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World Atlantic Airlines
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Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc., trading as World Atlantic Airlines is an airline in the United States operating on-demand and scheduled charter services. Its corporate headquarters are located in Virginia Gardens, Florida.[2]
Key Information
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History
[edit]The airline was founded in September 2002 as Caribbean Sun Airlines in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and began operations in January 2003 with flights from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Tortola, using the Bombardier Dash 8 Q100. On the flights, Caribbean Sun cooperated with the Antiguian sister company Caribbean Star Airlines, which also belonged to the Stanford Financial Group and enabled connecting flights to other Caribbean islands.
Flight operations ceased towards the end of January 2007. The resumption of the same under the name Merengue Airlines Dominicana, which was sought after a subsequent change of ownership, was also unsuccessful, and so Caribbean Sun Airlines was finally sold to Tomas Romero, who renamed the company to World Atlantic Airlines. The company, which from then on only operated under this name, then focused on the ACMI charter area.[3]
World Atlantic was one of the charter providers to Myrtle Beach Direct Air until the airline's bankruptcy in 2012, and was fined by the Department of Transportation in 2012 for regulatory violations in connection with this business.[4] Since 2013, World Atlantic has acted as a charter provider to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation of individuals from the United States and recently per the NY Post delivering immigrants to Westchester, NY.[5][6][7]
In April 2013, World Atlantic transported Venezuelan voters from Miami to New Orleans to vote in the Venezuelan presidential election.[8]
In September 2017, World Atlantic Airlines also entered into a partnership with Venezuelan airline Avior Airlines, having previously worked with LASER Airlines as part of the ACMI charter. As part of the business relationship with Avior Airlines, World Atlantic operated ACMI charter flights to Fort Lauderdale and Miami.[9][10]
In April 2025, multiple aircraft were seized in relation to a $1.8M court judgement against the airline, leaving just two operational for a period of two days. All aircraft were released before news broke of the seizure. [11]
Fleet
[edit]Current fleet
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As of August 2025[update], World Atlantic Airlines operates the following aircraft:[12]
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Y | Total | ||||
| McDonnell Douglas MD-83 | 5 | – | 12 | 134 | 146 | – |
| 8 | 142 | 150 | ||||
| 8 | 144 | 152 | ||||
| 8 | 147 | 155 | ||||
| Total | 5 | – | ||||
Former fleet
[edit]World Atlantic Airlines formerly operated the following aircraft:[citation needed]
| Aircraft | Total | Introduced | Retired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 | 12 | 2003 | 2007 | Operated as Caribbean Sun Airlines. |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-82 | 1 | 2011 | 2019 |
Accidents and incidents
[edit]- On April 20, 2018, A McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (registration N807WA) suffered a right-hand main landing gear collapse during landing rollout at Alexandria International Airport, in Louisiana, USA. Due to the gear failure, the right wing dragged on the runway, creating a friction fire which was quickly put out by the airport rescue and firefighting personnel. The aircraft operated on a flight on behalf of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and originated from Chicago-O'Hare International Airport. None of the 101 passengers on board were injured, but the aircraft suffered significant damage and was later written off as irreparable.[13][14]
- On July 10, 2024, A McDonnell Douglas MD-83, (registration N804WA), operating as Flight WAL101, experienced an in-flight emergency shortly after takeoff from El Paso International Airport (KELP) en route to McAllen Miller International Airport (KMFE). The aircraft declared a MAYDAY after reporting a right engine failure and requested an immediate return to El Paso, Texas. Approximately four minutes after departure, the aircraft landed safely on runway 26L at El Paso International Airport and subsequently vacated the runway. Upon landing, the flight crew was informed that the right engine had caught fire.[15]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Federal Aviation Administration - Airline Certificate Information - Detail View". Retrieved 30 June 2016.
- ^ "Welcome to WAA". www.flywaa.com. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
- ^ "Top 10 ACMI dedicated airlines in the world - AeroTime". 2022-02-05. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
- ^ "Caribbean Sun Airlines dba World Atlantic Airlines 2012-7-31". US Department of Transportation. 2012-07-27. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- ^ "Ellis Island in reverse: Where deportees go when they get home to Guatemala". Washington Post. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- ^ "Dozens gather at Gary/Chicago International Airport to protest ICE deportations". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- ^ "Florida companies are cashing in on deportation flights — about $35,000 per deportee". Miami Herald. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
- ^ "Doral Mayor Gearing Up To Fight A Recall Petition". 2013-11-26. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- ^ "Venezuela's Avior Airlines reiterates Miami-Caracas desire". ch-aviation. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- ^ "Laser Airlines to cancel the debt in PAWA and assume its routes". AVIATOR. 2018-06-09. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- ^ Moore, Cortney. "Aviation company has aircraft seized at Miami airport to settle $1.8 million debt". South Florida Business Journal. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
- ^ "Global Airline Guide 2025 - World Atlantic Airlines". Airliner World. September 2025. p. 83.
