St. Barth Executive starts regular services with P2012 STOL

St. Barth Executive, the French VIP airline based in the Caribbean, has commenced scheduled operations with the two P2012 STOLs already delivered. A third P2012 is scheduled for September.  The first passenger flight was operated on August 1st from Guadeloupe (SBH/TFFR) to St Barth (SBH/TFFJ) and has been operated under the AIR INTER ILES brand by St Barth Executive. With a standard schedule of three flights per day, and up to six flights per day during the high season, this 50-minute flight will allow for a constant, affordable, dependable, and distinguished daily connection for locals and tourists between the islands. This new route has been eagerly awaited as it is connecting islands that were previously only accessible by boat.

The Short Take-Off and Landing variant of the P2012 is the perfect platform for a unique environment like the West Indies, especially for runways like Saint-Barthélemy that require a significant approach gradient due to the very close proximity of a hill on the approach path. The P2012 STOL, with its 425m takeoff distance and its 360m landing distance, coupled to a certified “10° (17.5%) steep approach” grants outstanding performance over the 646 metre long runway.

Tecnam innovative and modern design of an aircraft built with commuter passengers in mind will allow St Barth Executive to bring the comfort and luxury of modern amenities and ergonomic design to their service in the Caribbean, providing a high level of service to their communities. Comfortably seating nine passengers with one or two crew, the P2012 STOL is a new generation, turbocharged, twin-engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft. The introduction to the St Barth Executive fleet will offer experiences that discerning travellers expect, such as premium interiors, in-seat power, superior legroom and under-seat stowage.

Vincent Beauvarlet – Président, St Barth Executive, commented: "We are very pleased to have met our deadlines with TECNAM. This was made possible by a great teamwork with TECNAM and St. Barth Executive, which led us to start operations on time.We carried out dozens of hours of training and pilot releases, which allowed us to test the performance and operation of the STOL, which met the specifications perfectly. The P2012 lands and takes off perfectly in St Barth and offers us an attractive payload. Finally, we have an air vector that allows us to connect our islands with controlled operating costs. Once again, we would like to thank TECNAM for their continued commitment and support, as well as their availability day and night. Our thanks also go to the French Civil Aviation Authority, which has also found the resources to enable us to open these routes on time for the benefit of the populations of all these islands".

Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director, said: "We are delighted that St Barth Executive has chosen the P2012 STOL. Today we celebrate the start of operations at St. Barth Executive and congratulate Vincent on his professionalism and passion. We are proud that an Italian, European aircraft allows greater mobility and transport in the Caribbean islands!”