Binter Canarias
Binter Canarias is a Spanish regional airline headquartered in Telde, Gran Canaria, specializing in inter-island connectivity within the Canary Islands while also serving routes to mainland Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and other destinations in West Africa and Europe.[1][2] Founded in 1988 as a subsidiary of Iberia to link the Canary archipelago by air, it commenced operations on March 26, 1989, initially with two ATR 42-300 aircraft.[3][4] The airline has main hubs at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) and Tenerife North Airport (TFN), with additional bases including La Palma Airport (SPC), facilitating efficient regional travel across the islands and beyond.[5] Over the years, Binter Canarias expanded its network, beginning international services in 2005 to Marrakesh in Morocco, El Aaiún in Western Sahara, and Portuguese resorts, followed by routes to Banjul in Gambia and Dakar in Senegal in 2006.[6] By 2018, it extended regular flights to mainland Spanish destinations outside the Canaries, including Mallorca, Vigo, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Murcia, and others.[7] In 2015, the company established a subsidiary, Binter CV, in Cape Verde to support its African expansion, which was divested in 2019.[1][8] In 2025, Binter expanded its network with new routes to mainland Spain such as Córdoba, Badajoz, and Valencia, increasing capacity by 30%.[9] As of November 2025, Binter Canarias maintains one of Europe's most modern fleets, comprising 26 ATR 72-600 turboprops optimized for short regional routes and 16 Embraer E195-E2 jets, marking it as the first European carrier to introduce this efficient, low-emission model.[10][11] This fleet enables reliable service to over 35 destinations, including key inter-island links and international spots in France, Italy, Mauritania, and more, emphasizing punctuality and passenger comfort in its operations.[2][12][13]History
Foundation and early operations
Binter Canarias was established on 18 February 1988 as a regional subsidiary of the Spanish flag carrier Iberia, aimed at providing efficient air connectivity within the Canary Islands archipelago.[6] Commercial operations commenced on 26 March 1989, with the inaugural flight (NT 104) departing Tenerife North Airport at 8:00 a.m. bound for Gran Canaria Airport, operated using a leased Spanish-built CASA CN-235 aircraft. The airline's initial mandate focused exclusively on inter-island services linking the seven principal Canary Islands—Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro—offering up to 36 daily scheduled flights to meet the region's unique transportation needs. Gran Canaria Airport was designated as the primary hub from the outset, serving as the central node for operations and maintenance.[3][14][6] In its formative years, Binter Canarias prioritized fleet development to enhance reliability and capacity for short-haul routes. Starting with leased CASA CN-235 turboprops, the airline soon transitioned to owned aircraft, incorporating the first ATR 72 turboprop in 1990, which quickly became the backbone of its operations due to its suitability for the islands' terrain and weather conditions.[3] This shift supported a growing network confined to intra-Canary routes, fostering economic ties and accessibility across the dispersed islands. By the mid-1990s, the airline had solidified its role as the dominant regional carrier, carrying over 1 million passengers cumulatively and demonstrating strong operational stability under Iberia's oversight.[15][6]Expansion and modernization
In the early 2000s, Binter Canarias transitioned toward greater operational independence following its acquisition by a group of Canarian investors in 2002, which reduced the longstanding influence of its former parent company, Iberia.[16] This shift enabled the airline to pursue a more localized strategy focused on regional growth while investing over €700 million in fleet modernization since the takeover.[3] To capture the growing demand for affordable inter-island travel, Binter launched a low-cost subsidiary named Canarias Airlines in 2011, operating with ATR 72-500 aircraft; however, the venture proved short-lived, with operations ceasing in 2012 due to market challenges. In a subsequent move to consolidate its position in the Canary Islands market, Binter merged with regional carrier NAYSA in spring 2018, integrating NAYSA's ATR fleet and inter-island routes to enhance operational efficiency and capacity.[17] A significant milestone in Binter's expansion came in 2019 with the introduction of the Embraer E195-E2 jet, marking the airline's entry into longer-haul operations connecting the Canary Islands to destinations in West Africa and mainland Europe.[18] The aircraft's fuel-efficient design supported route extensions beyond the archipelago, with the first unit delivered in November 2019 and configured for 132 passengers.[19] In 2021, Binter divested its 70% stake in the Cape Verde subsidiary, originally established as Binter Cabo Verde and later rebranded as Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde, selling it to Angolan carrier Bestfly to refocus resources on core Canary Islands operations.