JetLogistics expands Caribbean airfreight

Jet Logistics said on May 14 that it is expanding cargo and COMBI operations in the Caribbean through a partnership with Blue Tide Aviation, adding lift on routes linking Florida, the Bahamas and other island markets. The Johns Island, South Carolina-based operator said the program will use a Blue Tide C-23 “Shorts” Sherpa aircraft based in the Caribbean. Jet Logistics described the move as an expansion into the cargo sector, while Blue Tide said the partnership would support inter-island distribution and direct lift to and from the United States. The companies disclosed the plan in a company post and a PR Newswire release on May 14. ### Which companies are involved, and what did they announce? Jet Logistics said the new arrangement pairs its FAA Part 135 operating platform and Caribbean experience with Blue Tide Aviation’s logistics work across the United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The company identified Blue Tide as Fort Lauderdale-based and said the partnership expands Jet Logistics’ cargo and COMBI offering. (jetlogistics.us) W. Ashley Smith Jr., Jet Logistics’ president, said in the release that the two companies are “well-aligned with strategic goals for specialized air transport solutions.” Blue Tide representatives said the companies’ early discussions showed alignment on “operational discipline and customer execution.” ### What aircraft is being deployed, and what can it carry? (jetlogistics.us) The launch program includes a C-23/C-360 “Shorts” Sherpa aircraft that the companies said will be based in the Caribbean. Jet Logistics said the twin-engine transport is suited to cargo work because it can operate from unimproved runways, has short takeoff and landing capability, and uses a rear cargo door with a load ramp. (jetlogistics.us) Jet Logistics said the Sherpa has a cargo capacity of 40 cubic meters and can carry up to 7,500 pounds under Part 135 regulations. Blue Tide’s public business listing separately says its C-23B Sherpa, operated by Jet Logistics, serves South Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean and is used for specialized cargo and mission support. (jetlogistics.us) ### Where will the new service run? Florida and the Bahamas are part of the initial network, according to the May 14 release. Jet Logistics also listed frequent operating lanes between the mainland United States and Puerto Rico, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Barbados. Blue Tide said the service is intended for inter-island distribution as well as direct lift to and from the United States. (jetlogistics.us) The companies did not publish a timetable, flight frequency or customer pricing in the materials they released. ### What does COMBI mean in this case? Jet Logistics’ cargo page says the company operates COMBI and cargo missions for select commercial and government clients in the United States and international markets, including the Caribbean. (jetlogistics.us) In aviation use, COMBI generally refers to flights configured to carry both passengers and cargo, and Jet Logistics’ release said the partnership would deliver “cargo, passenger, and COMBI solutions” across the region. That indicates the companies are marketing mixed-use lift rather than cargo-only flying on every mission. The May 14 announcement did not specify how the Sherpa will be configured on each route. It also did not identify launch customers, though Blue Tide said its recent work has included expedited commercial freight, aircraft-on-ground support, government contract work and disaster-response logistics. ### What else did the companies say about the rollout? (jetlogistics.us) Jet Logistics said Blue Tide brings experience in cargo, marine and special-mission logistics. Blue Tide said the combined operation aims to provide “faster, more flexible, and higher-reliability” air cargo service, language the company used in the release. (jetlogistics.us) Jet Logistics’ website says the company has operated fixed-wing programs for 25 years and holds IS-BAO Stage 3 certification and U.S. Department of Defense CARB accreditation. Those credentials were also cited in the May 14 announcement as part of the company’s operating profile. May 14 is the only dated milestone the companies have published so far for the Caribbean cargo expansion. Jet Logistics said the launch program includes the Sherpa deployment, and its website and PR Newswire release remain the primary public sources for further operating details from Jet Logistics and Blue Tide Aviation. (jetlogistics.us 1) (jetlogistics.us 2)