The Spanish airline Binter celebrates its 35th anniversary and could set a new record for passengers transported in a single day. It is expected that 20,500 passengers will fly on Sunday, March 31, according to data obtained from the airline’s reservation system.
Binter is a regional Spanish airline that operates in the Canary Islands and extends its operations to national and international destinations. Its history dates back to the late-20th century, when a group of entrepreneurs decided to connect the Canary Islands in a more efficient and safe manner.
Records and Achievements
Since its establishment in 1989, Binter has transported over 83 million passengers on more than 1.648 million flights. In 2023, the airline achieved the milestone of transporting nearly five million passengers for the first time in its history.
In 2020, it was awarded as the Best Spanish Airline in the Travellers’ Choice Awards by the travel platform TripAdvisor. In 2023, it was recognized by the OCU as the best Spanish airline, based on traveler opinions regarding service, price, and quality.
History of Binter
The airline was founded in February 1988 by Navegación y Servicios Aéreos Canarios S.A., with the aim of covering interisland routes in the Canary archipelago.
Initially, Binter began its operations with a modest fleet of four CASA CN-235 turboprops. The following year, the company would incorporate five ATR 72-200 aircraft, and in 1994, four McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jets, the first jet aircraft for the Canary airline.
In 1997, the DC-9 aircraft were retired from the fleet along with the CASA CN-235, and were replaced by modern ATR 72–500 turboprops.
The jet age returned with the introduction of Bombardier CRJ regional aircraft, including models such as CRJ-100, CRJ-200, CRJ-900, and CRJ-1000. Additionally, between 2004 and 2006, Binter operated a Boeing 737-400 and a Beechcraft 1900.
Current Status
Currently, the Canary airline operates a fleet of 37 aircraft, with an average age of five years. These aircraft are operated collectively by companies belonging to the Binter Group: Binter Airlines, Canair, and Naysa.
The Binter Group fleet consists of:
- 27 ATR 72-600;
- 9 Embraer E195-E2;
- 1 Embraer E190.
Binter flies to 35 destinations in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Cape Verde, Gambia, Morocco, Mauritania, Western Sahara, and Senegal.