[20] Building on this streamlined approach, Binter announced orders for additional Embraer E-Jets in 2023, including a firm commitment for six E195-E2 aircraft as part of a broader acquisition of 11 jets overall, with deliveries commencing in late 2023 and continuing into 2024 to support expanded mainland Spain connectivity.[21] In 2024, the airline carried 5.6 million passengers, a 13% increase from the previous year. For 2025, Binter projected over 6 million passengers amid increased frequencies and new routes. In September 2025, Binter announced an additional investment of €189 million for four new ATR 72-600 aircraft, with options for five more, to further modernize its turboprop fleet.[22][23] Modernization efforts have also emphasized sustainability and customer experience, including a 2022 partnership with Cepsa to research and develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the Canary Islands, aiming to reduce carbon emissions through alternative energy sources.[24] Complementing this, Binter launched an upgraded website in 2023, featuring improved usability, accessibility, and digital tools for seamless booking and journey management.[25]Destinations and network
Current destinations
Binter Canarias operates a network of 36 destinations as of November 2025, primarily serving as the primary airline for the Canary Islands with hubs at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) and Tenerife North Airport (TFN).[13] The airline's route structure emphasizes short-haul regional connectivity, with approximately 80% of flights covering distances under 500 km, facilitating essential travel for island residents and supporting tourism influx.[2] Average flight durations are under two hours, utilizing ATR 72 turboprops for efficient inter-island hops and Embraer jets for longer mainland and international legs.[13] Intra-Canary Islands routes form the core of the network, connecting all eight islands with high-frequency services to ensure seamless accessibility. From Gran Canaria, daily multiple flights operate to Tenerife South (up to 20 weekly), Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, and smaller islands like La Gomera and El Hierro, often several times per day during peak hours.[26] These ATR 72-operated routes, averaging 30-60 minutes, are strategically vital for daily commuting and emergency logistics among the dispersed islands, with adjustments for seasonal tourism peaks in summer.[27] To mainland Spain, Binter Canarias provides direct links to major cities from its hubs, focusing on 1-2 hour Embraer flights that bolster economic ties and tourist flows. Key routes include up to four daily services from Gran Canaria to Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, alongside frequent connections to Bilbao, Seville, Valencia, and newer additions like Granada and Córdoba launched in 2025.[28] These services, with increased winter frequencies (e.g., 33% capacity boost from Tenerife in 2025-26), highlight the airline's role in bridging the archipelago to the Iberian Peninsula.[29] Internationally, the network extends to 10 destinations across six countries, prioritizing West African and European ties with a mix of year-round and seasonal operations. Notable routes feature daily Embraer flights from Gran Canaria to Casablanca and Marrakech in Morocco, weekly services to Dakar in Senegal and Banjul in Gambia, and connections to Lisbon and Porto in Portugal.[13] Seasonal expansions in 2025 include flights to Sal in Cape Verde, Florence in Italy, and Lille in France, alongside limited services to Western Sahara, all designed to capture tourism peaks while maintaining short-haul efficiency under two hours.[30] This international footprint underscores Binter's strategy of enhancing the Canary Islands' role as a gateway for African and European travelers.[31]Partnership agreements
Binter Canarias maintains a primary codeshare agreement with Iberia, established since the airline's founding in 1989 as a subsidiary of the carrier, enabling passengers to book Binter-operated flights within the Canary Islands using Iberia flight codes (IB) for seamless integration with Iberia's mainland Spain and international network.[3][32] This partnership, which continued after Binter's privatization in 2002, was expanded in 2018 to cover additional inter-island routes, facilitating through-check-in and baggage transfer for travelers connecting from Iberia's hubs like Madrid Barajas to Binter's regional services.[33] The agreement enhances connectivity without Binter operating the connecting flights, allowing access to Iberia's extensive routes across Europe, the Americas, and Africa. In addition to the codeshare, Binter participates in reciprocal frequent flyer programs with Iberia Plus, where BinterMás members earn and redeem points on Iberia-operated flights, and vice versa, promoting loyalty across both networks without equity involvement.[34][35] This reciprocity supports indirect expansion to over 250 destinations via Iberia's codeshare partners, increasing Binter's effective reach beyond its core operations to more than 60 cities globally.[36] A more recent partnership includes a codeshare with SATA Azores Airlines (now Azores Airlines), initiated in 2022 and expanded for the summer season, covering weekly flights between the Azores and Canary Islands to improve transatlantic island connectivity with through-booking options.[37][38] These agreements collectively bolster Binter's network by leveraging partner operations for African and European routes, such as connections to Morocco and Portugal, while focusing on logistical benefits like unified ticketing rather than joint ventures.Fleet
