Binter Canarias
A Spanish regional airline focused on inter-island services in the Canary Islands and selected Atlantic routes.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Binter Canarias, legally Binter Canarias, S.A., is a Spanish regional airline associated with the Canary Islands. The carrier is based at Gran Canaria Airport and Tenerife North Airport and has historically been the principal airline connecting the archipelago's islands. Its network reaches all eight airports in the Canary Islands, giving it an unusually strong position in a geographically dispersed domestic market where air travel is an important substitute for maritime transport. The airline was established on 18 February 1988 as a subsidiary of Iberia and began flying on 26 March 1989. It was created as a regional operator, initially concentrating on domestic links within the Canary Islands. The company was later included in the Spanish state airline holding company's privatization process. Although the state retained a golden-share mechanism connected with significant future ownership transactions, Binter ultimately moved into private ownership. Hesperia Inversiones Aéreas acquired the airline in July 2002, and in 2003 the operating company was absorbed into Hesperia, which adopted the Binter Canarias name. Binter's core proposition is regional connectivity rather than long-haul scale. Its main network has included Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and other Canary Islands airports. From this base, the airline expanded to nearby Atlantic and African markets, including Madeira, Lisbon, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Laayoune and Dakar, as well as selected mainland Spanish destinations such as Vigo and Mallorca. It has also operated charter services to Mauritania. Experimental or limited services to destinations such as Bergamo and Paris were discontinued when they did not develop into sustainable regular routes. The business has used several affiliated air operator certificates and partner airlines to support different parts of its network. NAYSA, or Navegación y Servicios Aéreos Canarios, was acquired by interests associated with Binter and was used to operate some services. Binter also established Canarias Airlines, trading as Canair, in 2011. NAYSA's original operations were subsequently integrated into Binter in 2018, although a new subsidiary using the Naysa Servicios Aéreos name was launched in 2023. The airline's operating structure has therefore included Binter-branded operations alongside Canair and Naysa. Fleet development has been central to Binter's regional strategy. The carrier progressively replaced older ATR 72-500 aircraft with ATR 72-600 turboprops and later introduced Embraer E195-E2 jets. Binter became the European launch customer for the E195-E2, with its first aircraft entering passenger service in December 2019. The turboprops are suited to short inter-island sectors, while the E2 aircraft provide greater range and capacity for mainland, Portuguese and African routes. By September 2024, the last ATR 72-500 had left the original Binter Airlines air operator certificate, while newer ATR 72-600 aircraft had been transferred to Naysa and the original certificate was focused on the E195-E2 fleet. Binter also developed an international presence in Cape Verde. After TACV suspended inter-island services during its restructuring in 2017, Binter Cabo Verde took over domestic Cape Verdean flying and entered a partnership related to TACV's international network. The subsidiary was renamed Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde in 2019. Binter completed its withdrawal from the venture in 2021 by selling its 70 percent stake to BestFly Worldwide. The brand is positioned as a dependable regional connector with a Canary Islands identity, combining frequent short-haul service with selected international routes. Its operating model has included in-house and affiliated ground and technical services, including Atlántica Handling for ground support from 2005 and BinterTechnic for technical support from 2008. Binter remains an active airline centered on the Canary Islands, with additional links to neighboring Atlantic islands, mainland Spain, Portugal and northwest Africa.
