Tradewind

Tradewind Aviation, with ICAO code GPD, is an American air carrier renowned for its premium private and scheduled "shuttle" services across the Northeast, Southeast, and Caribbean regions.

Tradewind Aviation was founded in 2001 by brothers Eric and David Zipkin, initially operating with a single Cessna Caravan for charter flights. The company expanded its offerings to include scheduled flights in 2005 and 2006, recognizing a demand for high-quality regional air travel.

The airline is headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut, and maintains significant operational bases at Westchester County Airport in New York, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico, and Witham Field in Stuart, Florida. Additionally, Gustaf III Airport in St. Barth serves as a key operational location, particularly for its Caribbean routes. Tradewind Aviation primarily operates a modern fleet of Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft. As of January 2025, the fleet comprises 35 PC-12s, with plans to grow to 38 through ongoing deliveries of new PC-12 NGX models by 2027. The PC-12s are highly regarded for their comfort, reliability, and ability to access smaller airports with short runways, placing passengers closer to their final destinations. For longer-range or larger cabin private charters, Tradewind can arrange flights on light jets (such as Cessna Citation CJ3, Nextant 400XTI, Citation Bravo, and Hawker 400) through vetted third-party operators.

Tradewind Aviation's route network focuses on providing convenient access to luxury and business travel hotspots. Domestically, it serves destinations like Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard from the New York area. In the Southeast, it offers flights from Florida to the Bahamas (Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera, Nassau). Its Caribbean network connects San Juan to islands such as St. Barths, Anguilla, Antigua, Virgin Gorda, and Tortola. The airline is not a member of any major global airline alliance (e.g., Star Alliance, SkyTeam, Oneworld). However, it has established interline agreements with major carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and British Airways, facilitating seamless connections and baggage transfers for travelers. Notable services include operating flights from private Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) terminals in the US, offering a "private jet-like comfort at a single-seat price." Passengers can enjoy complimentary refreshments, including snacks, water, beer, and wine, and access to a private lounge with Wi-Fi in San Juan. A VIP Meet & Greet service is also available as an add-on for transfers. While designated as "Economy Class," the Pilatus PC-12 cabins feature a 1x1 seating configuration, ensuring individual space and window views. The airline also offers a "Goodspeed" jet card program for frequent travelers.