Passengers disembark from a Silver Airways flight at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — In a major step forward for Silver Airways’ financial recovery, the airline’s Teamsters-represented pilots have overwhelmingly approved an agreement to support the company’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy—without a single furlough. Geoffrey Jacobs, System Chief Pilot for Silver Airways, announced the development on Tuesday, calling the vote a demonstration of unity and leadership.
“With an incredible 92% voter turnout—and 87% voting in favor—our pilots approved an agreement that supports the airline’s emergence from Chapter 11 while ensuring zero furloughs and retaining every single pilot!” Jacobs stated. “This vote wasn’t just about business. It was about backing each other, believing in our future, and proving that when pilots stand together, we lift more than airplanes—we lift each other.”
The vote marks the latest development in Silver Airways’ restructuring efforts, which began when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in late December 2024. In an open letter to customers, the airline emphasized that the move was part of a strategic plan to stabilize operations and secure additional funding to remain competitive in the regional aviation market.
“This decision will allow us to secure additional capital and undertake a financial restructuring that will strengthen our position as a competitive airline,” the letter stated. At the time, Silver Airways assured customers that day-to-day operations would continue without interruption, and that all existing reservations and flight schedules would remain valid. Since then, however, Silver has ended all flights to Dominica and refunded customers.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows a company to reorganize while continuing to operate, under the oversight of a bankruptcy court. The process includes the development of a reorganization plan that must gain approval from affected creditors and meet specific legal standards. The newly approved pilot agreement is a significant piece of that restructuring plan.
Silver Airways has played a critical role in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ transportation infrastructure since acquiring Seaborne Airlines in 2018. The airline operates vital daily seaplane flights between St. Thomas and St. Croix and offers air connections between the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. These routes are relied upon by both residents and tourists for access to other Caribbean destinations and the U.S. mainland.
The agreement between Silver Airways and its pilots is seen as a key moment in ensuring continued stability for the airline’s regional operations. It also reflects a broader commitment among the airline’s workforce to navigate the ongoing financial challenges together, without job losses.
