Dutch Antilles Express

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dutch Antilles Express is an airline based in Willemstad on Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles

1 Code data
2 History
3 Services
4 Fleet
5 References

[edit] Code data

IATA Code: 9H ^[1]

[edit] History

The airline started operations with a single ATR 42 in 2003 as BonairExel (part of the Exel Aviation Group) and soon expanded to encompass most of the Dutch Antilles and Aruba. Although an Embraer ERJ 145 was used on the Bonaire-Aruba flights, the aircraft was soon disposed of again, returning to Air Exel (and being leased to Luxair). Although BonairExel flew its aircraft in the Exel colorscheme, operated with Air Exel aircraft and flew with Air Exel cabin staff, the airline was wholly owned by an Dutch millionaire, residing on Bonaire, operating simply as a franchise carrier. As the local market was rather small, a subsidiary was formed on Curaçao, named Curaçao Exel. Dutch Caribbean Airlines (DCA)declared bankruptcy not long after. Exel Aviation noticed that the Caribbean airlines were very profitable, and set up its own Aruba Exel, causing distress amongst the other franchise carriers.

With the Exel empire expanding too rapidly in Europe and the Caribbean, its was no surprise that the dream would not last long. In a lawsuit against Nick Sandman (owner of Bonaire and Curaçao Exel) to demand back the invested amount, and confiscate back the ATR 42 aircraft, ties dissolved between the Exel Aviation Group and the Caribbean franchise carriers. With minimal funds, the airline made an attempt to distance itself from its partner, changing its names to BonairExpress and CuraçaoExpress. This move permantently broke up the alliance, causing no more profits to go to the ailing Exel Aviation Group. All Exel airlines disappeared, including fellow Aruba Exel.

After numerous lawsuits, the two airlines Bonaire Express and Curacao Express restructured dramatically, merging into Dutch Antilles Express, and opting for a hub at Curaçao. The aircraft have received a new colorscheme, with a green flyDAE logo.

With new services and a revised business plan, the airline is operating profitably again, and re-introduced jet aircraft again, this time in the form of the Fokker 100. After interlining its inter-island connections with KLM's Antillean flights, both airlines seem to strive for a long term alliance in the near future. A KLM executive has in the meantime also joined the airline as CEO to continue the restructuring process.