WATERMAKERS AIR, INC.

What WATERMAKERS AIR, INC. does

Makers Air, the trade name under which WATERMAKERS AIR, INC. (legal entity Nealco Air Charters Services, Inc.) operates, is a small Part 135 commuter and on-demand air carrier founded in 2005 and headquartered at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). The carrier runs scheduled passenger service and private charters between Florida and 11+ Bahamas Out Island destinations — including Andros (San Andros, Fresh Creek, Congo Town), Eleuthera (Governor's Harbour, Harbour Island, Rock Sound, North Eleuthera), Cat Island (Arthur's Town, New Bight), Berry Islands (Chub Cay, Great Harbour Cay), Long Island (Stella Maris), and Staniel Cay in the Exumas — using Cessna Grand Caravan (208B) aircraft in a 9-passenger dual-pilot configuration. It holds FAA Certificate # N5CA865Y and an ARGUS Gold safety rating, operating from a private terminal with valet service and a boutique lounge.

The business generates revenue across four primary streams: (1) scheduled passenger tickets (from $267 per seat to North Eleuthera), (2) on-demand private charters using a Cessna Grand Caravan EX configured with six executive seats, a divan, and two executive tables, (3) air freight forwarding to the Bahamas with tiered pricing (Regular at $2.00/lb, Express at $2.50/lb, Priority Rush at $3.50/lb, all with minimums) and pre-purchased Guaranteed Cargo Blocks ranging from 25 to 600 pounds, and (4) curated Bahamas day-trip and vacation packages bundling flights with boat tours, pig/swim experiences, and meals at partner venues such as Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Ancillary revenue includes pet transport ($2.00/lb or $35 minimum) and excess baggage ($2.00/lb beyond a 40-pound allowance), with a 3.5% card payment convenience fee introduced June 2024.

Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer via the makersair.com website, phone reservations, and the embedded FareHarbor booking widget, supplemented by reciprocal partnerships with Fort Lauderdale hotels (Hotel Maren, Courtyard Marriott), ground transport providers (Starz, Go/Hertz/Enterprise), and island-side luxury concierges (Conch & Coconut). All customer-facing technology — booking, live chat (Tidio), analytics — is sourced from third-party SaaS; no proprietary platform or in-house technology stack is disclosed. The headcount of 5 indicates an asset-light operating model reliant on contracted pilots and outsourced systems rather than vertical integration.

Name

WATERMAKERS AIR, INC.

Legal name

Nealco Air Charters Services, Inc.

Website

https://watermakersair.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Makers Air (WATERMAKERS AIR, INC., d/b/a Nealco Air Charters Services) is a Fort Lauderdale-based Part 135 commuter carrier operating scheduled flights, charters, freight, and cargo blocks to 11+ Bahamas Out Islands using Cessna Grand Caravans for leisure travelers, residents, and freight shippers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Air Transportation

NAICS

Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Scheduled Air Transportation (48111)

SIC

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512)

akta.pro primary industry

Aircraft Management & Part 135/135-equivalent Operators (THABAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Air Freight Charter Operators (THABAEAD)

Keywords

• Regional airline services
• Charter flight operations
• Air freight forwarding
• Bahamas flight services
• Private aviation charters

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Lauderdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Scheduled Flight Tickets: Revenue from selling tickets for scheduled flights between Florida (Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport) and various Bahamas destinations including Andros, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Berry Islands, Long Island, and Staniel Cay.
2. Private Charter Flights: Revenue from on-demand private charter flights using Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft configured with 6 executive seats, 1 divan seat for two, and 2 executive tables. Available for exclusive use.
3. Air Freight Services: Cargo shipping to Bahamas destinations with tiered pricing: Regular ($2.00/lb, $35 minimum), Express ($2.50/lb, $50 minimum), Priority Rush ($3.50/lb, $65 minimum), and Guaranteed Cargo Blocks (pre-purchased weight allocations).
4. Vacation Packages and Day Trips: Boutique day trip experiences to Bahamas including flights, guided boat tours, meals at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, and activities like swimming with pigs, snorkeling, and beach excursions.
5. Guaranteed Cargo Blocks: Pre-purchased cargo weight allocations that guarantee shipment on specific flights, available in 25lb, 50lb, 100lb, 200lb, 300lb, 400lb, 500lb, and 600lb increments with discounted advance purchase pricing.
6. Pet Transport Services: Pet transport at minimum fee of $35 or $2.00 per pound, whichever is greater, with optional FAA-approved carrier rental at $25 each way.
7. Baggage and Excess Baggage Fees: 40 lbs included baggage allowance per passenger; excess baggage charged at $2.00 per pound, accepted on space-available basis.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

