US-based regional carrier Silver Airways has completed the acquisition of Seaborne Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on 8 January.

The deal is a result of an agreement signed between Seaborne Airlines’ parent company Sea Star Holdings and Silver Airways in January.

An independent airline has been created through the deal that will serve the Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida, and beyond.

The newly merged airline will operate a total fleet of 31 aircraft, including Saab 340 and de Havilland Twin Otter seaplanes.

“Seaborne will initially operate under its own certificate as a standalone operating subsidiary of Silver.”

Silver is also expected to deploy a new fleet of ATR-600 aircraft for the combined airline’s routes. The airline currently has a firm order for 19 aircraft and has purchase rights for up to 30 additional units.

Silver Airways CEO Steve Rossum said: “This transaction brings together two strong and historic independent airlines with amazing employees, an excellent track record of operational safety, respect for our people and our communities, and great service for our passengers.”

The new entity will continue to serve Silver’s network in the Bahamas and Florida, US, as well as further routes under Silver Airways. It will also serve Seaborne’s network throughout Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean under the Seaborne brand.

Seaborne will initially operate under its own certificate as a standalone operating subsidiary of Silver.

The complete merger of Silver Airways and Seaborne Airlines operating functions and branding, as well as streamlining of the guest experience are scheduled to take place next year.

Steve Rossum will become the CEO of the combined airline, which is set to employ around 1,000 people and will be based at Silver Airways offices in Fort Lauderdale, US.