History
Binter Canarias was established on 18 February 1988 as a subsidiary of Iberia and began operating on 26 March 1989. Its original purpose was to provide regional air services in the Canary Islands, where the separation of the islands makes frequent air links important for residents, businesses and visitors. The airline developed into the only carrier serving all eight airports in the archipelago, giving it a broad domestic footprint and a distinctive regional role. The company was affected by the restructuring and privatization of Spain's state-linked airline sector in the late 1990s. In late 1999, SEPI, the Spanish state holding company associated with Iberia, implemented Binter's privatization while retaining a golden-share right that could be used to authorize future transactions involving more than 25 percent of the shareholding. Hesperia Inversiones Aéreas acquired the airline in July 2002. In 2003, Binter Canarias, S.A.U. was absorbed into Hesperia Inversiones Aéreas, S.A., which then adopted the Binter Canarias name. After privatization, Binter broadened its operating organization and geographic reach. Ownership interests associated with the airline acquired Navegación y Servicios Aéreos Canarios, commonly known as NAYSA, and some aircraft and activities were allocated to that operator. In 2011, Binter created Canarias Airlines, trading as Canair, as a low-fare subsidiary. These affiliated structures allowed the group to organize aircraft, crews and operating certificates around different routes and cost requirements. Binter's principal network remained the Canary Islands, but the airline also developed services to other Atlantic islands, the Spanish mainland, Portugal and Africa. Its destinations have included Madeira, Lisbon, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Laayoune, Dakar, Vigo and Mallorca. It has also operated charter flights to Nouadhibou and Nouakchott in Mauritania. Trials of regular service to Bergamo and Paris were discontinued, illustrating the airline's selective approach to routes outside its core regional market. Fleet policy has been a recurring part of Binter's development. The airline historically operated ATR 72-202 turboprops and also used leased Boeing 737 and Bombardier regional jets in particular periods. It later committed to ATR 72-600 aircraft to replace ATR 72-500s. In December 2019, Binter introduced its first Embraer E195-E2 into revenue service as the aircraft's European launch customer. The E2 fleet enabled longer regional sectors and higher-capacity services while retaining the economics and scale associated with regional flying. In Cape Verde, Binter created Binter Cabo Verde and took over domestic inter-island flying in late 2017 after TACV discontinued those services during a restructuring and privatization process. Binter Cabo Verde also partnered with TACV in an arrangement intended to connect domestic Cape Verdean destinations with international services. The subsidiary changed its name to Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde in 2019. Binter sold its 70 percent stake to BestFly Worldwide in 2021, ending its direct ownership of the Cape Verde operation. The airline continued to adjust its operating structure in the Canary Islands. In spring 2018, NAYSA was merged into Binter's operations and its air operator certificate was returned. In June 2023, Binter launched Naysa Servicios Aéreos as a new affiliated subsidiary using the former operator's name. By September 2024, Binter Airlines, the name used for Binter's original air operator certificate since 2015, had disposed of its last ATR 72-500. Newer ATR 72-600 aircraft were transferred to Naysa, while the Binter Airlines certificate became focused exclusively on the E195-E2 jet fleet. Binter has also developed supporting capabilities around its airline business. Airport sales have been handled through Binter Vende offices, ground support has been provided by Atlántica Handling since 2005, and technical support has been provided by BinterTechnic since 2008. The resulting brand is more than a simple inter-island airline: it is a regional aviation platform combining a strong Canary Islands network, affiliated operators, technical and handling capabilities, and selective international routes across the Atlantic and nearby African markets.
- 2024
Last ATR 72-500 leaves the original Binter Airlines certificate
[1]The last ATR 72-500 was disposed of in September, while newer ATR 72-600 aircraft moved to Naysa and the original certificate focused on E195-E2 aircraft.
- 2023
Naysa Servicios Aéreos is launched
[1]Binter introduced a new subsidiary operating under the Naysa Servicios Aéreos name.
- 2021
Cape Verde investment is divested
[1]Binter sold its 70 percent stake in TICV to BestFly Worldwide.
- 2019
E195-E2 enters service
[1]Binter's first Embraer E195-E2 entered passenger revenue service in December, making Binter the European launch customer.
- 2019
Binter Cabo Verde is renamed TICV
[1]Binter Cabo Verde adopted the name Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde.
- 2018
Madeira–Porto Santo service begins
[1]Binter started domestic service between Madeira and Porto Santo in June.
- 2018
NAYSA operations are integrated
[1]Binter integrated NAYSA's former activities and returned NAYSA's air operator certificate.
- 2017
Binter Cabo Verde takes over inter-island flying
[1]Binter Cabo Verde began operating Cape Verdean inter-island services after TACV discontinued those flights during restructuring.
- 2016
Additional ATR 72-600 aircraft ordered
[1]Binter agreed to acquire six more ATR 72-600 aircraft, bringing total commitments for the model to 18.
- 2011
Canarias Airlines is created
[1]Binter established Canarias Airlines, which traded as Canair and operated as an affiliated low-fare carrier.
Products and positioning
A Canary Islands-centered regional airline emphasizing comprehensive inter-island coverage, dependable short-haul connectivity and selective expansion into Atlantic, Iberian and northwest African markets.
Scheduled passenger aviation · 1989
Canary Islands inter-island network
Binter's core offering is scheduled air service among the Canary Islands. The airline has operated throughout the archipelago, including routes involving Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. This network is the foundation of the brand and supports daily mobility within a geographically fragmented autonomous community.
Regional turboprop aviation · 2016
ATR 72-600 regional services
ATR 72-600 aircraft support short-haul regional routes where moderate capacity, frequent departures and efficient operation are important. The model formed part of Binter's fleet-renewal program, replacing older ATR 72-500 aircraft and later being allocated within the affiliated Naysa operating structure.
Regional jet aviation · 2019
Embraer E195-E2 services
The E195-E2 is Binter's larger regional jet platform. It supports longer and higher-capacity routes from the Canary Islands to mainland Spain, Portugal, Atlantic islands and African destinations. Binter became the European launch customer, and its first aircraft entered passenger service in December 2019.
