Author: [email protected]

Passenger Traffic continues to grow by double digits.

Curaçao Airport Partners NV, CAP, is pleased to share the passenger traffic results of Curaçao International Airport. The first six months of 2023, total passenger movements (all arriving and departing passengers through our terminal) were 770,000, a +17% increase compared to the first six months of 2022. During this period, there were 304,500 International departing passengers, a +16% increase compared to the same period of 2022, Dutch Caribbean departing passengers were 64,847, a +38% increase compared to the same period of 2022, and arriving passengers 366,034, a +20% increase compared to the same period of 2022. The overall growth in passenger traffic is reflected in the average load factors over the first six months of 2023. The average load factor was 84% whilst the average load factor over the same period in 2022 was 81%.

‘If you build it, they will come’.

A classic movie line from ‘Field of Dreams’ and relatable to Curaçao’s growth. The destination strategy to pursue further diversification of market share out of North America and South America is proving successful and is further stimulated by the growth of overall accommodation inventory. More demand and more rooms positively influence air service capacity. Year to date 2023, The Netherlands accounts for 38% market share; Dutch Caribbean 18%; USA 20%, South America 15%, and Canada 4%.

Additional and New Air Service Development

The Canadian market has returned with a vengeance after the borders reopened for the winter 22/23 season. Air Canada increased weekly non-stop service from Toronto during the summer season from one (1) weekly flight prior to the pandemic to three (3) weekly flights. In addition, WestJet has announced a second (2nd) non-stop weekly flight from Toronto for winter 2023. From the USA, even though there are still crew, staffing and ATC challenges, JetBlue increased non-stop service from JFK as of April 2023 from three (3) weekly to five (5) weekly flights. American Airlines has announced additional non-stop flights from Charlotte increasing from weekly to daily as of winter 2023. In addition, Delta has announced weekly non-stop Saturday service from Atlanta effective December 16, 2023. The additional and complimenting service from the USA will further grow the market share in a sustainable manner.

From South America, Copa Airlines fully resumed its pre-pandemic daily non-stop service schedule from Panama. In addition, Avianca has increased non-stop service from Bogota from daily to eight (8) weekly flights. On June 24, 2023, our South American route network was complimented by the launch of non-stop weekly service by Azul Airlines from Belo Horizonte. During the inaugural event, Azul announced a second weekly non-stop flight from Belo Horizonte as of December 2023. Non-stop service from Brazil provides more opportunities between our South American Airline partners to further grow passenger traffic from important feeder markets.

The Dutch market will be enhanced by the launch of additional non-stop service by Corendon Airlines commencing with three (3) weekly flights and increasing to five (5) weekly flights as of December 2023. Corendon Mangrove Beach Curaçao is adding close to 400 additional hotel rooms to the property increasing to close to 1,000 rooms inventory. In addition, TUI will increase its winter schedule to Curaçao with four (4) additional direct and non-stop weekly flights from Amsterdam.

According to Cirium, the seat capacity growth, will increase capacity from The Netherlands by +35%; the USA by +22%; Canada +48% and South America by +35%.

CAP is pleased with the continued growth of passenger traffic figures and the retention, growth, and diversification of the destination’s route network. It anticipates continued growth throughout the last six months of 2023 and positive results for 2023 and continues to work closely in partnership with the Curaçao Tourism Board and the Hospitality Tourism Association.

ORANJESTAD – Last year the Dutch Government presented an intended decision to restrict the number of flight movements at Schiphol Airport to a maximum of 440 thousand per year (currently maximum of 500 thousand per year).

This restriction may potentially have a negative impact on the capacity or air traffic flying out of Schiphol Airport to the Dutch Caribbean islands and vice versa. As an interested party the Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) recently submitted its concern in relation hereto to the Dutch Government. The DCCA is a cooperation between the entities that manage and operate the 6 airports of the Dutch Caribbean Island, namely Aruba Airport Authority N.V., Bonaire International Airport N.V., Curacao Airport Partners N.V., Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V., the Public Entity Saba, and the Public Entity St. Eustatius.

The concerns are related mostly to the economic and social effects that the intended decision of restricting the number of movements at Schiphol may have on the region of the Dutch Caribbean.  Airlines would possibly also need to decrease flight frequencies to the Dutch Caribbean. As a result, an increase in ticket prices between the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean, is quite possible. Less air capacity and, potentially, higher ticket prices may have negative impact on all three segments of travelers: business travel, leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR). This will have a negative impact on the economy and the connectivity of social and family networks.

“This potential effect on capacity and on ticket prices is a cause for concern in our region. Based on the information we have; we are assuming that the calculation of the impact of a shrink of Schiphol does not consider the potential effects in the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom. By expressing our concerns, we trust that the interests of the Dutch Caribbean will be taken into account in further decision making of the Dutch Ministry”, said Joost Meijs, CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V. and Chair of the DCCA.

