Binter AirlinesBinter has commenced its flights from the Canary Islands to Madrid. This aims to enhance the air connectivity between the islands and the mainland, and provide top-quality service and ensure healthy competition.
The inaugural flights took off at 8:00 a.m. from Tenerife North, Ciudad de La Laguna (TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA) airports, arriving at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 11:40 am. Flights from Madrid to Gran Canaria departed at 07:00, and to Tenerife at 08:00. The airline will operate 112 weekly connections with the capital starting from today.
The inaugural flight from Tenerife North was attended by Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands; Vice President Manuel Domínguez; Government delegate Javier Plata; Tenerife’s Cabildo President Rosa Davila; and Airport Director Francisco Javier Osman. From Binter, President Rodolfo Núñez and Adviser John Ramsden were also present.
The Gran Canaria flight was graced by the presence of Astrid Perez, President of the Canary Islands Parliament; Government sub-delegate Teresa Mayans; Education Minister Poli Suarez; Tourism Minister Jessica de Leon; Airport Director Julio Mosquera; former Public Works Minister Sebastian Franquis. Plus, Binter’s General Coordinator Santiago Guerra, Adviser Ana Suarez along with the Director of Communication Noelia Curbelo.
In Madrid, a presentation was held at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, with the presence of Ángel Victor Torres, Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory; President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo; General Director of Tourism and Hospitality of the Community of Madrid, Luis Martín Izquierdo; and Binter’s President, Rodolfo Núñez.
Nuñez stated that arriving in Madrid, the main link between the Canary Islands and Spain and the rest of the world, “was a dream that has now become a reality”. He expressed gratitude to “the more than 2,000 workers, the support from clients, and financial entities for making it possible.”
Izquierdo emphasized that this new Madrid-Canary Islands route “will boost tourism, economic activity, and contribute to investment and employment, both in Madrid and the Canary Islands.”
Torres described the day as historic, highlighting Binter’s role in maintaining services during the pandemic to ensure connectivity and the transfer of health personnel between islands as “an excellent example of public-private collaboration”.
He also acknowledged the commitment of the Spanish Government to the islands’ connectivity and the resident bonus, expressing that “Binter’s operations are a great asset for the Canary Islanders.”
Fernando Clavijo emphasized the significance of mobility for island residents and praised Binter’s dedication to the Canary Islands. “Now, a citizen of El Hierro can depart in the morning and arrive in Madrid in the afternoon,” reflecting on the connectivity challenges faced by the island.
Clavijo noted Binter’s consistent support whenever needed and highlighted the collaborative efforts between the regional Executive and the airline to enhance the archipelago’s connectivity.
At Madrid airport, a ceremony was held for the flight departing at 12:30 p.m. to Gran Canaria, attended by Airport Director, Mario Otero; Binter’s Commercial and Marketing Director, Miguel Ángel Suárez; and Binter Airlines’ Operation Manager, David Manzanas, along with Drago Handling staff and the flight crew.
Enhanced Connectivity: 16 Daily Flights Between Canary Islands and Madrid
Binter has commenced operations with 16 daily flights, totaling 112 per week, between Tenerife North (TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA) airports, and Madrid (MAD). Departure times from Tenerife are set for 08:00, 11:00, 15:30, and 20:30, and from Madrid at 08:00, 12:30, 17:00, and 20:00. Gran Canaria departures are scheduled for 08:00, 10:00, 15:30, and 20:30, with returns from T2 at 7:00, 12:30, 5:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
Explore the Canary Islands with Binter
Furthermore, its most notable and intriguing distinction on these routes is its capability to facilitate connections with other airports in the Canary Islands at no extra charge, thanks to the 210 daily average flights it operates within the archipelago.
Binter Opens New Sales Office
The company has launched its first Binter Vende airport office outside the Canary Islands, situated on the upper level (Departures) of Terminal 2 at Adolfo Suárez – Madrid Barajas Airport, near the north access door and the company’s check-in counters. The office will have extended hours (from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) to manage all airline operations, 365 days a year.
Ground Handling Services
The handling service will be conducted through Drago Handling, which is part of the Canary Islands’ airline system, comprised of 17 specialized companies offering comprehensive services related to various aviation sectors.
Binter has established this company to provide assistance, ramp handling, and operation services exclusively for Binter flights and passengers to and from Madrid, ensuring the airline’s characteristic service quality and passenger care in the Canary Islands.
The Drago Handling team, consisting of 75 professionals, has been trained to operate a modern fleet of sustainable and efficient motorized ramp equipment.
It’s worth noting that Binter has been investing in modern and sustainable ground handling equipment for years and has been incorporating electric equipment wherever feasible. Atlántica de Handling, a company within the system that provides handling services to the company at Canarian airports, was the first in the sector to meet Aena’s requirements for reducing carbon footprint.
Aircraft Maintenance Station
Another step taken by Binter to strengthen its operations in Madrid is the launch of an online aircraft maintenance station managed by another company within the Binter system: Servicios Aerotécnicos Insulares (SATI).
This move will ensure better service for Binter’s Embraer E195-E2 fleet based at the capital’s airport. It will also expedite assistance for aircraft facing issues within the mainland, reducing response times if maintenance is required at one of the airports where the airline operates.
Initially, the facility will be staffed with 25 individuals, including engineers, maintenance technicians, and material managers, with plans to gradually increase the staff to a team of 40 people.
