090. Binter Canarias

Binter Airlines

Binter Canarias has become synonymous with air travel in the Canary Islands. Founded with the mission of connecting the islands with each other and with the outside world, Binter has grown into a regional airline with a strong presence in Europe and Africa. Known for its reliability, comfort, and Canarian hospitality, Binter is more than just an airline—it’s an essential bridge between communities.

A Brief History

Binter Canarias was founded in 1988 and began operations in 1989 as a subsidiary of Iberia, Spain’s national airline. Its initial purpose was to provide inter-island service within the Canary archipelago, allowing for quick and efficient travel across the islands. In 2002, Binter became independent through a local investment group based in the Canary Islands, allowing it to focus more directly on regional needs and strategic expansion.

Since becoming a fully independent airline, Binter has steadily grown its fleet, opened new routes beyond the Canaries, and established itself as a premier regional carrier. Its development has played a crucial role in enhancing both tourism and daily life across the islands.

Fleet and Operations

As of 2025, Binter operates a fleet of approximately 40 aircraft, composed mainly of ATR turboprops and Embraer regional jets, both known for their reliability and efficiency on short-to-medium haul flights.

Fleet Breakdown:

  • ATR 72-600 – 26 aircraft
  • Embraer E195-E2 – 14 aircraft

The ATR 72s are primarily used for short flights between islands, while the Embraer jets serve longer routes to mainland Spain, Portugal, and other international destinations. The airline has continued investing in fleet modernization, ensuring quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft with better passenger comfort.

All of Binter’s aircraft are equipped with the latest navigation systems and cabin technologies, and the airline adheres to rigorous maintenance schedules to ensure safety and reliability. The company has also emphasized sustainability by choosing aircraft with lower emissions and fuel consumption, helping to reduce its environmental impact.

Route Network

Binter started as an inter-island operator but has since developed a comprehensive network connecting the Canary Islands with Europe and Africa. Today, Binter serves over 65 destinations and continues to grow.

Main Inter-Island Destinations:

  • Gran Canaria
  • Tenerife (North and South)
  • Lanzarote
  • Fuerteventura
  • La Palma
  • El Hierro
  • La Gomera
  • La Graciosa

Spain Mainland Cities:

  • Madrid
  • Valencia
  • Pamplona
  • San Sebastián
  • Zaragoza
  • Granada
  • Murcia

European Cities:

  • Lisbon
  • Porto
  • Funchal
  • Ponta Delgada
  • Toulouse
  • Marseille
  • Lille
  • Florence
  • Venice

African Destinations:

  • Casablanca
  • Marrakech
  • Agadir
  • Dakhla
  • Nouakchott
  • Dakar
  • Banjul

This combination of domestic, European, and African connections has positioned Binter as a hub for regional air travel in the Atlantic corridor. The airline’s expansion into African markets has also opened up valuable trade and tourism channels, further boosting the economy of the Canary Islands.

Hubs and Focus Cities

Binter operates a hub-and-spoke model, with its two major operational bases being:

  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) – The main hub, handling the majority of domestic and international operations.
  • Tenerife North Airport (TFN) – A secondary hub focused on inter-island and short-haul operations.

From these hubs, Binter offers smooth connections between islands and onward international travel. The airline has optimized flight schedules to enable seamless layovers and connections, making it easy for passengers to move across the entire network.

Passenger Experience

Binter is often praised for its premium regional service, which includes:

  • Complimentary snacks and beverages on all flights
  • Spacious seating with generous legroom compared to typical regional carriers
  • Friendly and bilingual staff
  • Free checked luggage included in standard fares
  • Clean, modern aircraft with quiet cabins

In addition to its onboard services, Binter has invested in a user-friendly website and mobile app, allowing passengers to easily book flights, check-in online, and manage reservations. The airline also provides special assistance for travelers with reduced mobility and families flying with young children.

Passengers flying on international routes can expect an elevated experience, with extra services and upgraded catering options that reflect the airline’s attention to detail and commitment to hospitality.

Loyalty Program

Binter offers a frequent flyer program called “BinterMás,” which rewards regular passengers with points for each flight taken. These points can be redeemed for free tickets, upgrades, and exclusive services. Members enjoy benefits like priority boarding, dedicated customer support, and early access to promotions.

The program is especially popular among residents of the Canary Islands who rely on frequent air travel for work, education, and family visits. BinterMás also partners with hotels, rental car companies, and other local businesses to offer members more ways to earn and redeem points.

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1988
  • Headquarters: Telde, Gran Canaria, Spain
  • Fleet Size: 40 aircraft
  • Destinations: 65+ in Europe, Africa, and mainland Spain
  • IATA Code: NT
  • ICAO Code: IBB
  • Callsign: BINTER
  • Ownership: Privately held by Canarian investors

Contact Information

If you need assistance with bookings, schedules, or other inquiries, Binter offers multiple contact channels:

Customer support is available in both Spanish and English and is known for being responsive and helpful.

Social Media Presence

Binter Canarias maintains an active social media presence to keep travelers informed, inspired, and connected.

  • Instagram: @binternt
  • Facebook: @bintercanarias
  • Twitter: @BinterCanarias
  • LinkedIn: Binter Canarias
  • YouTube: Binter Canarias Channel

These platforms regularly feature promotional campaigns, cultural content from the Canary Islands, and updates on routes and services. They also serve as an important customer service touchpoint, allowing passengers to get quick answers and share feedback.

Future Plans and Expansion

Binter Canarias is poised for continued growth. In 2025 and beyond, the airline plans to:

  • Expand its fleet with additional Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to serve longer regional routes.
  • Explore new direct services from the Canary Islands to northern and central Europe.
  • Launch more connections with African cities as demand grows.
  • Continue upgrading its digital platforms to enhance customer booking and travel experiences.
  • Reduce its environmental footprint by exploring sustainable aviation fuel options and adopting greener ground operations.

Binter is also focused on increasing tourism to the Canary Islands by working with local tourism boards and governments to create travel packages, promote lesser-known islands, and support year-round travel. These efforts aim to diversify tourism flows and encourage longer stays, benefitting the local economy.

The airline is actively involved in community outreach, supporting educational programs, sports initiatives, and environmental conservation efforts across the islands. By aligning its growth with the needs of the Canarian people, Binter continues to strengthen its role as a vital institution in the region.

Keyword: TopAirlines