Fina Air
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Lazaro Canto |
| Headquarters | San Juan , Puerto Rico |
Area served | Caribbean (Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic) |
Key people | Lazaro Canto (Founder and CEO) |
| Products | Charter airline services |
Fina Air was an airline headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, named in honor of Josefina Canto, the mother of its founder Lazaro Canto. The carrier provided charter services to the Dominican Republic operating from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, as well as from Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla and Eugenio María de Hostos Airport in Mayagüez. The airline is no longer in operation.
History
Established in 2003 by Lazaro Canto, who served as Founder and CEO, Fina Air initially planned to commence flights on July 15, 2003, linking San Juan and Mayagüez with six destinations in the Dominican Republic. This launch was subsequently delayed until October 2. The airline had ambitions to broaden its Caribbean network by 2005 and to introduce jet aircraft into its fleet; however, these expansion goals were never fulfilled.
Services
In addition to its scheduled routes from Aguadilla, Fina Air leased planes to U.S. immigration authorities for the purpose of repatriating undocumented immigrants to the Dominican Republic. The airline also maintained a partnership with the U.S.-based Viva Airlines. Following the passing of CEO Lazaro Canto, the company encountered financial difficulties including outstanding debts, legal challenges, and dissatisfaction among investors.
Fleet
The airline operated a fleet of three Saab 340 aircraft, which were eventually sold to a leasing firm and operated by RegionsAir under the Continental Connection brand out of Cleveland. Plans to acquire two McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 jets were abandoned. After numerous flight cancellations between July and August 2005, Fina Air provided compensation to affected passengers in the Dominican Republic through cash payments and artwork from musicians such as Oro Sólido and Johnny Ventura, securing signed acknowledgments of customer satisfaction.
One of Fina Air’s former Saab 340 planes was later involved in a crash in Argentina as Sol Líneas Aéreas Flight 5428.
Livery
Reflecting Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory, Fina Air’s aircraft displayed the American flag on their fuselages, while most planes prominently featured the colors of the Puerto Rican flag.