AvA Airways (Sint Maarten) (St. Maarten) has opened dialogue with AerCap over the proposed lease of four A319-100s which the start-up plans to use for its certification requirements and beyond.

A meeting was held this week in Philipsburg between AVA Airways chairman, Olivier Arrindell, and representatives from the Dutch lessor following which a provisional agreement was signed.

AVA Airways secured its Certificate of Economic Authority (CEA) from the government of St. Maarten last month and is now planning to embark on its AOC certification. Once operational, it plans to offer services throughout the Caribbean and the Americas.