The semi-private jet company is flying on-demand throughout the Bahamas now, with scheduled service from Palm Beach, Florida to North Eleuthera and Marsh Harbour starting this winter.
Tradewind Aviation has opened a new Southeast hub in Palm Beach, Florida.
Here he is, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Razor Thin Margins!
My nickname seems apt for David Zipkin at this moment, as he teeters along the edge of a multi-million dollar Bahamian bluff in Eleuthera. It strikes us as funny, because in private aviation, it’s often true. Or at least it used to be in 2001, when pilots David and his brother Eric Zipkin co-founded Tradewind Aviation with just one plane, an eight-seat Cessna Caravan turboprop.
Today, Tradewind is considered one of the top semi-private airlines with a 32-plane fleet of mostly Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12s. Their stock-in-trade is operating private charters as well as scheduled service around the northeast, the Caribbean and St. Barts, with its notoriously short runways. When I first met the Zipkin brothers two years ago, their fleet count was only 23. They say the trick to growth is keeping these planes in the air: “There's nothing more expensive than an airplane sitting on the ground.”
So they opened a new Southeast hub in Florida last September, officially entering a major market. Tradewind’s private clients can now fly pretty much anywhere within 350 nautical miles from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), which includes all of the Bahamas, an archipelago made up of 700 islands. (There’s a lot more to this place than Nassau).
Eleuthera specifically, the 110-mile island with ferry service to nearby Harbour Island, is of obvious interest to Tradewind because it’s a known hideaway for celebrities and a real estate enclave for billionaires-with-a-B. Lenny Kravitz has a home here. Need I say more?
“We've always known that the South Florida-Bahamas market is very strong and perfect for what we do. I would have loved to be in this market 10 years ago, but we didn't have the infrastructure to support it. Now that we do it's an exciting time because we can commit to new markets,” Zipkin told Forbes. It’s also an exciting time for travelers, who can take advantage of this fly private-for-less charter model, which operates short distance flights on 8-seat planes. The appeal, apart from mod leather seats, complimentary champagne and fresh-faced pilots, is that they’re small enough to land on remote islands, where you might not otherwise find good, or any, service.
Though Tradewind’s new schedule of charters to North Eleuthera and Marsh Harbour from Palm Beach has not yet been published, pricing will start “in the range of $350 per person one-way,” according to the company. (For updated timing and pricing, check Tradewind’s website). Here’s a first look at the experience:
Eleuthera is a long, thin island in the Bahamas archipelago.
Explore Eleuthera in 10 Stunning Images
Named after the Greek word ‘eleutheros,’ meaning freedom, Eleuthera is also called ‘Freedom Island.’ Freedom from tourists is one observation. There are no mega Margaritavilles or Sandals resorts in sight. What you will find on this quiet, laid-back island are untouched beaches, pink sands, coral reefs and other natural wonders. And if you want to shake things up, Harbour Island with its high-end hotels and membership clubs is just a 10-minute ferry ride away.
The Charter Flight
Tradewind co-founder and chief commercial officer David Zipkin
I joined Tradewind co-founder and chief commercial officer David Zipkin for a sneak peek at the new route, meeting him at the Palm Beach FBO (fixed-base operator) ahead of our flight. We were greeted by two young pilots who carried our luggage and led us from a private lounge directly to the tarmac, which is standard operating procedure for Tradewind’s private charters.
Aerial Arrival
Flying into North Eleuthera, Bahamas
The turquoise waters of Eleuthera are a breathtaking sight from above. Arriving in such style has been a luxury reserved only for the ultra-wealthy. Until now.
Glass Window Bridge
The Glass Window Bridge
One of Eleuthera’s attractions is the Glass Window Bridge, a man-made strip of land that divides the phenomenal contrast of raucous, royal blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the calm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Taking in both vistas is a surreal sight, to say the least.
Queen’s Bath
The Queen's Bath is a natural attraction for visitors to the island of Eleuthera
The Queen’s Bath, located 0.6 miles south of the Glass Window Bridge, is indeed an ideal spot to bathe like a queen in the warm waters of the Atlantic. These natural tide pools have been carved by centuries of waves pounding exposed rock, creating a dramatic backdrop for your afternoon soak.
The Cove’s Villa
Inside the 3-bedroom villa at the Cove Eleuthera.
The Cove Eleuthera is a stylish, 29-room resort situated on 40 acres overlooking two private beaches. There are a range of suites, villas and cottages on property, but this 3-bedroom villa fashioned in bamboo and teak wood is a showstopper designed by Bar Architects, with a full kitchen, private plunge pool, and outdoor shower — all with the option of a private butler, private chef, and babysitting services. It’s the kind of place you might book for a special occasion or wedding, if the in-laws are feeling generous. (Prices range from $3,500 a night in the low season to $10,000 in the high season, from November to May.)
The Cove’s Infinity Pool
The infinity pool at The Cove Eleuthera
Following owner Oscar Tang’s $70 million renovation, which is still ongoing, the Cove unveiled this heated infinity pool overlooking both beaches. Amenities here include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, an open-air cocktail bar built to face the sunset, and an elegant seafood restaurant. According to Managing Director Carlton Russell, the property will add two pickleball courts by November to keep up with demand, along with a new boardroom for corporate off-site retreats.
Harbour Island
Harbour Island in The Bahamas
Harbour Island has a very ‘lifestyles of the rich and famous’ charm, with plenty of luxurious hotels and secluded beaches. The island doesn’t allow cars, so go with the Bahamian flow, hop on a bicycle or golf cart, and let your hair blow in the breeze.
Dunmore Hotel & Beach Club
Beachside dining at the Dunmore Hotel
At the center of the action on Harbour Island is The Dunmore, which possesses a retro 1960s resort glam and is framed by pink sands, breezy patios, and vintage rattan. With the sensibility of an exclusive private members club, it's no wonder celebs feel safe to socialize.
Pink Sands Beach
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island
The Dunmore is situated smack in the middle section of Pink Sands beach. It is a three-mile stretch of finely crushed coral that’s been sifted and smoothed overtime, and looks lovely in any light.
The Sunset Cruise
A sunset boat cruise in Eleuthera
The art of the evening sunset boat cruise requires a bit of planning. Pictured here is the Cove’s wine and cheese pairing. It’s an excellent idea, in theory. My advice? Hold your goblet close and bring an extra towel, just in case waters get choppy.