WATERMAKERS AIR, INC., operating as Makers Air (legal entity Nealco Air Charters Services, Inc.), is a Part 135-certified regional air carrier providing scheduled passenger flights and on-demand private charters between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and 11+ Bahamas Out Island destinations using Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft. The company also operates air freight forwarding services with tiered pricing, guaranteed cargo block reservations, and curated Bahamas day trip and vacation packages.

Product overview

Makers Air operates as a regional airline offering two core services: scheduled passenger flights and on-demand private charters between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and multiple Bahamas destinations. The scheduled flight network covers 11+ Out Islands including Andros (Congo Town, Fresh Creek, San Andros), Eleuthera (Governor's Harbour, Harbour Island, Rock Sound, North Eleuthera), Cat Island (Arthur's Town, New Bight), Staniel Cay in the Exumas, Long Island (Stella Maris), and Berry Islands (Chub Cay, Great Harbour Cay). The charter service provides exclusive-use flights on configured Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft. Supplementary offerings include same-day Bahamas day trips with guided boat tours, air freight forwarding with multiple service tiers, guaranteed cargo block reservations, and customized vacation packages bundling flights with accommodations and activities. The company is officially Nealco Air Charter Services, Inc. d.b.a. Makers Air, operating under FAA Certificate # N5CA865Y.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scheduled Flights Reliable scheduled passenger flights connecting Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to 11+ Bahamas Out Island destinations including Arthur's Town, Chub Cay, Congo Town, Fresh Creek, Governor's Harbour, Great Harbour Cay, New Bight, North Eleuthera, Rock Sound, San Andros, Staniel Cay, and Stella Maris. Targeted at leisure travelers and tourists seeking direct access to islands not served by commercial airlines.
• Private Charter Flights On-demand private charter flights using Cessna Grand Caravan EX configured with 6 executive seats, 1 divan seat for two, and 2 executive tables. Targeted at corporate groups, luxury travelers, and parties requiring exclusive-use aircraft with flexible scheduling.
• Bahamas Day Trips Same-day round-trip excursion packages from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas islands featuring guided boat tours to Pig Beach for swimming with pigs, Compass Cay nurse sharks, sandbars, turtle feeding, and lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Targeted at adventure seekers and time-limited tourists.
• Freight Services Air freight forwarding service shipping cargo from Fort Lauderdale to Bahamas destinations with tiered pricing: Regular ($2.00/lb, $35 minimum), Express ($2.50/lb, $50 minimum), and Priority Rush ($3.50/lb, $65 minimum). Includes customs documentation processing via Click2Clear. Targeted at Bahamas residents and businesses needing reliable cargo to remote islands.
• Guaranteed Cargo Blocks Pre-purchased cargo capacity reservations guaranteeing shipment on a specific flight regardless of other cargo. Available in 25lb, 50lb, 100lb, 200lb, 300lb, 400lb, 500lb, and 600lb increments with discounted advance purchase pricing. Targeted at time-sensitive shippers requiring guaranteed space.
• Vacation Packages Customized Bahamas vacation packages bundling flights, lodging accommodations, and island activities including private boat tours, overnight stays, fishing tours, SCUBA diving, and private brunch/lunch experiences. Targeted at leisure travelers seeking all-in-one Out Island vacation planning.

Quantifiable outcome

• ARGUS Gold Rating safety certification achieved through rigorous third-party evaluation of safety practices, flight operations, and maintenance programs.

