Seaborne Airlines (Christiansted, St. Croix and San Juan) has started new service from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) to La Romana International Airport in La Romana, Dominican Republic (LRM).  Seaborne’s new route represents the only nonstop service from San Juan to La Romana.

Currently operating Thursday and Sunday, Seaborne will offer daily service effective on March 15, 2014.

Seaborne also recently announced new service between Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) and St Kitt’s Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB), with continuous service to Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV), beginning on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. Seaborne has been adding SAAB 340B turboprops to its fleet. N353SA (msn 351), still in the basic Pacific Coastal livery, prepares to depart from the SJU hub.

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) has secured up to $73 million in additional financing from GB Credit Partners LLC, the investment management affiliate of Gordon Brothers Group and Crystal Financial LLC. Victory Park Capital (Chicago), the investment firm that owns the airline, will maintain full ownership and control of the company.

Read the full statement: CLICK HERE

In other news, the regional airline and its pilots, represented by the Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division (IBTAD), have announced they reached an agreement that will help address pilot shortages at the airline and provide Silver’s pilots with pay increases and quality of life improvements, according to a joint release from Silver Airways and Local 1224.

According to both parties, “the two groups have been working since August 2013 on a mid-term contract solution that will increase pilot pay and provide quality of life enhancements, while at the same time allowing the airline to better operate and continue to grow. Once ratified by the pilots, the letter of agreement will also assist the airline in attracting and retaining high quality pilots by immediately boosting pay, enhancing commuting and schedule flexibility, and allowing all pilots who remain with the Company for another year to earn a cash retention bonus.

The agreement was negotiated over the last several months, and it is being strongly endorsed by both the Silver Executive Council and the Teamster local. Final approval, however, is subject to ratification by Silver’s pilot membership.”

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N415XJ (msn 415) taxies to the gate at the Washington Dulles International Airport hub.

Silver Airways: 

Current Route Map:

Seaborne Airlines (San Juan) starting today begins new nonstop daily service from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to The Princess Julianna International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten becoming the 19th airport Seaborne has launched during its expansion throughout the Caribbean.

Nonstop Daily Flights:

San Juan, PR (SJU) Departure Time 6:45 pm

St. Maarten (SXM) Arrival Time 7:45 pm

St. Maarten (SXM) Departure Time 8:00 am

San Juan, PR (SJU) Arrival Time 9:10 am

Fares from San Juan to St. Maarten begin as low as $88 one way, taxes and fees included.

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. Seaborne has embraced the Pacific Coastal livery as its own with its SAAB 340 fleet. The carrier has modified the tail emblems to more appropriate Caribbean animals. SAAB 340B N353SA (msn 351) sits on the San Juan ramp.

Current Route Map: Seaborne’s expanding route system with an enlarged SJU hub:

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Gainesville) has issued this statement to encourage the recruitment of more pilots:

As Silver Airways continues to proactively pursue innovative initiatives to attract and retain quality pilots, the next generation regional airline has announced it has increased its new hire signing bonus to $12,000. This doubles Silver’s previous signing bonus and is the highest pilot bonus in the regional airline industry.

Silver began its pilot bonus program in November 2013, providing qualified new first officers with a $6,000 signing bonus, half of which
is paid upon completion of initial training and the other half after a pilot’s first year of service. This week, Silver doubled that bonus and
is now offering an additional $6,000 to be paid upon completion of two years of service.

This latest announcement is one of many proactive efforts underway at Silver to attract and retain quality pilots and other team members. On March 17, 2014, the airline signed a preferential hiring agreement with Broward College, which when added to its other aviation partnerships, will further assist the airline with finding top caliber new pilots. In addition, the airline is also investigating tuition assistance and scholarship programs with these and other certified aviation colleges and universities.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N433XJ (msn 433) approaches the runway at Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Silver Airways: 

Current Route Map: Silver Airways has trimmed back its route map including ending Montana service due to the shortage of qualified pilots. The regional carrier is also phasing out all smaller Beech 1900Ds.

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) is trimming back its route structure again. The regional carrier will drop most of its routes radiating from the Atlanta hub. The carrier issued this statement today:

As part of its plan to strengthen operations, increase revenue, reduce costs, andbetter position the airline for future growth and other opportunities, Silver Airways today announced plans to exit much of its Atlanta network and redeploy its aircraft and team members to other key markets.

Silver has provided the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) with the required 90-day notice of its intent to discontinue scheduled service between Atlanta and five communities, including Muscle Shoals,
Alabama (MSL); Greenville, Mississippi (GLH); Laurel/Hattiesburg, Mississippi (PIB); Tupelo, Mississippi (TUP); and Meridian, Mississippi (MEI).

Silver does intend, however, to continue operations between Atlanta and Macon, Georgia (MCN), and between Macon and Orlando, Florida (MCO), as well as between Atlanta and Greenbrier/Lewisburg, West Virginia (LWB).

