Dutch Caribbean Islandhopper Announces Statia as a new base

ST.EUSTATIUS--Dutch Caribbean Islandhopper (DCI) on Monday announced the launch of its new operational base in Statia. With this new base, the airline will introduce more affordable passenger and cargo flights across the Eastern Caribbean and provide a direct competitive alternative to existing regional carriers such as Winair.

DCI is a Curaçao based airline established in 2016 and operating under Air Operator Certificate (AOC) number 19 issued by the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA). The airline is approved to transport passengers and cargo, with the aim to deliver reliable regional air services across the Dutch Caribbean and beyond. Its fleet includes both conventional aircraft and seaplanes, which gives the company the operational versatility to expand its network and explore sea based routes where conditions and regulatory approvals allow.

With Statia as its new base, DCI strengthens its position in the Northeastern Caribbean and expands its regional reach. This allows the airline to offer more convenient links to neighboring islands, including but not limited to Saint Kitts, Antigua and Guadeloupe. For passengers, the new base improves regional mobility and supports easier connections for vacation, business, family unification and onward flights through major Caribbean hubs. Increased accessibility also supports regional commerce by making it easier to move people and cargo between islands. The base will serve as the foundation for increasing flight frequency and expanding cargo capacity over time, as DCI continues to grow its operational footprint.

Opening this new base follows a two year effort by DCI to establish a strong operational presence in the Eastern Caribbean. The company selected St. Eustatius for its untapped potential, modern airport infrastructure and favorable geographic position. Frequent travel between Curaçao and Statia highlighted how challenging and costly it currently is to reach one of the most underserved communities in the Caribbean and helped shape DCI’s commitment to help change this reality. The airline has expanded its operational capabilities into the Eastern Caribbean, added additional aircraft to its fleet and secured approval for an in house maintenance base on Statia.

“Establishing a base in Statia is a major milestone for DCI and for the community,” said Steven R.M. Chin-A-Kwie, CEO of Dutch Caribbean Islandhopper. “Our goal is to make everyday life more affordable, improve connectivity, and create new opportunities for the island’s future.”

Island Commissioner Reuben Merkman, who holds the airport portfolio, welcomed the development as a significant step forward for the island.

“This new development is a direct result of the commitment made on 4 October 2024 to improve air access for our residents. By establishing base operations in Statia, DCI helps us expand our air transport offerings and deliver more dependable connections for the community. This is a meaningful moment for our island and strengthens our position within the region.”

DCI expressed its appreciation to the Government of Statia, the team at the F.D. Roosevelt Airport and the civil aviation authorities for their cooperation in realizing this milestone. As the airline moves forward, it is committed to delivering dependable service, expanding regional access and becoming a preferred choice for inter island travel in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Statia Government will continue to work with DCI as the airline develops its route network, increases flight capacity and advances its long term operational plans from Statia. For information on launch dates, routes, fleet expansion and fares, the public is encouraged to follow Dutch Caribbean Islandhopper on its official website and social media channels.

There is no indication of what type of aircraft will be utilized on this route. The company's fleet currently consists of Britten Norman Islander, Lake LA-250, Cessna Stationair and Cessna Skyhawk aircraft.

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