Tradewind Aviation has opened its first southeast US aircraft base near Palm Beach, Florida.

Set for immediate operational use, the new base will host Tradewind's growing fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft available for on demand private travel needs throughout the surrounding southeast area, as well as between the US and The Bahamas.

This milestone opening marks the latest development in Tradewind's aggressive growth strategy for 2023 and beyond, building on several major initiatives including the recent purchase of 20 new Pilatus PC-12 NGX aircraft, the addition of a 50,000sq ft hangar facility at Hudson Valley Regional airport in Poughkeepsie, New York, and the upcoming launch of its first scheduled service route to Virgin Gorda in November.

Tradewind's popular Goodspeed Card charter programme will also be offered to the region as part of its southeast hub's launch, allowing guests to pay only for the time they fly an occupied rate pricing model, with no reposition fees. For a limited time clients can enjoy a complimentary flight hour in the southeast region when they join the Goodspeed programme, or receive a $1,000 credit on their first flight in the southeast region.

The opening of this southeast Florida hub will serve to meet this gap in a key emerging national market, while further bolstering the airline's presence in the area and ability to attract new clientele. The base will also prove a strong economic driver in and around the Palm Beach region, while broadening its recruitment opportunities for pilots, ground crew operations and more, a crucial consideration as the aviation industry continues to face labour shortages.

“Our new southeast hub will be pivotal to our efforts in better serving Tradewind's growing client base throughout the region,” says CEO Eric Zipkin. “As we continue to further elevate the Tradewind offering and expand to new destinations, our new southeast Florida base is a major advantage to ensuring the success of our operation and plans for future growth.”