SIMPSON BAY - Winair has repaid its loans to the Dutch government. These loans were provided to sustain the airline during the COVID period. "By paying this final installment, Winair is completely debt-free, financially healthy, and ready for new endeavors," says Hans van de Velde, CEO of Winair.
The total loan amounted to $4.5 million. Along with the SSRP received from the government of Sint Maarten, the airline could survive.
The CEO of Winair remarks that it was crucial assistance, which "not only helped Winair overcome the obstacles posed by the pandemic but also enabled us to cultivate a stronger and more resilient organizational framework."
An integral condition of the loan agreement was to maintain at least two flights to Saba and Sint Eustatius. Winair asserts that it not only met this requirement but even exceeded it.
"Over the past year, we have successfully operated up to four flights per day on certain days of the week. Looking ahead to 2024, we plan to operate four daily flights for most of the year, emphasizing our commitment to serving these vital routes and promoting regional connectivity," stated Van de Velde.