- ^ "More than 100 aboard ICE-chartered plane forced to make emergency landing". 13 WTHR Indianapolis. 2018-04-21. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ "World Atlantic Airlines MD-83 Engine Failure and Fire on Takeoff". YouTube. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
External links
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World Atlantic Airlines
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History
Establishment and Initial Operations
Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc., the legal predecessor to World Atlantic Airlines, was established in September 2002 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the purpose of supporting the operations of the related Caribbean Star Airlines through charter services.[1][5] Flight operations commenced in January 2003, initially utilizing a single Bombardier Dash 8-100 turboprop aircraft for wet-lease charter flights targeted at tour operators, marking the airline's entry into the U.S.-based supplemental air carrier market under FAA regulations.[1][6] These early services focused on ad-hoc and scheduled charter routes, primarily serving leisure and regional demands in the southeastern U.S. and Caribbean markets, though specific inaugural routes were not publicly detailed beyond the charter model.[1] Operations continued under the Caribbean Sun branding until cessation in January 2007 due to financial challenges.[1] Following acquisition by investor Tomas Romero, the carrier underwent rebranding to World Atlantic Airlines and obtained a new Airline Operating Certificate in August 2010, achieving certification as a 14 CFR Part 121 supplemental carrier in September 2010, which enabled resumption of charter activities with a shift to McDonnell Douglas MD-83 jet aircraft.[1][7]Expansion into Charter Services
Following the cessation of operations as Caribbean Sun Airlines in January 2007, the company was acquired by Tomas Romero and rebranded as World Atlantic Airlines, marking a strategic pivot toward independent charter services.[1] This rebranding facilitated the adoption of McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft, replacing the earlier Bombardier Dash 8-100s used primarily for ACMI support to other carriers like Caribbean Star Airlines.[1][4] In August 2010, World Atlantic applied for a new Airline Operating Certificate, receiving certification as a 14 CFR Part 121 Supplemental Carrier in September 2010, which authorized operations for on-demand and scheduled passenger charters.[1] This certification enabled expansion into larger-scale charter markets, leveraging the MD-80 series fleet's capacity for up to 165 passengers per flight and extended range suitable for Caribbean and Latin American routes.[1] The transition supported growth in services such as wet-leasing and ad-hoc charters, including partnerships with tour operators.[4] By 2012, World Atlantic had established itself as a key charter provider, notably supporting Myrtle Beach Direct Air until the latter's bankruptcy, though this involvement drew a fine from the U.S. Department of Transportation for operational discrepancies. Post-certification, the airline focused on safety-compliant expansions, operating from bases in Florida and serving destinations like Cuba, where it planned 355 charter flights to Havana in 2020 under contract with Superior Air Charter.[8] This period solidified its role in the supplemental air carrier sector, emphasizing reliability for government, tour, and specialized group travel.[1]Recent Developments and Challenges
In September 2024, World Atlantic Airlines confirmed plans to shift toward an Airbus A320 fleet, including wet-leasing arrangements to support operations, particularly for Cuba routes.[9] This move aimed to modernize its aging McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series aircraft amid ongoing charter demands.[9] The airline faced operational setbacks in early 2025. On March 31, 2025, a World Atlantic MD-83 (registration N802WA) experienced an engine surge during climb-out from Havana, Cuba, on a flight to Tampa, Florida, prompting an investigation into the incident but no reported injuries.[10] Financial challenges intensified in April 2025 when a Florida circuit court ordered the seizure of three MD-83 aircraft at Miami International Airport to satisfy a $1.8 million judgment held by Blue Diamond Fuels against World Atlantic and its parent, Caribbean Sun Airlines, for unpaid fuel debts accrued since 2023.[11][12] The seizures, executed on April 1, grounded the planes under court supervision until payment or legal resolution, temporarily reducing the airline's active fleet to two aircraft for several days.[13][14] This episode highlighted ongoing liquidity strains, stemming from a 2024 lawsuit alleging breach of payment agreements.[11] Despite these hurdles, World Atlantic continued charter services, including potential expansion tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contracts for deportation flights, with reports indicating increased utilization as a backup provider in 2024-2025.[15] Recovery efforts post-seizure focused on debt settlement and fleet maintenance to sustain Miami-based operations.[16]Operations
Business Model and Services
