Category: Press Releases

Airport commemorates World Clean Up Day through customer experience driven initiative

Willemstad September 18, 2023 – As over 195 countries and territories including Curaçao stood still on the impact of waste pollution globally past Saturday September 16, on World Clean Up Day, CUR | Curaçao International Airport also joined this awareness day driven by clean-up activities through its own Clean As We Walk event.

While World Clean Up Day provided the opportunity to individuals, groups, companies, and other organizations to take part in cleaning different areas of the island, the airport community joined the activities and efforts through the clean-up of their parking area which is intensively used daily.

“Our employees looked forward to getting out there and contributing to multiple causes while working together to achieve a common goal. Not only did they roll up their sleeves and helped to clean and contribute to the environment, but they also contributed to the safety and an enhanced overall experience at our airport for all travellers, visitors and personnel while doing so. This is a remarkable demonstration of commitment and care. It makes me proud to be part of such an outstanding team” said Mr. Jonny Andersen, CEO of Curacao Airport Partners. As the team gathered bright and early at 7am on this day to kick-off the event, they were excited to make use of the opportunity to bond while making a positive impact. They collected a considerable number of items such as plastic bottles, cups, cutlery, glass, aluminium cans, wrapping items and more. While the team felt proud to have freed the area of so much waste, they were also concerned about the littering behaviour and mentality which needs to change urgently.

“This is just a small part of all the efforts we put into creating awareness within our community for everyone working here and those going through our airport, while we continue to steadily expand these efforts to go beyond our airport premises. A clean surrounding is of extreme importance for the experience you have at a specific location. Therefore, to us, providing our travellers, visitors, and the entire airport community with an exceptional experience through clean facilities is one of our main goals. We will continue with initiatives and awareness efforts to support this.” Mr. Andersen continued.

This first edition of the Clean As We Walk event served as the prelude of the airport’s upcoming Customer Experience Awareness Day (CX Day) taking place on September 27, 2023, being on a remarkable day for the industry, World Tourism Day. The entire airport community will be engaged during an informative and transformative day providing all community stakeholders with additional knowledge and tools on this highly important topic for the airport, being the service to be provided by all who play a role at our airport.

CUR | Curaçao International Airport invites everyone to connect via the airport’s social media channels IG and Facebook: curacaointernationalairport, LinkedIn: Curacao Airport Partners and website https://curacao-airport.com/ to continuously receive the latest news, updates and more on all ongoing and future projects.

A new era, a new name – CUR Curaçao International Airport

Willemstad, Curaçao August 19, 2023 – Curaçao Airport Partners, as the airport operator, festively unveiled the new logo and branding for our local airport past Friday, August 19. As CAP continues its journey into a new transformative era for this crucial facility for the island, this rebrand reflects CAP’s commitment to embracing the role of establishing CUR | Curaçao International Airport as a global gateway, setting the stage for enhanced marketing strategies and international positioning highlighting the island all throughout the modern-day international aviation markets.

With CAP remaining as the current operator of the airport and having launched solely a new branding for the airport, the airport’s new logo features the IATA code “CUR” prominently, underlined with the full name ‘Curaçao International Airport’. This modern and streamlined visual identity is now displayed on the façade of the airport, symbolizing a shift towards a more vibrant and dynamic brand that stands out internationally – a significant milestone in CAP’s ongoing five-year plan for transformation.

The colors of the new logo represent our island’s amazing of beautiful sunsets, which is a daily inspiring spectacle. This mesmerizing sunset, painted in warm hues and softly illuminating the horizon, ignited the creation of the CUR | Curaçao INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT new logo. This logo is more than just a corporate identity; it’s a tribute to Curaçao and its stunning beauty. It stirs feelings of home, warmth, nostalgia and of the rhythm of a song that pays homage to the island’s captivating charm. Today, CUR | Curaçao INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT logo stands for the sublime beauty of the island’s sunset, reminding all who pass through its doors of the unique allure of Curaçao. This nice concept and creation was done by Profound in collaboration with CAP.

