The regional airline Air Antilles has finally obtained its air carrier certificate after a long wait of more than seven months. The company’s president announced to AFP that they plan to resume ticket sales by next week. Air Antilles was the only air carrier serving the French islands in the region until its parent company, Caire Group, went into judicial liquidation in August 2023.
Following the liquidation, the Pointe-à-Pitre validated the partial takeover of Cairo by Cipim, allied with the community of Saint-Martin. However, the new company Air Antilles was still waiting to obtain the necessary documents to resume flights. The president mentioned that there are still some small steps to take and authorizations to obtain for the planes to restart. They hope to fly again in less than a month and aim to launch ticketing by next week.
Initially, Air Antilles will connect the islands of Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, and Guadeloupe with its fleet of four aircraft. The company will not serve abroad initially. The relaunch of Air Antilles is being closely monitored by overseas elected officials as the price of tickets to connect the different islands of the French West Indies has been considered too expensive. Since the liquidation of Air Antilles, Air Caraibes has been the only operator in this niche.
The air transport certificate granted to Air Antilles is seen as a crucial step for the development of regional air connectivity by Louis Mussington, president of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin. The company aims to provide much-needed air travel options for the region and improve accessibility between the islands.
In an interview with AFP, Mussington said: “We are thrilled that Air Antilles has finally obtained its air carrier certificate. This is a crucial step towards reestablishing air connectivity in our region.” He added that “Air Antilles will play an important role in making travel more accessible and affordable for residents and tourists alike.”
Air Antilles’ relaunch is also seen as an opportunity for economic growth in French Guiana and other Caribbean countries.
Overall, Air Antilles’ successful acquisition of its air carrier certificate marks a significant milestone in regional aviation and paves the way for improved connectivity within France’s overseas territories.