World Atlantic Airlines operates primarily as a charter airline, offering on-demand passenger charter services tailored to specific client requirements rather than a fixed public schedule.[1] Its model emphasizes flexibility, including aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) wet-lease arrangements for partner airlines and organizations, enabling customized medium-haul flights using McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft with capacities of approximately 150 passengers.[17][2] The airline provides scheduled charter operations through collaborations, such as flights to Venezuela in partnership with Avior Airlines, and ad-hoc charters for commercial entities like former codeshare partner Direct Air.[18][19] Government contracts form a significant revenue component, including passenger transport for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, though these have drawn regulatory scrutiny for compliance issues.[17][19] Services extend to routes in the Caribbean and Latin America, with historical operations to Cuba via charter agreements, prioritizing client-driven itineraries over standard commercial ticketing.[3] This approach allows adaptation to variable demand but exposes the carrier to risks from partner defaults, as evidenced by the 2012 Direct Air collapse that left unpaid obligations exceeding $1 million.[19]Destinations and Key Routes
World Atlantic Airlines operates primarily as an on-demand charter carrier without fixed scheduled routes, focusing on ad-hoc passenger and cargo services from its Miami International Airport hub to domestic and select international destinations.[1] Its operations emphasize flexibility for clients including tour operators, government agencies, and partner airlines, with flights tailored to specific demands rather than recurring timetables.[17] Key historical routes include charters arranged on behalf of Direct Air, connecting multiple cities in the Midwest and Northeast United States—such as those in states like Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania—to Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina and various Florida airports, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, during the 2010s. These services facilitated leisure travel but faced regulatory scrutiny for compliance issues leading to a U.S. Department of Transportation fine in 2019. In international operations, the airline has provided ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) wet-lease support for partners like Avior Airlines, enabling flights to U.S. gateways such as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport from South American origins. Additionally, it has conducted charters to Cuba, including documented flights from Havana's José Martí International Airport to Tampa International Airport in Florida as recently as May 2025, often in pursuit of capacity for restricted markets.[20] Government-contracted flights, such as those for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, extend to Latin American countries but vary by mission requirements.[21]Fleet
Current Fleet
As of October 2025, World Atlantic Airlines operates a fleet exclusively composed of McDonnell Douglas MD-83 twin-engine narrow-body jet aircraft, optimized for charter, ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) leasing, and specialized operations such as deportation flights.[1] The airline maintains seven MD-83s, each equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks extending range by approximately 1.5 hours, and configured primarily for high-density seating in economy class with limited first-class options varying by aircraft.[1] These aging aircraft, averaging over 30 years in service, reflect the carrier's focus on cost-effective operations for irregular routes, particularly to Latin America and the Caribbean.[2] The fleet's aircraft are individually named and tailored for flexibility in passenger loads between 146 and 155 seats. Specific configurations include:| Registration | Name | Total Seats | First Class Seats | Economy Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N801WA | Emily | 150 | 8 | 142 |
| N802WA | (Unnamed) | 146 | 12 | 134 |
| N804WA | Zairah | 155 | 0 | 155 |
| N805WA | Luis Tomas | 152 | 8 | 144 |
| N806WA | Jackie | 151 | 2 | 149 |
| N807TR | Vilma | 151 | 8 | 143 |
| N808WA | Patrick Joseph | 155 | 8 | 147 |
Former Fleet
World Atlantic Airlines, originally established as Caribbean Sun Airlines, commenced operations in January 2003 with a fleet consisting of De Havilland Canada DHC-8-100 turboprop aircraft.[22] These regional airliners, also known as Dash 8-100s, were configured for approximately 37 passengers and served short-haul routes primarily in the Caribbean, including connections between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. [23] The airline expanded its DHC-8-100 operations to up to four aircraft by mid-decade, supporting scheduled and charter services across nine gateways in the region.[23] However, facing financial difficulties, Caribbean Sun Airlines announced the shutdown of operations on January 9, 2007, effectively retiring the entire Dash 8 fleet by the end of that month.[1] Following a period of inactivity and rebranding to World Atlantic Airlines around 2010, the carrier shifted to McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series jet aircraft, marking the end of turboprop utilization.[2]| Aircraft Type | Total | Introduced | Retired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Havilland Canada DHC-8-100 | 4 | 2003 | 2007 | Operated as Caribbean Sun Airlines; 37-passenger configuration for regional Caribbean routes.[23][24] |