PHILIPSBURG – Regional air carrier Winair repositioned its aircraft to St Vincent prior to Hurricane Irma and currently the fleet is operating from the island of St Kitts, as fuel and security for aircraft are not yet available in St Maarten.
Winair has performed in excess of 60 relief flights evacuating non nationals and providing transportation to legal residents of St Maarten.
Winair suffered massive damage to its facilities and consequently basic telecommunications, internet, electricity and water were disrupted, making operations difficult.
“The resilience of our employees who came to assist must be noted and is much appreciated by all,” Winair said in a post-hurricane update.
Moving forward, Winair is currently in the process of rebuilding and reintroducing a limited schedule serving the following destinations: Saba, St Eustatius, St Barth, Antigua and St Kitts, once the authorization is given by the appropriate authorities.
“We are optimistic that this will be granted by October 1, 2017,” WInair said.
Tortola, Guadeloupe, Dominica and San Juan will be additional destinations once facilities and approvals are granted for resumption of service. Winair is working with appropriate authorities to introduce a frequency service St Maarten – Curacao – St Maarten to allow the public to connect with carriers serving Curacao. In conjunction, Winair will resume service to Haiti as soon as possible.
Winair has secured office space in Philipsburg to provide sales and reservation services to the public, and the expected opening date is Wednesday, October 4.
Bron: CuracaoChronicle