 The airline started operations with a three ATR 42 in 2003 as BonairExel and CuracaoExel respectively (part of the Exel Aviation Group) and soon expanded to encompass most of the Dutch Antilles and Aruba.Although an Embraer ERJ 145 was used on the Bonaire-Aruba flights, the aircraft was soon disposed of again, returning to Air Exel.Although BonairExel flew its aircraft in the Exel color scheme; operated with Air Exel aircraft; and flew with Air Exel cabin staff; the airline was wholly owned by a Dutch millionaire residing on Bonaire, and operated simply as a franchise carrier.