International regional aviation
Atlantic and African routes
Beyond its domestic network, Binter has offered scheduled and charter services linking the Canary Islands with Madeira, Lisbon, Cape Verde and destinations in northwest Africa. Reported destinations include Marrakesh, Casablanca, Laayoune and Dakar, with charter operations also extending to Mauritania.
Brand decisions
2023
Creation of Naysa Servicios AéreosStrategyBackground
Binter continued to organize its flights through affiliated operating companies after the earlier integration of NAYSA.
Action taken
The airline launched a new subsidiary using the Naysa Servicios Aéreos name.
Aftermath
The new subsidiary became part of the multi-operator structure supporting Binter-branded services.
2021
Sale of the Cape Verde subsidiaryM&ABackground
Binter reviewed its involvement in the Cape Verde inter-island market after operating the subsidiary through the Binter Cabo Verde and TICV phases.
Action taken
Binter sold its 70 percent stake in TICV to BestFly Worldwide.
Aftermath
The transaction completed Binter's divestment from the Cape Verdean airline.
2019
Introduction of the Embraer E195-E2Product launchBackground
Binter sought a newer regional jet capable of supporting longer routes and greater capacity than its turboprop fleet.
Action taken
The airline introduced its first E195-E2 into passenger revenue service in December 2019.
Aftermath
Binter became the European launch customer for the aircraft and subsequently focused its original Binter Airlines certificate on the E2 fleet.
2018
Integration of NAYSAM&ABackground
Binter's affiliated operating structure included NAYSA, which had been used for some aircraft and services.
Action taken
Binter merged NAYSA's former operations into its own operation and NAYSA returned its air operator certificate.
Aftermath
The former NAYSA activities became part of Binter's operating platform, although the Naysa name was later revived for a new subsidiary.
2017
Entry into Cape Verde inter-island operationsStrategyBackground
TACV discontinued domestic Cape Verde services while undergoing restructuring and privatization.
Action taken
Binter Cabo Verde took over inter-island flights and established a partnership related to TACV's international services.
Aftermath
The subsidiary operated under the TICV name from 2019, before Binter sold its 70 percent stake in 2021.
2016
Renewal of the regional turboprop fleetOtherBackground
Binter needed to modernize its regional fleet and replace older ATR 72-500 aircraft.
Action taken
The airline agreed to acquire six additional ATR 72-600 aircraft, taking its stated commitments for the model to 18.
Aftermath
The ATR 72-600 became an important part of the airline's modern regional operating structure.
Recent events
- 2023
Naysa Servicios Aéreos launches as a new affiliated subsidiary[1]
Other
Binter launched an additional subsidiary under the Naysa Servicios Aéreos name, reusing the name of the former carrier integrated into Binter's operations.
- 2021
Binter sells its stake in Cape Verde inter-island airline[1]
M&A
Binter sold its 70 percent holding in Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde to BestFly Worldwide, completing its withdrawal from the Cape Verdean subsidiary.
- 2019
First Binter Embraer E195-E2 enters passenger service[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Binter's first E195-E2 began revenue service in December 2019, making the airline the European launch customer for Embraer's new-generation regional jet.
- 2018
Binter integrates NAYSA operations[1]
M&A
Binter merged NAYSA's former operating activities into its own operation and NAYSA returned its air operator certificate.
- 2018
Binter begins Madeira–Porto Santo domestic service[1]
Product launch
The airline started domestic flights between Madeira and Porto Santo, extending its regional model into the neighboring Madeiran archipelago.
- 2017
Binter Cabo Verde takes over domestic Cape Verde services[1]
Other
Following TACV's suspension of inter-island flights during restructuring, Binter Cabo Verde assumed domestic Cape Verde operations and entered a partnership concerning international connections.
- 2016
Binter expands its ATR 72-600 commitments[1]
Product generation
The airline agreed to acquire six additional ATR 72-600 aircraft, bringing its stated commitments for the type to 18 and supporting renewal of its regional turboprop fleet.
- 2016
Binter records a training-flight landing-gear incident[1]
Other
An ATR 72-600 operated by NAYSA diverted to Gran Canaria after a problem with the left main landing gear during a training flight. The aircraft made low passes for inspection and landed safely; the event was not described as a crash.
- 2011
Canarias Airlines is established as a Binter-affiliated low-fare operator[1]
Other
Binter established Canarias Airlines, which operated under the Canair trading name and became part of the airline's multi-certificate operating structure.
- 2002
Binter Canarias moves into private ownership[1]
M&A
Hesperia Inversiones Aéreas acquired Binter Canarias during the post-privatization period, changing the airline's ownership structure.
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