Tradewind Aviation
A Peru-listed scheduled carrier operating short Caribbean links with Pilatus PC-12 and other single-engine turboprop aircraft.
About Tradewind Aviation
Tradewind Aviation is identified in this directory as a scheduled airline headquartered in Peru, with TANS Peru given as its legal name and TJ and ELV as its IATA and ICAO codes. Its current operating identity is centered on small-aircraft regional flying rather than the larger domestic network historically associated with the TANS Peru name. Public-facing details about ownership and the relationship between these identities are limited, so travellers should verify the operating carrier shown on their booking.
The airline operates six routes serving four destinations in four countries. Its network connects Saint Barthelemy, Saint John's, Saint Thomas and San Juan, with Saint Barthelemy having the largest number of departures, followed by Saint John's, San Juan and Saint Thomas. These short Caribbean sectors are designed principally for regional travel and onward connections rather than long-haul journeys.
Aircraft associated with the operation include the Pilatus PC-12 and other Cessna single-engine light turboprops. These are considerably smaller than conventional airline jets, generally providing a single compact passenger cabin without separate business- and economy-class sections. Limited cabin and baggage space is normal on this aircraft category, while the ability to serve smaller island airports is an important operational advantage.
Tradewind Aviation is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. No dedicated frequent-flyer programme can be confirmed for this operation, so passengers should not assume that tickets will earn miles or confer status benefits with a major global alliance. Any earning opportunities, reciprocal benefits or through-ticket arrangements should be checked against the specific fare and operating carrier before travel.
The network's strength is its direct connectivity among Caribbean islands where surface travel can be slow and larger aircraft may be impractical. The trade-off is that small turboprop operations can have stricter baggage limits, less cabin space and greater sensitivity to weather or operational changes. Travellers should allow adequate connection time, monitor flight updates and confirm baggage rules for their particular itinerary.
Good to know
Flying with Tradewind Aviation — what to expect
Small Aircraft Experience
Flights use compact single-engine turboprops, including the Pilatus PC-12. Expect a more intimate cabin and less room to move around than on a conventional airliner.
Check Baggage Limits
Weight and space restrictions can be tighter on light aircraft. Confirm both checked- and carry-on allowances for your fare before arriving at the airport.
Allow Connection Time
Island weather and small-airport operations may affect schedules. Build a sensible buffer before connecting to a separate long-haul or inter-island ticket.
Limited Cabin Classes
These aircraft generally do not offer the conventional business- and economy-class separation found on larger jets. Review the seat and service details attached to the specific flight.
Verify Operating Carrier
Check the operating-carrier name and flight details on your confirmation, especially when booking through an agency or as part of a connecting itinerary.
Network overview
Where Tradewind Aviation flies
Tradewind Aviation operates 6 routes to 4 destinations across 4 countries, its longest sector reaching Saint Barthelemy to San Juan (339 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Tradewind Aviation flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Saint Barthelemy → San Juan
339 km · SBH → SJU
The longest sector in the Tradewind Aviation network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Tradewind Aviation
Notable destinations on Tradewind Aviation's network.
TJSaint BarthelemydirectTJSaint John'sdirectTJSaint ThomasdirectTJSan JuandirectDestination list is indicative of Tradewind Aviation's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of Tradewind Aviation
TripAdvisor · 2016–2023- 532
- 41
- 30
- 20
- 12
What travellers flew
Counted from the 35 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Tradewinds Aviation is AWESOME!
We have flown to St Barth on a few occasions and have used two different plane services. Tradewind by far is the most exceptional experience we have had!! We payed for concierge service and it was worth every penny! We were met at the arrival gate and guided… See more to a nicely stocked lounge while our luggage was gathered and passports checked. The employees were amazing! The flight was smooth and the plane clean and cool. Departure was also smooth. Upon arrival back at San Juan, we were escorted to TSA by a very knowledgeable and friendly employee. Without him, we would have NEVER made our flight as that airport is a nightmare! We will always use Tradewind Aviation when available!
See lessPosted April 2023 by Sean M, Sarasota
Very Professional
Another highly professional experience with Tradewind. We arrived ahead of schedule in SBH, and the pilots were first class as usual.
Posted August 2022 by fatbear2000, Oxford
Another Excellent Flight
We recently flew again with Tradewind Aviation between Antigua and St Barths, and back again. From Antigua we flew in their Pilatus which is marketed as Sexy Jet, and is configured for executive travel with only 6 seats rather than the usual 8 seats, and there… See more was a small bottle of champagne amongst the drinks in the ice box. I am not sure what their marketing people would have been thinking if they saw a fatbear getting on and off it ! The flight from St Barths was full with 7 passengers and one extremely well behaved dog. As everyone was ready, we departed 30 minutes early, although the downside of this was that it gave us an extra 30 minutes to wait for our connection in Antigua ! As always, the Tradewind pilots were extremely pleasant.
See lessPosted September 2021 by fatbear2000, Oxford
Start your vacation early
Flew from San Juan to St Bart's Christmas day. What a pleasure compared to flying through St Martin. Easy to navigate the terminal to the Tradewind lounge, super friendly staff, swiss train-like departure and arrival. Highly recommended.
Posted January 2021 by Planningmynextmeal, Rancho Cucamonga
Highly recommended
Wow! After a disaster with Win Air I had to rebook a flight with Tradewind last minute out of St. Bart’s. Tradewind was quick to respond to all of my emails and inquiries. Their website was easy, modern and very nice to use. Luckily I was able to book as a… See more codeshare with United and got a single itinerary home. All workers I met in both St. Bart’s and San Juan airport were exceptional. Because everyone in our flight was present, we left thirty minutes early and reached SJU much earlier than anticipated. The plane (jet?) was sleek, comfortable and clean. Snacks and Evian water were provided which was a very nice touch. Pilots were friendly and answered all of our questions. While airfare is pricey, I would highly recommend Tradewind and would absolutely use them again to St. Bart’s or another location they fly (and would be willing to pay more to do so).
See lessPosted March 2020 by IcedMacchiato, New Jersey
Great Experience
Fast & Efficient PC12 for a Comfortable 45 Min leg to San Juan. Highly Recomanded, Hassle Free Immigration in San Juan. Cheers and Thanks to Pilots and Staff.
Posted February 2020 by Mister BR, Gustavia
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
More from Peru
Other airlines based in Peru
FAQ
Tradewind Aviation — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- The busiest departure points are Saint Barthelemy, Saint John's, San Juan and Saint Thomas, listed in descending order by number of routes.
- Fares are often lower outside peak Caribbean holiday periods and when booked in advance. Compare nearby dates and avoid major holidays or high-season weekends when possible.
- Tradewind Aviation serves Saint Barthelemy, Saint John's, Saint Thomas and San Juan on short Caribbean routes.
- Carry-on space can be more restricted on the airline's light turboprop aircraft than on larger jets. Check the allowance attached to your fare and be prepared for some bags to be placed in the aircraft's baggage compartment.
- Saint Barthelemy is the airline's busiest departure point by number of routes. Saint John's, San Juan and Saint Thomas are its other principal departure airports.
- Tradewind Aviation serves exactly 4 destinations across 4 countries, operating 6 routes.
- The longest route is Saint Barthelemy to San Juan, about 339 km nonstop.