The DCCA, seeing the possible negative impact on the economy and social welfare of the Dutch Caribbean, has urged the Dutch Government to ensure that the capacity between the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean will not be reduced as a consequence of the intended decision making.

About the DCCA

The Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) is a cooperation between all six Caribbean Airports within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. DCCA’s objective is to improve the general quality of each individual airport by facilitating mutual assistance and efficient exchange of information, transfer of knowledge and sharing of expertise with the goal of achieving economies of scale. DCCA aims to present future focused alternative air transportation options to improve interisland connectivity between the Dutch Caribbean Islands.

Date: June 20, 2023

A fabulous Shop & Win campaign for travelers and visitors! 

Summertime is near and what other way to celebrate this season with a fun campaign for travelers and visitors of our airport! Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) and its community of retail shops and restaurants have launched “Shop & Win Your Trip Back”, a fun-filled campaign where all you’ll have to do is shop and win a trip!

Shop at any of the airport retail stores or eat at any of our restaurants in order to participate in the raffle to win your trip. If you are an international traveler, you can win your trip back to Curaçao. Residents can win a trip to Amsterdam, Medellín, Aruba or Bonaire!

The Curaçao Airport community has got you covered!
Breakfast, lunch, brunch, a sweet treat or more can be found at one of the many restaurants and shops on site  ̶  and a great moment can turn into a raffle entrance through your receipt. All who visit the airport shops or restaurants are eligible to participate. This campaign is therefore not only for travelers, but also for our local citizens! By spending the indicated minimum amount in each store or restaurant, you’re in!

Just write your Name, ID and phone number on the back of your purchase receipt and deposit this into one of the many raffle boxes at our airport. The campaign period is from June 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023. Make it a summer to remember by shopping and winning!

Local winners will be announced on the last Friday of each month during the campaign period. International Winners will be announced on the last Friday of September 2023.

Make sure to visit our website www.curacao-airport.com, LIKE and follow our Facebook page Curaçao International Airport to stay updated on all campaign details!

Direct flights between the destinations starting June 2023

Willemstad April 17, 2023 – As of this upcoming summer, Curaçao will be enjoying direct flights between the island and Brazil executed by Azul Linhas Aéreas. It’s therefore with great pleasure that CCR Aeroportos, the main shareholder of Curaçao Airport Partners, announces the official start of a promotional campaign for Curaçao around airports in Brazil.

As shared last year by Curaçao Airport Partners’ new Chairman of the Board, Mr. Fábio Russo Corrêa, who’s also the CEO of CCR Aeroportos, their plan as a board is to become much more involved with CAP and contribute increasingly more to the Curaçao airport and the community of Curaçao. With this achievement, they are showing their commitment to great achievements to the benefit of the island’s tourism and overall development.

“The search for international trips among Brazilians grows annually. With this campaign, CCR Aeroportos aims to increase the number of visitors from the country to Curaçao, bringing more business and raising the island’s position among the most desired destinations in the Americas.” indicated Mônica Lamas, Commercial Director in CCR Aeroportos.

This marketing campaign has started at four of Brazil’s largest airports as well as at subway station and train stations: Congonhas International Airport (São Paulo), Santos Dumont International Airport (Rio de Janeiro), Confins International Airport (Belo Horizonte), Santa Genoveva Airport (Goiânia), São Paulo Metro (Subway) and Rio VLT (Light Rail).

Vitor Silva, general manager of Planning and Strategy at Azul shared: “We are excited and ready to start operating this new international route. Curaçao is a fantastic destination, with several paradisiacal beaches, breathtaking walks, and very welcoming people. With the new flight from Confins, the options will become much more comfortable to Customers who wish to spend a vacation in the Caribbean, and those from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Goiânia, Brasília and Vitória will connections of a maximum of 1h30 at the Minas Gerais terminal. This is possible, because Azul has a capillary air network that connects Customers from various airports.”

CEO of CAP, Mr. Jonny Andersen indicated: “We are looking forward to the great possibilities this new destination will bring for the development of our airport. A new market brings along growth and also a great opportunity to learn more from another country, the culture, its people and their expectations. This is what we’ve been working hard for; developing our airport and ensuring it serves as a catalyst for the economy of the island”.

Willemstad, April 6, 2023 – Easter is here, meaning vacation period is here! It’s a great time to travel, and at our Curaçao International Airport it’s also a time to have great fun with a chance to WIN Eggstraordinary prizes!

As the entire airport community is fully ready to assist during one of the busiest seasons of the year, it is also ready to make it an unforgettable time for all travelers and visitors through an amazing Easter campaign.

