Borinquen Air
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Headquarters | Puerto Rico |
Area served | Regional passenger and freight transportation |
Key people | Sixto Diaz Saldaña (General Manager, sole owner) |
| Products | Charter airline services, aviation fuel |
Borinquen Air, which is also known under the names Amber Service, Air Puerto Rico, and Diaz Aviation, operates as a charter airline headquartered in Puerto Rico. The company specializes in regional passenger and freight transportation. Established in 1961, its primary base of operations is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
Since 1985, the firm has diversified by entering the aviation fuel market. Leadership is provided by Sixto Diaz Saldaña, a member of the founding family who acts as general manager, sole owner, and holds a legal license.
Fleet
As of , Borinquen Air's aircraft roster included two planes: a 7-seat Beechcraft Model 18 and a Douglas DC-3 configured for cargo. Previously, the airline's fleet featured models such as the Douglas DC-6, Douglas DC-9, Martin 4-0-4, and Short 330.
Delta Ship 41
Among the notable aircraft was "Delta Ship 41," a DC-3 originally operated by Delta Airlines. This particular plane was found active in Puerto Rico transporting cargo under registration N29PR before being repurchased by Delta in 1993. It is currently displayed at the Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum.
McDonnell Douglas DC-9
During the 1980s, Air Puerto Rico operated a single McDonnell Douglas DC-9 bearing registration N931EA. This aircraft serviced routes including Miami, Montego Bay, and Santo Domingo before being withdrawn from service in 1987.
Accidents and incidents
- On 22 July 1986, a Douglas DC-3 (N27PR) operated by Borinquen Air crashed into a lagoon while on approach to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport following failure of its starboard engine shortly after departure. The cargo flight was destined for Golden Rock Airport in Saint Kitts and Nevis. One pilot lost their life in this accident.
- On 1 March 1989, another DC-3 (N28PR) ditched near Isla Verde, Puerto Rico due to port engine failure during landing approach on a cargo flight branded as Diaz Aviation from Golden Rock Airport to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. The crew’s failure to feather the propeller increased drag, hindering further control actions. Both crew members survived.
| Short 360 |
| Delta Ship 41 |
| McDonnell Douglas DC-9-14 |
| Discontinued Destinations |
|---|
| Miami |
| Santo Domingo |
| Montego Bay |