Current fleet
As of November 2025, Binter Canarias operates a fleet of 42 aircraft with an average age of 5.2 years.[39] This modern fleet supports the airline's focus on regional connectivity within the Canary Islands and to nearby destinations in Europe and Africa. All aircraft feature the airline's signature livery of white fuselage with green accents, including a stylized green wave on the tail representing the islands' natural landscape.[10] The fleet primarily consists of two aircraft types optimized for different route profiles. The ATR 72-600 turboprops, numbering 26 units, are configured in a single-class layout seating 72 passengers each and are powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines.[10] These aircraft excel in short inter-island hops, offering a maximum range of approximately 1,500 km, which aligns with the airline's high-frequency services between the Canary Islands.[40] Complementing the turboprops are 16 Embraer E195-E2 jets, each accommodating 132 passengers in a single-class arrangement and equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1900G geared turbofan engines.[10][41] Designed for medium-haul operations, these aircraft provide a range of up to 2,600 km, enabling efficient service to mainland Spain, Portugal, and West African destinations.[42] The introduction of the E195-E2 beginning in 2019 has enhanced overall fleet fuel efficiency by about 25% compared to previous-generation jets, supporting Binter's sustainability goals.[42] The E195-E2 fleet reached its full strength of 16 aircraft following the completion of deliveries in 2025. Recent ATR 72-600 orders, including four units with advanced PW127XT engines signed in February 2025, further modernize the turboprop segment.[40] Maintenance operations are conducted in-house at the airline's primary base in Gran Canaria, where facilities hold certifications from both ATR and Embraer for comprehensive servicing, ensuring high reliability and minimal downtime.[43][44]| Aircraft Type | In Service | Seats | Engines | Primary Role | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATR 72-600 | 26 | 72 | PW127M (turboprop) | Inter-island short-haul | 1,500 |
| Embraer E195-E2 | 16 | 132 | PW1900G (turbofan) | Medium-haul to mainland/Africa | 2,600 |
Retired fleet
Binter Canarias initially operated a mix of jet and turboprop aircraft in its early years, transitioning from leased jets to more efficient regional turboprops suited to inter-island operations. The airline's retired fleet reflects this evolution, with jets phased out due to high operating costs, noise restrictions, and incompatibility with short-haul routes in the Canary Islands. In the mid-1990s, Binter Canarias leased four McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s from its then-parent company Iberia for mainland Spain services, marking its entry into jet operations. These aircraft were retired by 2000, as they proved inefficient and too noisy for the airline's primary short inter-island network. Similarly, a single Boeing 737-400 was briefly leased around the same period for charter flights but was returned early in the 2000s, replaced by turboprops to better align with regional focus and cost efficiency. The early turboprop fleet included four CASA CN-235s, introduced in the late 1980s for island connectivity, which were gradually retired in the 1990s and early 2000s as ATR 72 variants became the standard. For remote island routes, Binter integrated Beechcraft 1900D aircraft through its partnership and later acquisition of Naysa in 2007; these 19-seat props served low-density services until around 2008, after which they were phased out following fleet rationalization post-merger. More recently, Binter Canarias retired its ATR 72-500 series, with approximately 16 units operated from the early 2000s until their progressive withdrawal between 2018 and 2023 to make way for the upgraded ATR 72-600 models offering improved performance and fuel efficiency. This phase-out was part of a broader modernization, completing the shift to an all-turboprop and modern jet fleet by 2023 for enhanced economics on short routes.| Aircraft Type | Number Operated | Period of Service | Reason for Retirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 | 4 (leased) | Mid-1990s–2000 | Noise regulations and inefficiency for short routes |
| Boeing 737-400 | 1 (leased) | Late 1990s–early 2000s | Replaced by turboprops for regional operations |
| CASA CN-235 | 4 | Late 1980s–early 2000s | Superseded by ATR 72 for better capacity and reliability |
| Beechcraft 1900D | Several (via Naysa) | Early 2000s–2008 | Fleet integration post-acquisition; shift to larger ATRs |
| ATR 72-500 | ~16 | Early 2000s–2023 | Upgraded to ATR 72-600 for performance improvements |