SIMPSON BAY:--- Information reaching SMN News states that several WINAIR flights have been canceled on Thursday due to technical issues. According to information provided by passengers, WINAIR canceled its Bonaire flight until Sunday, stranded passengers were placed into hotels pending the next available flight.
SMN News understands that WINAIR has been having technical issues with several of its aircraft (twin Aotter and ATR) which led to multiple cancellations on Thursday. Flights to Antigua have also been canceled. SMN News further understands that the new ATR WINAIR obtained began giving mechanical issues.
In an invited comment outgoing CEO Michael Cleaver said that an Avionics computer system broke on the ATR that was scheduled to fly to Curacao, Bonaire, and Antigua, because of this all three flights have been canceled, since the company would not take any risks in flying an aircraft that is unsafe.
Cleaver explained that because of the technical issues with the ATR, three flights were canceled, he explained that the twin Aotters are being used to fly the passengers in Antigua, while the airline has sourced the Avionics Computer system in Colombia which should reach St. Maarten by Friday. Cleaver also confirmed that some of the twin Aotters are in the hanger for scheduled maintenance but that does not affect the scheduled flights.
