By Lisandro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Saturday, April 5, 2003 - 11:51 am: |
BonairExel is taking shape, and this week they spotted the first ATR-42 in BonairExel colors at the Airport of Maastricht down here in Holland. If al goes like planned the first BonairExel plane will be landing at the Flamingo Int'l Airport at the end of April. Full operation of the airline likely to start in the month of May with a operation of three ATR-42 for the routes to Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten, and Caracas.
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By Marc @ CrystalVisions (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #957) on Saturday, April 5, 2003 - 2:45 pm: |
I'm assuming this is not a well-done Photoshop image, so in that case... YEEEHAH!
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By Lisandro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Saturday, April 5, 2003 - 3:58 pm: |
This is the real thing Marc, let's all keep our fingers crossed, and hope the operation at the Flamingo Airport can start realy soon. I have another link with the ATR-42 of BonairExel, and in the back the Embrear-145 they had in plan to use for the US-Market. It looks like BonairExel will be using a bigger Aircraft on the route to Miami, when they start their International flights in the near future.
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By Daniel Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #226) on Saturday, April 5, 2003 - 9:48 pm: |
The tail letters on the plane look interesting. Looks like PH-XLL. Two interesting tidbits: the H is oddly done, and the tail letters SHOULD start with PJ. The Netherlands Antilles callsign prefix is PJ. PH is Netherlands.
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By Marc @ CrystalVisions (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #969) on Tuesday, April 8, 2003 - 5:36 pm: |
Daniel, I think it might need a lot less stops than that: "Range with max fuel and reserves at max cruising speed 4480km (2420nm), or 5040km (2720nm) at economical cruising speed". Theoretically, if it flew economically and there was a landing strip precisely halfway, it could reach Bonaire with just one stop .
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By Daniel Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #227) on Tuesday, April 8, 2003 - 7:59 pm: |
Cool. Didn't know the range was so long. I wonder if they add additional radio and navigation equipment to the plane for the trip.
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By Marc @ CrystalVisions (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #970) on Wednesday, April 9, 2003 - 11:21 am: |
I'm sure if you ask that question on a forum of plane spotters, somebody will have the answer .
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By Edward Thielman (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 1:08 am: |
This plane will be in Bonaire the 21st of april 2003. The first flight will be hopefully the 5th of may 2003. When the fleet is complete like wanted the destinations will be Cur, Aua, Coro, Miami and depending on how it performs there might be flights to margarita and valencia(Ven). With this plane (PJ-)they'll begin to fly to Cur and Aruba.
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By Ann Phelan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1071) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 7:43 am: |
Eddie...is there a party on the 21st for the arrival?? I will be there for sure..
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By Jake Richter (Moderator - Post #4220) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 12:02 am: |
Eddie,
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By Marc @ CrystalVisions (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #982) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 11:24 am: |
Darn, and we will be in Curacao... Would have loved to be @ Donkey Beach to see it land...
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By Edward Thielman (BonaireTalker - Post #14) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 12:29 am: |
Hi Ann, long time or to long time even. Ok the plane(s)-I think it's two even-will be landing around 12:30pm. Be there!! There will be a big party 4 sure. Waw that would be great about the connection Bon-Margarita. Coro is Venezuela, close to Aruba. Jake I will send You Pics if I take-Will be to busy hmm You know it!! Take care and by the way Happy Easter.
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By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1645) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 1:36 pm: |
The airport is jammed as I write this. Looks like even more people then when KLM and the Eagle first landed....
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By Lisandro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 3:27 pm: |
I was following the arrival of the ATR-42 of BonairExel via the internet(Voz di Bonaire, Radiostation)and yes indeed it seems like whole Bonaire was over there at the Airport waving with their Bonairean Flags welcoming the ATR-42. As things are planned the second ATR-42 and the Embrear 145 hopely will touchdown at the Flamingo International Airport the 02 of May
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By marianne & joost (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #482) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 3:44 pm: |
W'll love this
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By Lisandro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 10:35 pm: |
And finally BonairExel arrived at his homebase the Flamingo International Airport. This is great news for the tourist industry on the island, and for all of us, cuz travelling will become much more easier with our own baby, BonairExel.
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By Marc @ CrystalVisions (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1007) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 8:26 am: |
Love the (co-)pilot with the flags . Lisandro, will there be one Embrear or 2? I thought 2...
