The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Suriname opened dialogue with two European carriers, whose names were not disclosed, on the possibility of a joint venture, or even a merger with Surinam Airways currently struggling.

Robbi Lachmising, the new Management Director of Surinam Airways said that such a partnership would allow the carrier to redeploy its only aircraft [widebody, A340-300 PZ-TCR (cn 242)], on other more attractive routes such as Haiti, northern Brazil and even New York.

"At present, the aircraft is used exclusively on flights Paramaribo Int'l-Amsterdam, which are subject to frequent cancellations as well as delays. Due to the payment of compensation to affected passengers as required by EU legislation, flights invariably lose more money they earn," explained Robbi Lachmising.

IH/ iciHaiti