Divi Divi Air (3R, Curaçao) and Winair (WM, St. Maarten) have announced they opened a dialogue over increased cooperation between the two Dutch Antillean carriers in the ABC island (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) and Northern Caribbean markets.
“The goals of these two companies will be how can we provide better services to our mutual customers, lower prices and increase options for our customers capitalizing on each other’s geographical location and extensive route networks," Michael Cleaver, President and CEO of Winair, said.
Winair currently operates a fleet of three DHC-6-300s on scheduled flights linking St. Maarten with Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, St. Kitts & Nevis, the British Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius & Saba, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Haiti, St Barthélemy, and the Dominican Republic. It is also a founding member of the Caribsky Alliance (with Air Antilles (2016) and LIAT (Antigua and Barbuda)) which serves 35 destinations and has a combined fleet of 22 aircraft. Winair also uses ATR42-500 capacity provided to it by Air Antilles on a wet-lease basis.
“Divi Divi Air is very content with the discussions that have taken place so far. We look at Winair as a pioneer in the Twin Otter operation, a company that has proven to be resilient in harsh conditions, and like ourselves, the oldest operating airline in their own respective country. Relating completely in similar circumstances we find we can gain mutual benefit from a professional synergy and look forward where these talks may take the two companies," Divi Divi Air managing director Germaine Richie-Durand added.
Divi Divi Air operates two DHC-6-300s and one BN-2 on flights connecting Curacao with Aruba and Bonaire. It will also wet-lease a B737-800 from Corendon Dutch Airlines this winter for use in serving Aruba, St. Maarten, and Brazil.
