Tradewind Aviation launches latest routes

The semi-private jet company now flies on-demand throughout the Bahamas and can begin scheduled flights this winter from Palm Beach, Florida, to North Eleuthera and Marsh Harbor.

Here it’s, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Razor thin edges!

My nickname seems fitting for David Zipkin at this moment, as he teeters on the sting of a multi-million dollar Bahamian cliff in Eleuthera. It seems strange to us since it is usually true in private aviation. At least it was in 2001, when pilots David and his brother Eric Zipkin founded Tradewind Aviation with only one aircraft, an eight-seat Cessna Caravan turboprop.

Today Tradewind is taken into account one in all the Top semi-private airlines with a fleet of 32 aircraft, mostly Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12s. Their specialty is working private charter and scheduled flights across the Northeast, the Caribbean and St. Barts with its notoriously short runways. If I met the Zipkin brothers for the primary time Two years ago their fleet number was just 23. They say the important thing to growth is keeping those planes within the air: “There’s nothing more expensive than a plane sitting on the ground.”

So last September they opened a brand new southeastern hub in Florida, officially entering a crucial market. Tradewind private customers can now fly virtually anywhere inside 350 nautical miles of Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), which covers the complete Bahamas, an archipelago consisting of 700 islands. (This place has far more to supply than Nassau).

In particular, Eleuthera, the 110-mile-long island with ferry service to nearby Harbor Island, is clearly of interest to Tradewind since it is an island well-known refuge for celebrities and an actual estate enclave for AB billionaires. Lenny Kravitz has a house here. Need I say more?

“We all the time knew that the South Florida-Bahamas market was very strong and excellent for what we do. I might have loved to be on this market 10 years ago, but we did not have the infrastructure to support it. Now that we have done that, it’s an exciting time because we will deal with latest markets,” Zipkin told Forbes. It’s also an exciting time for travelers who can profit from this fly-private-for-less charter model, which operates short-haul flights on 8-seater aircraft. The appeal, besides modern leather seats, free champagne and fresh-faced pilots, is that they’re sufficiently small to land on distant islands where you may not otherwise find good or no service.

Although Tradewind’s latest charter schedule from Palm Beach to North Eleuthera and Marsh Harbor has not yet been released, prices start “in the range of $350 per person each way,” in accordance with the corporate. (Current dates and costs could be found here Tradewind’s website). Here’s a primary have a look at the experience:

Discover Eleuthera in 10 breathtaking images

Named after the Greek word “eleutheros,” which implies freedom, Eleuthera can also be called the “Island of Freedom.” Freedom from tourists is an commentary. There aren’t any mega Margaritavilles or Sandals resorts in sight. On this quiet, laid-back island you will find pristine beaches, pink sands, coral reefs and other natural wonders. And should you’re in search of a change, Harbor Island, with its high-end hotels and membership clubs, is just 10 minutes away Ferry ride away.

The charter flight

I accompanied David Zipkin, co-founder and chief industrial officer of Tradewind, to take a primary have a look at the brand new route and met him on the FBO (landline operator) in Palm Beach before our flight. We were greeted by two young pilots who carried our luggage and guided us from a personal lounge on to the tarmac, which is standard procedure on Tradewind’s private charters.

Arrival from the air

The turquoise waters of Eleuthera are a panoramic sight from above. Arriving on this style was a luxury reserved just for the super-rich. Until now.

Glass window bridge

One of the attractions of Eleuthera is the Glass Window Bridge, a synthetic strip of land that separates the outstanding contrast of the rough, royal blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the calm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Taking in each views is a surreal sight to say the least.

Queen’s Bath

The Queen’s Bath, positioned 0.6 miles south of the Glass Window Bridge, is indeed a super place to wash like a queen in the nice and cozy waters of the Atlantic. Formed for hundreds of years by waves crashing on exposed rocks, these natural tide pools provide a dramatic backdrop on your afternoon swim.

The Villa of the Bay

Eleuthera Bay is a classy, 29-room resort on 40 acres overlooking two private beaches. There are quite a lot of suites, villas and cottages on the property, but this three-bedroom bamboo and teak villa is an actual showstopper designed by Bar Architects, with a completely equipped kitchen, private plunge pool and outdoor shower – all with the choice of a personal butler, private chef and babysitting service. It’s the type of place you can book for a special day or a marriage if the in-laws are feeling generous. (Rates range from $3,500 per night in low season to $10,000 in high season, November through May.)

The bay’s infinity pool

Following owner Oscar Tang’s $70 million renovation, which continues to be underway, the Cove introduced this heated infinity pool overlooking each beaches. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga studio, an open-air cocktail bar with sunset views, and a sublime seafood restaurant. By November, the property will add two pickleball courts to satisfy demand, in addition to a brand new boardroom for off-site business retreats, in accordance with general manager Carlton Russell.

Harbor island

Harbor Island has the charm of the “lifestyle of the rich and famous” with quite a few luxury hotels and secluded beaches. No cars are allowed on the island. So glide of the Bahamas, hop on a motorbike or golf cart and let your hair blow within the wind.

Dunmore Hotel & Beach Club

At the middle of the motion is Harbor Island The Dunmore, which has a retro Nineteen Sixties resort glamour, framed by pink sand, breezy terraces and vintage rattan. Given the sensitivity of an exclusive private club, it’s no wonder celebs feel protected socializing.

Pink sand beach

The Dunmore is positioned right in the center a part of the Pink Sands beach. It is a three-mile stretch of finely crushed coral that has been sifted and smoothed over time and appears beautiful in any light.

The Sunset Cruise

The art of the evening sunset cruise takes slightly planning. Pictured here is Cove’s wine and cheese combination. In theory, this is a wonderful idea. My advice? Hold your cup tightly and convey an additional towel in case the water gets choppy.