By the Caribbean Journal staff

St Maarten-based regional airline Winair has expanded its fleet for the upcoming high season.

The carrier has added its fourth Twin Otter aircraft, with demand expected to rise for the winter months, the company said.

The fourth Twin Otter launched operations on Saturday at Princess Juliana International Airport.

“I would like to congratulate Winair on receiving their fourth aircraft of the Twin Otter model, considered a real reliable work horse,” said St Maarten Tourism Minister Stuart Johnson. “This development once again shows that business is increasing and we are well on our way to returning to pre-Irma levels of economic activity.”

Winair operates flights around the region, with a particular concentration to nearby islands like St Eustatius and Saba, among others.

“Winair, our local airline, since September 2017, has grown by leaps and bounds within a short time after the devastation caused by the hurricanes, and its acquisition of a fourth plane a little over a year later demonstrates the determination of this little airline,” Johnson said.