AIR INTER ILES STARTS REGULAR SERVICES WITH P2012 STOL
WELCOME TO THE TECNAM FAMILY
St. Barth Executive, the French VIP airline based in the Caribbean, has started scheduled operations with the two delivered P2012 STOLs. A third aircraft is expected in September.
The first passenger flight took place on August 1st, 2024 from Guadeloupe (PTP/TFFR) to St. Barth (SBH/TFFJ), operated under the AIR INTER ILES brand by St. Barth Executive. With a regular schedule of three daily flights, and up to six in high season, this 50-minute route offers a reliable and affordable connection for locals and tourists, linking islands previously accessible only by boat.
The P2012 STOL, ideal for the West Indies, is well-suited to demanding runways like Saint-Barthélemy (646m long runway), thanks to its short takeoff (425m) and landing distances (360m) and certified “10° (17.5%) steep approach”. Its modern design, focuses on passenger comfort and allows St. Barth Executive to deliver a high-end experience across the Caribbean.
Connecting Caribbean islands that are difficult to reach by plane? Keeping operating costs and downtime low? Offering a premium experience to passengers at the same timeFor many, this might have seemed like an ambitious dream, almost utopian. But for Vincent Beauvarlet, President of St. Barth Executive, it was a clear objective.With the arrival of the P2012 STOL, this vision becomes reality. Designed to meet the region’s demanding conditions while ensuring comfort and efficiency, the aircraft is a perfect match for St. Barth Executive’s mission.
“The P2012 lands and takes off perfectly in St. Barth and offers us an attractive payload. Finally, we have an air vector that allows us to connect our islands with controlled operating costs”
Vincent Beauvarlet
Président, St Barth Executive
Discovering the P2012 STOL
Currently operating the P2012 STOL for the first time, Valentine Tahan, a seasoned pilot with SBH Executive, brings both experience and enthusiasm to the cockpit. What struck him immediately was the aircraft’s handling. Smooth and responsive, especially at lower speeds, the Tecnam delivers a level of finesse that sets it apart in its category.
The aircraft’s full glass cockpit is another standout feature. The avionics suite is impressively complete, providing pilots with a modern, intuitive interface. A dedicated engine page displays all engine parameters in real time, contributing to a streamlined flying experience that emphasizes both safety and simplicity.
Valentine points out that transitioning from a Cessna Caravan to the Tecnam comes with noticeable differences, not just in performance, but also in feel. The lighter, more agile Tecnam offers a level of control that’s hard to match, especially when operating in tight, technical environments. Valentine notes:
“It feels like a pilot’s aircraft through and through. Everything is right where you need it! The avionics, the engine monitoring, the responsiveness.”
Indeed, the design is as functional as it is elegant. Built for short-field operations, the P2012 STOL performs exceptionally well on runways like the legendary strip at St. Barts, where space is limited and precision is everything. For Valentine, the appeal lies not only in the performance but also in the joy of light aviation. Flying smaller aircraft allows for a more connected, hands-on experience, something that’s often lost in the world of large commercial liners. Whether it’s tackling a technical airfield or simply enjoying the sensation of flight, the Tecnam STOL delivers.
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