JetBlue Launches Interline Agreement With WINAIR

New York’s JetBlue (B6), is teaming up with Sint Maarten’s Winair (WM), also known as Windward Islands Airways International NV. As from November 10th, travelers can now seamlessly connect and have their luggage transferred from a range of destinations within the Jetblue and Winair network.

As part of the partnership, customers checking in with Jetblue, from across their North American network can check their luggage through to their final Winair destination.

Photo: Getty Images

Connections for passengers include:

• St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to Antigua and Barbuda’s V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
• St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to Curaçao International Airport (CUR)
• St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to The British Virgin Islands’ Terrance B Lettsome Airport (EIS)
• St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to St. Eustatius’ F.D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX)
• St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to Saba’s Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB)
• St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to St. Barthelemy’s Gustaf III Airport (SBH)
• St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB)
• Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) to Curaçao International Airport (CUR)
• Antigua and Barbuda’s V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) to St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB)

Photo: Winair

Confidence in the region

Currently, Jetblue operates two flights to Sint Maarten’s infamous Princess Juliana International Airport, direct from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS). The new interline agreement with Winair will enhance the passengers’ experience in the Caribbean, with passengers being able to connect straight to the gate. Michael Cleaver, President & CEO of Winair, commented on the announcement:

“The interline agreement between Winair and JetBlue demonstrates the confidence and vision both airlines share in St. Maarten and the surrounding region, and will provide growth for PJIAE [Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten] and the region “

Codeshare and interline agreements are vital for small regional airlines, allowing Winair to capture the international market. Winair now has interline agreements with:

• Air Antilles
• Air Caraibes
• Air France
• British Airways
• Caribbean Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Corsair International
• Delta Air Lines
• Jetblue
• KLM
• United Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic

The airline also has codeshare agreements with:

• Air Antilles
• Air France
• KLM

Photo: Winair

History of Winair

Georges Greaux founded Windward Island Airways in 1961. Due to the remoteness of many islands in the Caribbean, the airline required short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft to service such airports as Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on Saba, so began flying de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters in 1965. The airline now has 130 staff, servicing 12 destinations across the Caribbean.

Winair now operates two different types of aircraft

• De Havilland Twin-Otter (19 passengers)
• ATR42 – 500/600 (48 passengers)

The ultimate airports plane spotters

Those familiar with St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to St. Barthelemy’s Gustaf III Airport (SBH) will recognize that both these airports are high on the visit list for planespotters. From St Maarten’s Maho Beach, where planes land incredibly close, to St Barth’s short runway and proximity to the road, these airports are unique for the awesome videos and photos.

American Airlines low landing at SXM

Winair touching down at St Barths

Source: Upgradedpoints