Simpson Bay, St. Maarten – August 21, 2026 – Windward Islands Airways International N.V., better known as Winair, has announced a ground-breaking safety achievement that cements its position as a global aviation trailblazer: the small regional carrier has become the first and only airline in the world to hold active registration in both the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) programs simultaneously.
The dual achievement comes as the result of more than two years of rigorous preparation, internal evaluation and compliance work that began in early 2024. The process kicked off with specialized training for internal managers to become certified IOSA auditors, before expanding into sweeping operational reviews across every core department of the airline: from flight operations and in-flight cabin services to ground handling, aircraft maintenance, cargo management, aviation security and executive organizational oversight.
Winair operates two distinct families of aircraft across its regional network, each of which falls under a separate IATA safety audit framework. Its fleet of DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, commonly used for short-haul inter-island routes across the Caribbean, underwent the ISSA assessment designed for smaller, commuter-focused aircraft. Its larger ATR 42 regional jets, which serve longer regional routes, completed the more widely known IOSA audit, the global gold standard for commercial airline operational safety certification. By passing both programs, Winair has earned internationally recognized safety credentials that cover 100% of its operating fleet, proving that every aspect of its service meets the strictest IATA safety requirements, regardless of aircraft type.
This unprecedented accomplishment not only sets Winair apart from every other global airline, it also establishes a new gold standard for regional aviation safety across the Caribbean. Currently, Winair is also the only regional airline based in the Caribbean to hold IOSA registration, further reinforcing its standing as the region’s undisputed leader in operational safety.
“Safety is non-negotiable at Winair – it is the foundation of every decision we make, every route we fly, and every service we provide to our passengers,” said Winair CEO Hans van de Velde in a statement following the announcement. “Securing both IOSA and ISSA registration is a testament to the relentless dedication and professionalism of every single member of our team. This is a defining milestone in our long-term strategy to connect the Caribbean to the world through trusted, seamless aviation partnerships.”
Beyond the recognition of the airline’s existing safety practices, the dual registration is expected to open new doors for commercial expansion. Holding IATA’s top safety certifications clears the way for Winair to build expanded codeshare and interline agreements with major global carriers. For passengers, these partnerships will translate to greater access to seamless, multi-destination itineraries that connect small Caribbean island destinations directly to major hubs across Europe, North America, South America and the rest of the world.
Industry observers note that the achievement marks a major turning point in Winair’s ongoing evolution into a safe, reliable, and trusted regional carrier, highlighting how small regional airlines can match and exceed the global aviation industry’s highest safety standards.