There were two noteworthy regional aviation stories in last Thursday’s newspaper. A front-page article headlined “Z Air to PJIA from July 14” announced the start of thrice-weekly service by the Curaçao-based carrier to St. Maarten, with plans to expand this frequency when a second plane becomes available.
The company is touting its use of an Embraer 140 jet, saying that saves nearly an hour per flight. While Winair was not specifically mentioned, it’s the only carrier currently operating the route.
This no doubt means more competition for the local carrier, but at the same time enhances travel options within the Dutch Caribbean. Winair departs Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) early in the morning to return from the Hato airport in the afternoon, while Z Air arrives back there just before 12:00pm except on Friday, when its flight takes place during the afternoon.
The other story on page 6 regarded Air Antilles having its operational licence extended by the French Aviation Authority. This allows for an expansion with direct service between Martinique and Grand Case Airport in Saint-Martin three times per week.
Regional air connectivity is very important to PJIA’s hub function was well as the island’s tourism economy, also in light of recent problems facing various of the area’s carriers. In that sense, both can be considered positive developments.