Loads of prizes are already eligible to be won by simply making a minimum purchase at any of the different restaurants and stores on premises. Customers will get a chance to spin a wheel and win instant prizes such as travel gadgets and games to entertain you during your travel journey. This campaign lasts until Sunday April 16th, 2023. Make sure to visit your favorite restaurant, bar or stores at our airport during this time. More information can be found at each participating location.

Note that there will be a special visitor during the festive weekend on April 8th, 9th and 10th. Spot the Easter bunny inside the terminal during the peak hours on these dates to get a pic!

Because Easter is a celebration of life, it is the perfect time to introduce the newest entertainment act for the coming months: vibe to the tunes of a live steel band which will be delighting all passengers as they get ready to catch their flight during peak hours. Mood! Curaçao Airport community is always here and ready to help you start off your vacation or business trip right!

Curaçao International Airport ready to facilitate travelers between the markets.

Willemstad, March 31, 2023 – Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), congratulates the entire community of Curaçao and that of neighbor country Venezuela with the re-opening of the border between the two countries. A centuries-old connection and bond between the two markets is herewith restored and CAP could not be more excited to facilitate the reconnection.

“Our airport has been preparing for this long-awaited moment. It is not a new market to us seen the historic connection between Curaçao and Venezuela. However, we could say that this is a re-connection and even re-discovery of the markets and between the people that will be taking place. We look forward to welcoming travelers from Venezuela and to being an important hub for other destinations to also get there or visit us from and through Venezuela. This is a tremendous opportunity for our aviation industry, which will be a push for our tourism and consequently the overall economic development of the island”, said Jonny Andersen, CEO of CAP.

As recently stated by CAP, diversity in the destinations from and to the island through our airport is important. With the re-opening of the border with Venezuela, it will see the opportunity to increase the number of passengers from Latin America and creating even more balance within the traffic numbers.

This important development fits right into the plans presented by the airport, to diversify and grow further. The airport has been preparing for this moment and most of the operational aspects are in place as airlines are already making arrangements for approvals to operate between Venezuela and the Dutch Caribbean. Curaçao International Airport is ready for a possible immediate increase in travelers visiting, departing, and transiting from this destination.

“This is such a positive development in not only an economic sense, but also from a cultural and human aspect. We congratulate all those involved in making this finally possible”, Andersen added.

Willemstad, March 14, 2023 – Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) is pleased to have been shortlisted for a Routes Americas Awards 2023, a prestigious award recognizing excellence in route development across the Americas’ airlines, airports, and destinations. Curaçao International Airport has been nominated in the Under 4 million Passengers category.

CAP is humbled by the recognition of the industry and is committed to the retention, growth and diversification of the destination’s route network in close partnership with current and potential airline partners. In addition, CAP appreciates the support from the Curaçao Tourism Board and the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association.

Curaçao International Airport is the only Caribbean airport nominated in the Under 4 million Passenger category and is pleased to be competing with the category’s best. The nominated airports in the ‘Under 4 million Passenger’ movements category are, Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Providence – Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Tulsa International Airport, and Curaçao-Hato International Airport.

https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/299441/routes-americas-2023-awards-shortlists-revealed/

Valuable knowledge and insights gained on sustainable aviation efforts

ORANJESTAD – After the community event held on November 11, 2022, at the Southside General Aviation Hangar, the Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA), a cooperation between all 6 Caribbean Airports within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, can look back on a successful 1st International Sustainable Air Transportation Event – A Flight to the Future.

The keynote speech, speakers, presentations, panel discussions and masterclasses held during the event have proven to be of immense value to the continued efforts of all the airports involved to venture into sustainable air transportation developments, solutions, and technologies in support of one of their main goals, sustainably improving the inter-island connectivity.

“The knowledge and insights gained during the event will further strengthen our efforts as Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports to be innovative front runners on electric flying in the Caribbean region and making interisland air connections more sustainable, efficient, and affordable for the Dutch Caribbean communities. This will in turn further enhance the societies of the island nations taking the sustainable development goals of all into consideration”, said Joost Meijs, CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V. and DCCA Chairman on behalf of DCCA.

A total of 311 participants attended the in person conference throughout the week and 888 attended the event virtually. The community also came out in large numbers to view the Pipistrel Velis Electro and learn more about its capabilities and technology.

As one of the great accomplishments an historical Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during the event between all four countries (Aruba, St Maarten, Curacao and The Netherlands)   of the Dutch Kingdom, six airports of the Dutch Caribbean and the Dutch Association of Airports (NVL), In this Memorandum of Understanding all signatories have expressed their commitment to improve the interisland connectivity by making it more affordable, efficient, and sustainable. As a result of this MOU the parties will form a steering committee and workgroup working on a Joint Business Plan describing how this ambition can be achieved and which hurdles need to be eliminated. This business plan will be delivered within seven months from the day of signing of this MOU.