The airline also confirmed that once operations at the affected communities are discontinued, all team members in good standing who wish to remain with Silver will be offered opportunities elsewhere.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N420XJ (msn 420) taxies at Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Silver Airways: 

Atlanta Route Map:

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) has announced it is further expanding its extensive Florida network with new daily nonstop flights between Key West International Airport
(EYW) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) on June 12, 2014.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N341AG (msn 437) approaches the runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Silver Airways: 

Seaborne Airlines (St. Croix and San Juan) has announced that its nonstop daily service from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan (SJU) to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) started on April 15 2014.

Seaborne now serves 18 airports throughout the Caribbean.

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N283AE (msn 283) with the Seahorse on the tail taxies at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport hub.

Seaborne Airlines: 

Video: Seaborne Airlines also operates the Twin Otter with floats. Here is a day in the life of a Twin Otter pilot:

Current Route Map:

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) is nicely portrayed in this in-depth article by the Miami Herald.

Read the article: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N344AG (msn 444) arrives at Washington (Dulles).

Silver Airways: 

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Gainesville) has announced today it is adding multiple daily nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). The new service starts on August 19, 2014, with up to three flights per day, and increases to up to six daily flights on November 2, 2014.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N412XJ (msn 412) taxies at Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Silver Airways: 

Route Map:

Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America. The group is consolidating operations in order to reduce costs.

CEO Bryan Bedford issued a short statement to the employees of the group concerning the closure of Chautauqua Airlines before the end of the year. The group intends to consolidate the Chautuaqua Embraer ERJ operations into the Shuttle America operating certificate. Chautauqua will be shut down.

Chautauqua Airlines was established on May 3, 1973, in Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York State and began operations on August 1, 1974 using two 15-passenger Beech 99 aircraft. It was one of earliest Allegheny Commuter carriers. It became an USAir Express (later US Airways Express) carrier in 1979.

Besides the Allegheny/USAir/US Airways lineage, Chautauqua has operated under the America West Express, American Connection, Continental Express, Frontier Airlines (2nd), Midwest Connect, Trans World Express and United Express brands.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340A N125CH (msn 125) displays 1976 Allegheny Commuter livery.

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Gainesville) has notified the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that its intends to drop Macon, GA and the Macon-Atlanta route on November 5 according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The carrier stated the route had not lived up to forecasts and it is downsizing its ATL operation.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N413XJ (msn 413) approaches the runway at Bangor.

Silver Airways: 

Current Route Map:

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Gainesville) starting on November 6, 2014 is further expanding its already extensive Florida schedule by adding nearly 40 percent more flights within the Sunshine State. Silver Airways’ increased flying starting November 6, 2014, includes additional service to/from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Key West, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, Pensacola, and Tallahassee. In addition, Silver recently started new service between Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Jacksonville, and between Orlando and Key West this summer.

Details of the schedule changes in Florida:

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood

Within Florida, Silver currently flies nonstop from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, Tampa, and Orlando, as well as one-stop service to Gainesville, Pensacola, and Tallahassee. In addition, Silver offers nonstop service to seven destinations in the Bahamas, including Bimini, Grand Bahama (Freeport), Eleuthera, the Abacos (Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay), and Exuma (George Town). Increased flights starting November 6, 2014 include:

an additional nonstop weekday flight between Fort Lauderdale and Key West for a total of four daily nonstop flights;
an additional weekday flight between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa for a total of four flights per day, plus increased weekend service;
weekday service between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando increasing from three to five flights per day, plus increased weekend service;
daily same plane one-stop service between Fort Lauderdale and Gainesville;
same plane one-stop service between Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola increasing from two to three flights per day;
same plane one-stop weekday service between Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee increasing to more than two flights per day.

Key West

Silver currently flies nonstop to Key West from Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando. Increased flights starting November 6, 2014 include:

an additional weekday flight between Fort Lauderdale and Key West for a total of four daily flights;
a second daily flight between Fort Myers and Key West;
increased weekday flights between Tampa and Key West for a total of four daily flights;
two additional nonstop flights between Orlando and Key West for a total of three nonstops, and an additional one-stop for a total of five daily direct flights;
and daily same plane one-stop flight between Jacksonville and Key West.

Orlando

Silver currently flies nonstop from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Tallahassee and Pensacola, as well as to Marsh Harbour in the Bahamas. Increased flights starting November 6, 2014 include:

increased weekday service between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale from three to five flights per day, plus increased weekend service;
two additional nonstop flights between Orlando and Key West for a total of three nonstops, and an additional one-stop for a total of five daily direct flights;
an additional flight between Orlando and Fort Myers for a total of two daily flights;
an additional flight between Orlando and Pensacola for a total of three daily flights;
an additional flight between Orlando and Gainesville for a total of three daily flights, as well as convenient mid-day arrival and departure times.

Fort Myers

Silver currently flies nonstop from Fort Myers to Key West and Orlando. Increased flights starting November 6, 2014 include:

resumption of second seasonal flight between Fort Myers and Key West;
an additional nonstop flight between Fort Myers and Orlando for a total of two daily flights.

