This Semi-private Jet Company Is Launching a New Route From the U.S. to the British Virgin Islands — and We Were the First on Board

The palm-fringed and pristine waters of Virgin Gorda are a marvel to witness from any angle, but they’re most breathtaking — and most conveniently approached — from above. With no commercial flight options servicing the island from the U.S., an aerial arrival has been a luxury only the few who flew private could afford — until now. 

As of Nov. 16, semi-private jet company Tradewind Aviation is launching a brand-new route from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, which will make accessing the Caribbean paradise far more efficient and enjoyable.

From November through April, the new scheduled service route — which takes just 35 minutes — will be offered three times a day on weekends from the private terminal of Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan (SJU) into Virgin Gorda (VIJ/TUPW), while daily flights will be on offer around the holidays. Pricing starts at $128 for one-way flights; for updated timing and pricing, be sure to check Tradewind’s website. 

All routes to and from Virgin Gorda will be flown on Tradewinds' Swiss-built Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which comfortably seats eight passengers and their luggage. Complimentary light snacks and refreshments are provided, and typically tend to showcase local products. 

We joined Tradewind co-founder and chief commercial officer David Zipkin for a sneak peek at the new route, meeting him at the minimalist Tradewind lounge in San Juan ahead of our flight. We were first greeted by a warm representative from the carrier who assisted us with our luggage and led us to the private lounge — a VIP experience that’s a staple of Tradewind’s private charters, and which can be purchased for an additional $200 per group for scheduled service guests.

Zipkin co-founded Tradewind in 2001 alongside his brother, Eric, who has more than 30 years of pilot experience. The family-run business has been operating private charters as well as scheduled service around the northeast and the Caribbean for more than two decades, earning it a spot as one of the top semi-private airlines. 

Boarding the flight, I was struck by the modern design: eight slim forward-facing seats, all upholstered in a sleek black leather that’s plush enough to invite a quick nap. But you won’t want to close your eyes — half an hour is hardly enough time to take in the shimmering splendor below. We circled around as Virgin Gorda rose into sight, admiring the lush green hills and rocky coastline. I braced myself as we approached the dirt landing strip beside the sea, but I never even felt the wheels touch down — so seamless is the new connection to Virgin Gorda.