Financially troubled Silver Airways, the 13-year-old regional carrier serving Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with a pledge to continue flying and reorganize its finances at some point during the first quarter of the New Year.

The airline, which in 2023 was nearly evicted from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for falling behind on its rent, said in a note to customers that “all tickets remain valid” and that they may book flights through the airline’s website “or any other channel.”

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Peter Russin of Fort Lauderdale entered an order allowing the company to continue operations, according to court files.

“This decision will allow us to secure additional capital and undertake a financial restructuring that will strengthen our position as a competitive airline, ultimately benefiting you — our valued customers,” the airline’s note said.

According to the company’s website, Silver serves eight Florida destinations including Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee and Key West, seven in the Bahamas including Nassau and Freeport, and seven Caribbean destinations with a major hub operation in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The airline’s fleet consists of French-made, propeller-driven ATR aircraft.

The company said customers of United Airlines and JetBlue Airways, including loyalty program members, “will experience no disruptions to their bookings or services,” and that tickets purchased through other carriers or agencies will be honored as the Chapter 11 unfolds.

A first-quarter exit from Chapter 11

“We anticipate completing this process by the first quarter of 2025, emerging stronger and ready to continue serving you with the same dedication we’ve upheld for over 13 years,” the company said in its statement.

An affiliate, Seabourne Virgin Islands Inc., which serves St. Thomas and St. Croix, also filed for Chapter 11 protection.

Silver Airways, whose corporate headquarters are in Hollywood, owes the Broward County Aviation Department slightly more than $1 million in rent and fees for using Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, according to a list of major creditors filed with the court. The airline also owes over $2 million to the IRS.

The airline is the second South Florida-based carrier to land in bankruptcy court in 2024.

In November, budget carrier Spirit Airlines, which is based in Dania Beach, filed for protection in New York and is seeking to exit the Chapter 11 reorganization process on Jan. 29. Spirit also continues to operate under court supervision.