SXM Airways now able to execute Saba flights

SXM Airways, Sint Maarten’s youngest airline is now also able to execute flights to Saba. In order to get certified for operating to Saba Juancho Irausquin Airport, the airline had to file a request with both the transportation department in The Netherlands (ILT) as with the local aviation authorities in Sint Maarten (SMCAA).

Air SXM is already executing flights between Sint Maarten and St. Eustatius on a fairly regular basis, but for landing at Saba’s airport, a special operating certificate is needed. So far only Winair and Windward Island Express were certified to land and take off from the world’s smallest commercial airstrip.

SXM Airways can take off from Saba with a total of 7 passengers. The amount of luggage to be transported can, at times, be limited due to the conditions at the airport.

Saba’s airport will soon be completely closed for a number of weeks, due to the resurfacing of the airstrip and some other improvements which will form part of the total project. The airport will now also be equipped with a helipad as part of the improvements.

The Britten-Norman Islander aircraft utilized by SXM Airways (and Windward Express for that matter), together with the DHC-6 ‘Twinotter’ aircraft flown by Winair is one of the few aircraft which has the capacity to take off and land on a very short airstrip such as the one at Saba’s airport.

BES reporter.