Silver Airways, the quirky, fuchsia-liveried regional carrier known for its intra-Florida and Caribbean routes, ceased operations today, 11 June 2025.
The unfortunate news comes after the carrier’s failed attempt to navigate Chapter 11 bankruptcy. We certainly wish it hadn’t come to this, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
The sudden closure leaves passengers stranded, assets headed for liquidation, and a dedicated workforce facing an uncertain future.
For those who’ve poured their hearts into keeping Silver’s turboprops aloft, our hearts go out to you today.
A Niche Carrier’s Rise and Fall
Silver Airways carved out a unique space in U.S. aviation since its founding in 2011, born from the ashes of Gulfstream International Airlines’ bankruptcy. Rebranded with a flamingo logo and a focus on Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, Silver operated an all-turboprop fleet—first Beechcraft 1900s, then Saab 340s, and later ATR 42s and 72s. It connected smaller communities through Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts and codeshares with United and JetBlue, while its 2018 acquisition of Seaborne Airlines expanded its Caribbean footprint.
The airline hit milestones, like becoming the first US ATR 72-600s operator in 2019 and briefly serving Cuba. But beneath the tropical charm, cracks were forming. Operational hiccups, frequent delays, and a near-eviction from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in 2023 over $1.4 million in unpaid fees hinted at deeper financial woes. By late 2024, Silver’s route network had shrunk dramatically, with cuts to eight destinations, including Gainesville (GNV) and Palm Beach (PBI), leaving just 20 cities served.
Silver Airways’ Bankruptcy and the Final Blow
Silver filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on 30 December 2024, hoping to restructure and secure fresh capital. The plan was to streamline operations and focus on core routes, but mounting debt, rising costs, and competition from jet operators like Breeze Airways and Florida’s Brightline high-speed rail proved too much. A would-be buyer backed out, and at a recent auction, no one outbid the “stalking horse” offer from a Wexford Capital affiliate, which will now take control of Silver’s assets, including its 14 ATR aircraft.
Seaborne Airlines, Silver’s Caribbean subsidiary, will keep flying, but for Silver itself, the journey ends here.
A Heavy Heart for the Silver Airways Team
In a heartfelt statement, Silver Airways CEO Steven Rossum shared the news:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the difficult news that, after months navigating through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, our journey at Silver Airways is coming to an end for most of us. Wexford Capital—our DIP lender—has informed us they will no longer support operations or, except for a few, retain our employees. As a result, Silver Airways will cease operations on Wednesday, June 11, and begin the wind-down process. A small group will be asked to stay on temporarily to assist with asset management and records. Those individuals will be contacted directly. Seaborne will continue to operate as scheduled.”
Steven Rossum, Silver Airways CEO
The airline’s Instagram post echoed the sentiment, urging passengers not to head to airports and promising refunds for credit card bookings.
For Silver’s employees—pilots, mechanics, gate agents, and more—this closure is undoubtedly a terrible gut punch. Many saw the signs, with former employees noting the ever-shrinking operation and constant crew reassignments, and opted to jump ship.
To those who stayed and now face joblessness, AvGeekery and the entire aviation community feel your loss and hope you land on your feet soon.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Although competitors may step in, Silver’s demise leaves a void in Florida and Caribbean connectivity.
Its quirky charm and niche routes will be missed, but the harsh realities of a post-COVID market, turboprop skepticism, and financial strain were insurmountable.
Passengers will be refunded, but for the airline industry, Silver Airways’ immediate demise is a sobering reminder of how brutal the industry can be, even for a carrier with a loyal niche. Here’s hoping its employees land on their feet and that Seaborne keeps the flamingo spirit alive, even if just a little longer.
