Picture the Canary Islands: volcanoes, ocean, tiny airports where planes land practically on the beach. And right in the middle of it all is Binter Canarias, an airline that’s been zipping between the islands for over 30 years, like a winged local postman. Recently, I got to wondering: who are these guys? Their story’s intriguing, their planes are cool, and somehow, they’ve quietly become part of the archipelago’s heartbeat.
Where It All Began
Binter was born in 1988 when Spanish giant Iberia decided it was time to create a subsidiary for Canary Island flights. The first flight, on March 26, 1989, was a modest but crucial step. Back then, there were no sleek turboprop ATRs or fancy Embraer E-2 jets. They flew CASA CN-235s – sturdy workhorses that looked more like propeller-driven delivery vans. There were four of them, reliably connecting Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and La Palma. But in 1990, the first ATR 72-202 joined the fleet – and that’s when Binter found its true star. Over time, the CASA planes faded into history, while ATRs multiplied to eleven by 1999, becoming Binter’s calling card.
The fleet kept evolving. At one point, four McDonnell Douglas DC-9s showed up – rare guests in this story, but they helped the airline reach beyond the islands. Then, in 2007, Binter took a big leap with three Bombardier CRJ1000s. It was their first dive into jet territory – fast, roomy planes for longer routes. If I’m not mistaken, Binter was among the first in Europe to operate them, though they later left the fleet. There was also a brief stint with a Boeing 737-400, but it didn’t stick around. Then, in 2019, came a real celebration – Binter marked its 30th anniversary by introducing the Embraer E195-E2. They were the first in Europe to fly this plane, a lively leap from turboprops to modern jet liners. Today, ATR 72-600s and Embraer E195-E2s are the backbone of this winged crew, but more on that later.
Where It All Began
Binter was born in 1988 when Spanish giant Iberia decided it was time to create a subsidiary for Canary Island flights. The first flight, on March 26, 1989, was a modest but crucial step. Back then, there were no sleek turboprop ATRs or fancy Embraer E-2 jets. They flew CASA CN-235s – sturdy workhorses that looked more like propeller-driven delivery vans. There were four of them, reliably connecting Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and La Palma. But in 1990, the first ATR 72-202 joined the fleet – and that’s when Binter found its true star. Over time, the CASA planes faded into history, while ATRs multiplied to eleven by 1999, becoming Binter’s calling card.
The fleet kept evolving. At one point, four McDonnell Douglas DC-9s showed up – rare guests in this story, but they helped the airline reach beyond the islands. Then, in 2007, Binter took a big leap with three Bombardier CRJ1000s. It was their first dive into jet territory – fast, roomy planes for longer routes. If I’m not mistaken, Binter was among the first in Europe to operate them, though they later left the fleet. There was also a brief stint with a Boeing 737-400, but it didn’t stick around. Then, in 2019, came a real celebration – Binter marked its 30th anniversary by introducing the Embraer E195-E2. They were the first in Europe to fly this plane, a lively leap from turboprops to modern jet liners. Today, ATR 72-600s and Embraer E195-E2s are the backbone of this winged crew, but more on that later.
By 2002, local investors from Hesperia Inversiones Aéreas, SA bought Binter, and it’s been living its own life ever since, no longer looking back at mama Iberia. Well, almost right away, Hesperia renamed itself Binter Canarias S.A. The name Binter? It comes from "IB Inter Canarias," the Iberia (IB) division set up for regional services. You’ll often hear it translated as “Connecting Link.” And it’s true – from the start, Binter was built to tie the islands together and to the world. Pretty cool, right?
Planes and Who Flies Them
So, today Binter has two types of winged steeds: turboprop ATR 72-600s and jet-powered Embraer E195-E2s. The former are tough little planes for short hops. They hum like giant bumblebees and can land even where runways are short and winds are wild. Word is, there are 26 of them in service, perfect for island-hopping between Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera. The Embraers, though, are next-level: 15 sleek beauties flying farther afield, like to Madrid or Lisbon. They’re quieter, more modern, and the cabin doesn’t feel like a cramped bus.
Here’s the curious part: Binter isn’t just Binter. There’s also Canair and Naysa, which operate ATR 72-600s under its banner. The Embraers, meanwhile, are flown by Binter Airlines. I was confused at first – are these separate companies? Turns out, Canair and Naysa are like sidekicks, part of the Binter system. They handle some flights, especially inter-island ones, so the main company can focus on bigger things. Oh, and about Canair: their logo features a dog – a cute dog with a winged helmet. Why a dog? I couldn’t find a definitive answer, but maybe it’s a nod to loyalty and reliability, like a faithful hound always by your side. Or maybe someone in the office just loved dogs, and everyone went, “Sure, why not!” Binter Airlines, from what I can tell, isn’t fully separate either – more like a brand for the jet fleet. It’s a complex family, but they work together like a well-oiled machine.
What They’re Up To Now
Binter’s not standing still. Recently, they’ve started flying from the Canaries to places like Córdoba and Asturias, and last year they launched a route to Madrid. This isn’t just an island shuttle anymore – they’re clearly aiming high. Their ATRs are fresh, with new PW127M engines that give a bit more grunt on takeoff, handy when you’re surrounded by mountains and wind. And the Embraer E195-E2? Pure pride. Binter was the first in Europe to fly one in 2019. Inside, you’ve got comfy seats in a two-by-two layout and overhead bins that can handle even the suitcase of a tourist who bought souvenirs for the whole family.
Onboard, they don’t go overboard with luxury, but they’re not stingy either. On short flights, you might get nuts or water, and the crew’s always got a smile – that’s their thing, or so they say. Seats aren’t assigned, so show up early, grab a window seat, and soak in the view of volcanoes from above.
Why They Matter
For the Canaries, Binter’s more than an airline – it’s like the islands’ circulatory system. Without it, the islands would feel like separate planets, each on its own. Tourists love it too – hopping on a plane and getting from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote in 40 minutes beats waiting hours for a ferry. Locals? They see those green planes as part of the landscape.
Sure, there are hiccups sometimes. In 2016, for instance, an ATR 72-600 on a training flight had a landing gear issue and had to divert to Gran Canaria instead of Tenerife. Everything turned out fine, but stories like that remind you even the reliable folks have their adventures.
What’s Next?
Rumor has it Binter’s got more growing to do. A sixteenth Embraer is on the horizon, which means more routes are coming. Maybe we’ll see them in Barcelona or even beyond Spain soon. But the best part? They’re holding onto that Canary soul – the kind that makes passengers feel not just on a plane, but like they’re visiting an old friend.