The much-awaited unveiling of the new logo on the building was done by CAP CEO, Mr. Jonny Andersen together with the honorable Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje, Mr. Giordano Molina, Airport Supervision Manager of Curaçao Airport Holding, and Mr. Muryad de Bruin, Director of Curaçao Tourist Board. As part of the distinguished guests present later that evening, were also present the honorable Prime Minister of Curaçao, Mr. Gilmar Pisas, Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, Mr. Charles Cooper, Mrs. Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, Minister of Social Development, Work and Welfare, Minister Sithree van Heydoorn of Education, Science, Culture and Sport and Minister Shalton Hato of Justice. Mr Ornelio Martina, Minister for Governance, Planning and Service and Mr. Javier Silvania, our Minister of Finance, were unfortunately unable to make it, however shared their kind words and congratulations to the company.

Furthermore, the whole airport community, stakeholders, and media members were present during this remarkable moment, marking a pivotal juncture in the airport’s history. This moment brought the nostalgia of the past while tying this into the present day. Therewith it not just marked an historic moment, but also set the stage for a bright and promising future for one of the island’s most important economic pillars, being tourism, to continue to thrive.

The importance of this for the island was also substantiated by a beautiful and touching moment during the unveiling, which was the interpretation of the song ‘Atardi’ by legendary artist Mr. Rudy Plaate. The song was performed by local artist Ms. Kris Berry who was invited back home from abroad where she currently resides, to perform during this special occasion and counted on the musical support of iconic local musicians Mr. Randel Corsen and Mr. Michael Lampe of Aruba. As the song perfectly fits and describes the feeling which the logo aims to transmit – a warm and beautiful ‘Atardi’, here on the island, it was more than a logical choice.

“At CAP we know the important role we play in the lives of many. We are not just an entry and departure point for Curaçao. We are a pillar that drives change, where dreams get the opportunity to become reality. We are witness to cherished moments that live on in the hearts of millions and have become an important vein in the heart of this island. This is why we will continue to work tirelessly and relentlessly, to continue evolving into the airport of the future that we need and deserve. As the operator for 20 years already, we will continue with this goal and humbly hope to count on your support for decades to come in order to prolongate this set success story”, said Mr. Andersen.

Mr. Andersen explained that the rebranding is not just a one-day project, it is part of a total package and will include ongoing efforts throughout the coming months. Updates and changes in the physical and digital branding will be gradually implemented and noted as CAP continues to shape and establish this new brand.
CAP thanks all stakeholders for the trust deposited as the operator of our airport and welcomes travelers, partners, and aviation enthusiasts to embark with us on this new journey for CUR| Curaçao International Airport. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and initiatives that will underscore the airport’s commitment to excellence and innovation, which you are all part of.

Click here to watch the after video.

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!

Willemstad April 20, 2023 – Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) was pleased to receive Azul Airlines’ Airport Team in support of the preliminary launch preparations. The launch of Azul’s non-stop weekly service from Belo Horizonte-CNF to Curacao-CUR, is a first for both the airline and Curaçao. Curaçao is Azul’s first Caribbean destination and Azul is the first airline to offer non-stop service from Brazil to Curaçao. CAPs Senior Management welcomed Milena Mie Konno, Azul Airport Relations Manager and Aline Menezes, Azul Airport Planning and Ground Handling Manager and various productive meetings with various key divisions namely, Aviation Market Development, Commercial, Operations and concluded with a thorough airport tour.

The new service commencing on Saturday, June 24, 2023, will enhance the passenger experience as the flights are during the day. The A320-Neo aircraft departs Belo Horizonte-CNF at 13:00 arriving in Curaçao-CUR at 18:00 on Saturdays. The flight will return on Sundays departing Curaçao-CUR at 09:00 and arriving in Belo Horizonte-CNF at 16:00.

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/