government acts purely as a shareholder, allowing us operational independence. We support local communities through initiatives like sponsoring local cultural events and offering reduced airfare to island sports teams participating in international tournaments. For instance, on Sint Maarten Day, we actively participate in celebrations with employees joining parades. Additionally, as one of the island’s largest employers with 200–250 staff, we contribute significantly to local employment and skills development.
What is your final message to Newsweek readers considering Sint Maarten as a potential investment and tourism destination?
Sint Maarten stands out with its dual French and Dutch cultures, excellent connectivity, and stunning natural beauty. It offers the most international flights in the region, making it highly accessible from the U.S., Europe, and Canada. The island has advanced infrastructure compared to many neighboring islands, making it a safe and convenient destination. The weather is another advantage, consistently between 25°C and 32°C year-round. Moreover, it’s a fantastic base for exploring other Caribbean islands.