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FareHarborcoreTechnology or IntegrationFareHarbor provides the booking widget and platform infrastructure for Makers Air's online flight reservations and charter bookings. The platform enables mobile-friendly, secure payment processing for ticket purchases.
• Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale BeachcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLuxury oceanfront hotel across from Las Olas Beach offers special corporate rates to Makers Air passengers using client ID N3342183. Partnership provides convenience for travelers' pre and post-flight accommodation needs.
• Courtyard Marriott Fort Lauderdale NorthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel on Cypress Creek Road provides special corporate rates to Makers Air passengers using code MKB6. Offers amenities like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
• Starz TransportationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst-class car service provider recommended for Makers Air clientele for over 10 years. Owner Richie provides timely, professional transportation between airports and Makers Air terminal.
• Go RentalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerElite car rental service located at Fort Lauderdale Executive and International airports. Delivers and picks up rental vehicles directly at Makers Air facility for customer convenience.
• Hertz Rental CarsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides vehicle rental services with drop-off and pickup at Makers Air terminal location.
• Enterprise Rental CarsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVehicle rental service that delivers and picks up at Makers Air. Booking available through dedicated partner link.
• Conch & CoconutcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading luxury concierge and experiential travel company in Harbour Island offering private boat excursions, fishing charters, land tours, and A to Z concierge services. Provides curated experiences for Makers Air passengers while facilitating bookings.
• Click2ClearcoreTechnology or IntegrationBahamas Customs Department's official online customs processing system for importing and exporting goods. Required for all freight shipments to Staniel Cay and other Bahamas destinations to clear cargo through customs.
• Staniel Cay Yacht ClubcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIconic resort and marina at Staniel Cay featuring 14 bungalows and full-service marina. Partner venue for day trip meals and activities, including the famous restaurant and bar.
• Staniel Cay AdventuresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal adventure operator offering sightseeing tours to swimming pigs, Compass Cay shark experiences, turtle feeding, and snorkeling excursions featured in day trip packages.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Banyan Air Service: Fixed-base operator (FBO) at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), the same airport where Makers Air is headquartered. Provides fueling, ground handling, and aircraft services to general aviation operators, making it an infrastructure peer and potential operational partner.

Broad incumbents

• JetBlue Airways: Major US carrier operating scheduled service from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau and other major Bahamian gateways. Does not serve the Out Islands that Makers Air specializes in, but competes indirectly for leisure traveler bookings on the Florida-Bahamas corridor.
• American Airlines: Largest US carrier with extensive scheduled service from Florida hubs to Nassau, Freeport, and other major Bahamas destinations. Competes for the same Florida-Bahamas leisure traveler but does not serve Makers Air's Out Island niche.

Direct peers

• Bahamasair: National flag carrier of the Bahamas operating scheduled flights between Florida and major Bahamian islands. Competes with Makers Air on the Fort Lauderdale-Bahamas corridor for leisure travelers seeking Bahamas destinations.
• Sky Bahamas: Bahamian regional airline operating scheduled and charter flights within the Bahamas and from Florida. Overlaps with Makers Air on Florida-Bahamas routes and serves similar Out Island communities.
• Tropic Ocean Airways: Operates scheduled and on-demand seaplane service between Florida and the Bahamas using Cessna Caravans. Directly competes with Makers Air in the South Florida to Bahamas boutique leisure segment, with overlapping aircraft type and similar Out Island route targets.
• Western Air: Bahamian regional carrier operating scheduled flights within the Bahamas and from Florida to multiple Bahamian Out Islands. Competes with Makers Air on Out Island routes and offers similar small-aircraft service to remote communities.
• Silver Airways: US regional carrier operating scheduled turboprop service from Florida to multiple Bahamas destinations and Caribbean points. Competes with Makers Air on the same Fort Lauderdale-Bahamas corridor and offers a more extensive network but with larger aircraft and fewer Out Island-only stops.

Others

• Chalks Ocean Airways: Former seaplane operator that historically flew scheduled service between Florida and the Bahamas until ceasing operations in 2007. Demonstrates both the demand for the seaplane/OECS Florida-Bahamas market and the operational fragility of small boutique carriers in this segment.
• FareHarbor: Booking platform partner used by Makers Air for online reservations and charter bookings. While not a direct competitor, the platform serves many tour operators and charter providers in the same experiential travel ecosystem, making it a closely adjacent ecosystem participant.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCyw9tiQkg-yOKcKVQWmjsIQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/MakersAir
• Instagraminstagram.com/makers_air
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/watermakers-air-inc.

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WATERMAKERS AIR, INC.