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By Lisandro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 9:45 am: |
Mark, it seems like BonairExel will start operation with only one Embrear 145 and two ATR-42. And yes I've got the real thing for you, just admire this lovely Embrear 145 leaving the paintshop in Eindhoven, Holland. As planned this plane will arrive the 02 of May in Bonaire.
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By Mike Eberhard (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #23) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 4:09 pm: |
Does anyone know how to get in touch with BonairExcel for flight info, reservations, etc.?
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By Daniel Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #229) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 11:52 pm: |
So did anyone who was at the airport see if they've removed the temporary "H" on the tail lettering? Should be a "J" underneath. Just curious.
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By Marc @ CrystalVisions (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1009) on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 2:32 pm: |
Daniel, I drove by Flamingo this morning and as far as I've been able to see, the H is still there. We got back from Curacao this morning with Divi, but the ATR was parked all the way to the side near the oil tanks, so I couldn't read it then.
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By Lisandro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 9:05 pm: |
Ok then Marc, I'll be waiting for that great shot of yours off the donkey's beach. As far as the titles the PH- titles still on the plane waiting to get all permits from the Aviation Dptm. in Curacao. It's seems like they are not so happy in Curacao to see an intruder in the ABC'S market. Ain't that a shame...!!!!
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By Daniel Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #230) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 2:56 pm: |
I suspected that PH tail lettering would stay until the civil aviation authority for the Netherlands Antilles approved. Just another reason for Bonaire to seriously consider whether there's any upside to being under the Antillean government.
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By Daniel Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #231) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 2:56 pm: |
Oh, did anyone learn the flight path used for the ferrying flight? Still curious
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By Marc @ CrystalVisions (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1015) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 4:11 pm: |
Daniel, you were right on the route; 5 stops, if I remember correctly. The plane went to Iceland then Canada and then made its way down... don't know any of the other stops though
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By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1400) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 6:13 pm: |
The Bonaire Reporter article mentioned Iceland and the Bahamas 'and others'.
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By Pieter Laagbeemster (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 6:19 pm: |
The aircraft flew the following route from Maastricht to Bonaire:
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By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1401) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 7:00 pm: |
TKS, Pieter.
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By flyguy (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 7:13 pm: |
If you want to see the airplane fly again, have a look out on 30 april. The PH (XLL) registration will indeed stay on until the paperwork is finished. The other 2 aircraft will be the PH-XLM (ATR 42-320 same as the XLL) and the PH-RXB (embraer 145). The embraer looks even better than the atr in this colour-scheme.
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By James Epley (BonaireTalker - Post #45) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 9:52 am: |
According to the flight planner on Landings.com, the great circle distance from Miami to Bonaire is 1224.9 statute miles, 1064.4 nautical miles, or 1971.2 kilometers. This does not take into account avoiding Cuban airspace if required. It would add <5% to the route.
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By flyguy (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 11:09 am: |
Don't forget the fokker 70/100.
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By Lisandro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 5:58 pm: |
I would go for the Boeing 737 NG, it's a comfortable plane with a lot of space, and most important it has more cargo possibilities then a Fokker 70/100. Most locals love to shop in the Miami Area so it would be a good choice, and BonairExel could carry all diving gears etc. of those who are coming to Bonaire for a vacation.
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By C Poteet (BonaireTalker - Post #70) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 6:10 pm: |
Forgive my ignorance of the finer points of aviation, but this thread has me quite puzzled.
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By James Epley (BonaireTalker - Post #47) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 8:51 am: |
I think we are all assuming that the 145 was bought for the MIA-BON run. I haven't seen any evidence that it is, in fact, BE's plans. It's quite possible the 145's are for BON-St Maarten (sp?) or other "local" routes.
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By Daniel Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #236) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 3:04 pm: |
Airbus 319 would be a great plane for a Miami - Bonaire route. It's small enough and fuel efficient enough, and is a super plane. US Air flies one of these from Philadephia to Grand Cayman. Another good choice might be a Canadair CRJ 50 seat regional jet. That's one of the nicest, and quietest small jets I've been on.
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By flyguy (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 6:41 pm: |
Posted by C Poteet:
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By C Poteet (BonaireTalker - Post #71) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 9:43 pm: |
Flyguy -
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By Daniel Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #239) on Thursday, May 1, 2003 - 12:52 am: |
Even if BonairExel were only to provide RELIABLE inter-island service, that would be a big plus. AA flies a jet into CUR every day. We used to use that and then connect via ALM, but that always involved a degree of uncertainty.
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