Silver Airways raises capital, adds aircraft and routes

Regional carrier Silver Airways has raised $50m in capital, added several new aircraft to its fleet and received certification to operate freighter service. The Fort Lauderdale-based airline says on 9 February that it also recently finalised the integration of Puerto Rico-based Seaborne Airlines, which it acquired in April 2018 while Seaborne was in bankruptcy protection, and added more routes in the southeastern USA. “After the most extraordinary period in commercial aviation history, we are humbled and energised by achieving these transformational initiatives,” says CE Steven Rossum. “With new, long-term financing, a fleet portfolio comprised of young, fuel efficient, and environmentally friendly aircraft, the final integration of our San Juan-based subsidiary Seaborne Airlines, and our new cargo operations all in place, Silver is now positioned to execute on its tremendous opportunities in the regional passenger and cargo sectors.” The carrier recently took delivery of two new ATR 42-600s in December, bringing its ATR-600 passenger fleet to 11 aircraft – eight of the ATR 42-600s, and three of the larger ATR 72-600s. Silver says it plans “further significant ATR-600 fleet growth” in 2022. According to Cirium fleets data, it still has seven ATR 42-600s on order.<br/>