On behalf of DCCA, chairman Mr. Joost Meijs sincerely thanks all contributors, participants and all support staff that have made this event possible and a grand success. A heartfelt thank you is also in place for all the speakers, panelists, moderators, stakeholders and finally all volunteers that participated in getting this event of the ground and successfully completed.

For more information on the conference held visit DCCA’s website at www.dccaairports.com

Date: November 14, 2022

ORANJESTAD – One of the key elements of the cooperation Agreement signed in April 2021 by the Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors of all six commercial Airports within the Dutch Caribbean pertaining to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is to collaborate towards sustainable, stable, and affordable air connections between the Dutch Caribbean airports.

In light of above goal, Aruba Airport Authority N.V. on behalf of DCCA will be organizing an international one-week “Sustainable Air Transportation Event” in Aruba in November 2022. During that week, DCCA aims to present future focused alternative air transportation options to improve interisland connectivity between the Dutch Caribbean Islands. The objective will be to get the public acquainted with currently available solutions and to start discussing the various options for sustainable aviation with representatives of companies, partners in aviation, education institutions, research institutions, governments, consultants, investors and with all of those who are generally interested in this subject.

For this event, together with Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), DCCA will be bringing in the NLR two-seater electric aircraft from Europe, which will be executing test flights from Aruba Airport. A group of regional students and interested local companies will get the opportunity to work on the preparations, assembly, and disassembly of the aircraft whilst the local community will also have an opportunity to visit the aircraft and receive explanation on its operation, benefits, and challenges. DCCA is also in contact with the authorities to streamline visions within the Kingdom, bring in knowledge and define how to support DCCA’s initiative.

During the event several topics will be addressed in seminars and workshops, such as:

1. Current research and future technology developments worldwide, related to sustainable aviation: electric and other alternatives to fossil fuel-based aviation
2. Business opportunities and challenges for Airports and Airlines when becoming more sustainable
3. Possibilities of a “public transport” approach in connecting the islands

CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V., Mr. Joost Meijs, indicated that DCCA looks forward to the November 2022 event and the active support and participation of several Dutch Caribbean and international stakeholders. “An improved, sustainable and affordable interisland connectivity network will stimulate island hopping tourism, labor markets, healthcare services and enhance social networks”.

Should your organization have an interest in collaborating on ideas, participation, or other suggestions for the November 2022 event, please contact DCCA Advisor, Mrs. Angeline Flemming at [email protected]

A Flight to the Future  

ORANJESTAD – “The month has finally arrived where the Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) will kick off the 1st International Sustainable Air Transportation event – A Flight to the Future – being held between 6 – 11 November 2022. “We are excited to welcome both local and international attendees from the Dutch Caribbean islands, The Netherlands and the (Latin) America region to share knowledge and create dialogue on the future of aviation and also on interisland connectivity in the Dutch Caribbean. We are honored to be able to host this event in Aruba and are more than proud to have the first electric flights in the Caribbean with the Pipistrel Velis Electro performed during that week” said Joost Meijs, CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V., as DCCA Chairman.

The Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) is a cooperation between all six Caribbean Airports within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. DCCA’s objective is to improve the general quality of each individual airport by facilitating mutual assistance and efficient exchange of information, transfer of knowledge and sharing of expertise with the goal of achieving economies of scale. DCCA aims to present future focused alternative air transportation options to improve interisland connectivity between the Dutch Caribbean Islands and is organizing the 1st international Sustainable Air Transportation event called – A Flight to the Future – in Aruba from November 7 through 11, 2022.

During the entire event week, speeches and presentations will be given, panel discussions will be held, masterclasses will be provided, and daily electric flight demonstrations will be performed with the Pipistrel Velis Electro at Aruba Airport. The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the 1st certified electric aircraft in the world. The knowledge shared during the week of the event will be different each day. Key themes will be:

• Discover the Undiscovered, focusing on Sustainable Aviation,
• Built for Experience, focusing on Sustainable Tourism,
• Pushing the limits: changing the Future, focusing on Sustainable Airport Operations,
• Reality Check, focusing on current Research and Investments,
• and Connecting Generations, which will give the local community the chance to experience the Pipistrel Velis Electro up close.

Participants to A Flight to the Future event include a wide variety of local and international stakeholders within the aviation and tourism industry of the Dutch Caribbean islands and the wider Latin America & Caribbean region. These include airport colleagues, airline CEOs, tourism authorities, Civil Aviation authorities, education partners, environment partners and persons representing entities that in one way, or another will positively impact travel between the islands in the (near) future.

Free virtual registrations are still available for the event which is set to be livestreamed via YouTube on November 7 through November 10, 2022. For more information on the event and the virtual registration, please visit our DCCA website www.dccaairports.com .

Date: November 1, 2022