Story ID: 
St. Barth Executive Expands Caribbean Operations
By: Charlotte Bailey
Caption: Nine-seat Tecnam P2012 STOL marks fleet expansion
Word Count: 201
St. Barth Executive has expanded its scheduled services in the Caribbean, with a new Tecnam P2012 now serving a route between Sint Maarten and St. Barthélemy. Regular flights departing from Princess Juliana International Airport (TNCM) commenced on April 30.
The operator believes the twin-engine piston aircraft is ideally suited for the challenging operational considerations of St. Barthélemy, noting that its 646-meter runway “requires a significant approach gradient due to the close proximity of a hill on the flight path.” The short takeoff and landing (STOL) variant of the P2012 can take off in 425 meters (1,394 feet) and land in 360 meters (1,181 feet), and offers a 10-degree steep approach capability.
St. Barth Executive believes there is high demand for the route, with its nine-seat aircraft offering the “space, premium comfort, and modern amenities” its passengers expect. CEO Vincent Beauvarlet commented that the Tecnam P2012 plays a key role in its ambition to enhance the inter-Caribbean travel experience, enabling an elevated level of efficiency and frequency.
Alongside its new acquisition, St. Barth Executive also operates a Pilatus PC-12 NG/NGX fleet from its home base of St. Barth and secondary bases of Guadeloupe and St. Martin.