ORANJESTAD, WILLEMSTAD – Regional air travel between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao may soon become more accessible, as Bestfly Aviation moves forward with plans to launch scheduled flights connecting the three islands. This week, the airline registered an Embraer aircraft intended to operate under a commercial flight license for inter-island service.
According to aviation attorney and columnist Lincoln D. Gomez, Aruba already has the necessary infrastructure in place. Bestfly operates from a more than 1,000-square-meter base on the island, staffed by a local team with experience maintaining regional aircraft like the Embraer E190 and ATR 72-600.
“What’s needed now is continued support from the aviation authorities on the islands, airport operators, and the relevant ministers,” Gomez wrote, emphasizing the role of Aruba’s Minister of Transport, Ursell Arends, who recently voiced the importance of improving regional connectivity.
The goal of Bestfly’s initiative is to strengthen air links between the islands by increasing flight frequency and making travel easier—and ideally more affordable. For years, residents and businesses have raised concerns about the limited availability and high cost of flights between the ABC islands.
Bestfly’s proposal aligns with long-standing calls from the private sector and civil society to make regional travel more accessible, especially for students, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens.
Bestfly has operated in Aruba for several years, providing global charter services for business executives, celebrities, and government officials. The company also offers medical flights. Under the leadership of Nuno and Alcinda Pereira, Bestfly has built a solid reputation as a reliable player in the international private aviation sector.
Whether the new regional route becomes a reality depends on the willingness of authorities in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao to actively support the initiative. Should Aruba fail to provide structural backing, the airline may consider launching the service from Bonaire or Curaçao instead.
Archive photo Embraer E190 - Planespotters.net Manuel Fernandez
