In the tranquil air of Saint-Barthélemy, a small island tucked away in the Caribbean, aviation embodies exclusivity, challenge, and passion. At the helm of Saint Barth Executive, CEO Vincent Beauvarlet speaks of an industry that faces the impossible geometry of an island's landscape. The airport’s constraints—a short runway, geographic isolation—dictate the rhythm of every takeoff and landing. “We are an island within an island,” Mr. Beauvarlet reflects.
There are only two airlines here, one historic, one born from a vision: to offer a luxury service that was once the domain of foreign carriers. Saint Barth Executive, launched in 2018, aims to fulfill the island’s unspoken promise to its affluent visitors: discreet, seamless, private. With the runway barely large enough for small aircraft, the island’s aviation sector is defined by the rarity of its services.
This sense of refined exclusivity extends beyond aviation. Lacure Villas, with over four decades of experience, has perfected the art of private island accommodations. Their portfolio of meticulously vetted residences—from clifftop estates to beachfront havens—embodies the same attention to detail and personalized service that defines Saint Barth Executive’s approach to aviation. As island experts with deep local connections, Lacure transforms arrivals into exceptional experiences, arranging everything from private yacht charters to beachfront dining, and offering a diverse selection of properties designed to meet the varying needs and preferences of its guests.
Yet, luxury travel comes at a price—strict European regulations, escalating costs, and foreign competitors operating under lighter restrictions. “Operating an airline in Saint-Barth is not easy. The balance between costs and competition is tough,” Mr. Beauvarlet admits.
Saint Barth Executive looks ahead with plans to expand routes to Puerto Rico, Antigua, and beyond while embracing sustainability. “Our goal is to create a seamless experience for travelers coming from Europe, North America, and beyond,” Mr. Beauvarlet shares. In a world where high-end customers expect the finest, his vision remains clear: to preserve the island’s charm and exclusivity, keeping Saint-Barth rare and coveted.