Tampa

Silver currently flies from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Key West, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola. Increased flights starting November 6, 2014 include:

increased weekday service between Tampa and Key West for a total of four daily flights;
increased weekday service between Tampa and Fort Lauderdale from three to four daily flights, plus increased weekend service.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N442XJ (msn 442) arrives at the Dulles International Airport hub.

Silver Airways: 

Silver Airways Aircraft Slide Show:

Current Route Map: Silver Airways retired its last Beech 1900D with the closure of the Cleveland hub. The regional carrier previously closed down its Atlanta and Montana operations. Besides some remaining EAS routes from Washington (Dulles) the company is now concentrating its operations in its original location, the state of Florida and the Bahamas.

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Gainesville) is again expanding operations in Florida and the Bahamas. The airline will add new routes and additional frequencies starting on February 12, 2015. Silver has announced new and additional frequencies between Tallahassee and key business markets throughout the State of Florida, including Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach.

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood – Tallahassee: Silver is starting four new weekly nonstop flights on peak travel days of Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, starting on February 12, 2015.

Orlando – Tallahassee: Starting on February 12, 2015, Silver is also doubling its service (from one flight per day to two) between Orlando and Tallahassee.

In addition to the above added nonstop flights, more highlights of Silver’s new intra-Florida schedule include:

1. Additional frequencies between Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Tampa – increasing from four to five flights per day on weekdays (starting February 12, 2015);
2. Additional frequencies between Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Jacksonville – increasing from three to four flights per day on weekdays (starting
February 12, 2015);
3. Improved connections between Key West and Tallahassee, and between West Palm Beach and Tallahassee;
4. Silver’s new increased intra-Florida schedules offer the most nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood to primary business centers in Orlando and Jacksonville than any other airline.

Silver Airways is also announcing the introduction of three new nonstop routes between the Sunshine State and the Out Islands of the Bahamas, as well as resuming a number of seasonal routes and increasing frequencies between numerous current routes starting on February 12, 2015.

Silver’s new nonstop routes include:

Tampa – Marsh Harbour in the Abacos with two weekly flights on Saturdays and Sundays;
Orlando – North Eleuthera with one weekly flight on Saturdays;
Orlando – Freeport in Grand Bahama with one weekly flight on Saturdays.

Silver is also resuming the following seasonal service:

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood – Governors Harbour in Eleuthera with three weekly flights (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays);

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood – George Town on Great Exuma Island with five weekly flights (every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays);
Orlando – Marsh Harbour in the Abacos with daily service;
Jacksonville – Marsh Harbour in the Abacos with two weekly flights on Saturdays and Sundays.

In addition, Silver Airways is adding more flights for the peak travel season between Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Bimini, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera, and Treasure Cay, as well as between West Palm Beach and Marsh Harbour.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Silver Airways now only operates the versatile SAAB 340B turboprop. SAAB 340B N346AG (msn 446) arrives at Washington (Dulles).

Silvery Airways aircraft slide show:

Silvery Airways Current Route Map: Other than the Washington Dulles operation, the airline has been shrinking back to its core area of Florida and the Bahamas:

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Gainesville) is expanding its Florida flying and launching service from its 11th Sunshine State airport: St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. Today Silver Airways announced it is starting nonstop service from St. Petersburg/Clearwater to both Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Key West on March 12, 2015. The two new routes are not currently being serviced from St. Petersburg-Clearwater.

Starting March 12, 2015, Silver will operate two daily flights between St. Petersburg-Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, and a daily flight between St. Petersburg-Clearwater and Key West.

With this new service Silver Airways will serve both sides of Tampa Bay.

All of Silver’s flights are operated with its fleet of 27 highly reliable and fuel-efficient 34-seat SAAB 340B Plus turbo-prop aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Andy Cripps/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N334AG (msn 434) taxies to the end of the runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Silver Airways aircraft slide show:

Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Gainesville) is continuing to expand its Florida flying by introducing service from its 12th Sunshine State airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City, Florida. On March 19, 2015, the airline is starting nonstop service from Panama City to both Orlando and Tampa. The two new routes are not currently being serviced from Panama City.

Starting March 19, 2015, Silver will operate two daily nonstop flights between Panama City and Orlando, as well as daily nonstop service between Panama City and Tampa.

Starting March 19, 2015, Silver Airways is also launching nonstop service between Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Pensacola International Airport (PNS). The flights will operate on weekdays Monday through Friday with continuing service to/from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood.

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Silver Airways SAAB 340B N418XJ (msn 418) taxies to the runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Silvery Airways aircraft slide show:

Pacific Coastal Airlines (Vancouver) has announce the addition of a new route to its network of more than sixty-five destinations in British Columbia effective Tuesday, October 27, 2015.

The new Victoria (YYJ) to Kelowna (YLW) flights will operate seven days a week using Saab 340 aircraft.

Pacific Coastal began nonstop service between Victoria and Prince George in January of this year.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Pacific Coastal Airlines’ SAAB 340B C-FPCU (msn 338) sports the new 2015 color scheme.

Pacific Coastal aircraft slide show: 

Route Map:

Video: