Category: Press Releases

Offering mothers needed comfort, safety, and privacy to breastfeed their babies

Willemstad, October 29, 2021  ̶   Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) proudly shares the official launch of its own Mamava pod, a safe and comfortable unit for all nursing Moms visiting, traveling or working, to make use of at the airport to breastfeed or pump. CAP is now the pioneer on the island for this initiative via such pod. The idea to facilitate lactation accommodation was brought to CAP by former parliament member Mrs. Elsa Rozendal during her time in parliament.  CAP hereby thanks her for approaching us with this initiative, which we are excited to have now crystallized and readily available for use.

The Mamava pod is a special designed unit used around the world at different locations to provide mothers around the globe with a private, safe and comfortable environment to breastfeed/pump when necessary, while on the go.

The pod is a state-of-the-art compact seating cube that offers all comfort and safety to feeding or pumping mothers. The interior surface is of high quality providing easy and fast cleaning. The pod has an open grid ceiling for ventilation and fire sprinkler access as well as motion activated interior lighting and ceiling vent. There are outlets and USB ports to power up electrical breast pumps and to facilitate charging of mobile devices while using the pod. Furthermore, there is a mirror, benches, fold-down table, and a Bluetooth enabled Smart Lock with ‘occupied/vacant’ deadbolt to provide security and usage data.

“This is an important moment for us. We are proud to introduce this innovative accommodation here at our airport to facilitate all mothers who pass through our location, being employees, passengers, or visitors. We are now assisting in one of life’s most important moments which is the nursing period of an infant”, said Mr. Norman Gómez, Managing Director of CAP.

The need for such a location has become increasingly urgent globally as the awareness on the importance of breastfeeding continues to grow. Especially now, during the ongoing pandemic it has become even more important for mothers to have the ability to breastfeed their infants so they can receive the much-needed protection that breast milk is known to provide against illnesses.

Not only does the infant benefit greatly from receiving breast milk, but the benefits of allowing mothers to have the time and space to do this, extends as far as in the increase of productivity within companies.

CAP is proud to inaugurate this unit, located at Gate 6, 7 & 8 in the Departures Hall as of today. All users are requested to follow the instructed guidelines in order to keep the pod clean and user-ready at all times.

“Our airport celebrates this new trendsetting milestone which it hopes other companies will adopt as well seeing the importance this has for the development of our future generations and how positively this impacts not just the daily business due to its benefits, but the entire community on a long run”, Mr. Gómez concluded.

Curaçao International Airport’s third quarter results are the highest since re-opening the borders for commercial passenger traffic in July 2020. Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) anticipated a stronger second half of 2021 and remains cautiously optimistic as the pandemic and inconsistent travel and entry requirements in key markets remain challenging.

Departing Traffic during Q3 2021 continued to be driven by The Netherlands with a 62% traffic share; USA 13%; Dutch Caribbean 17% and South America 5%. Monthly traffic figures for Q3 21 indicate overall passenger traffic increased in July by +47% compared to June 2021. August traffic increased by +17% compared to July 2021 and September traffic decreased by -22% over August 2021.

The average monthly Load Factors (occupied seats per flight) was 76% in July 2021; 81% in August 2021 and 76% in September 2021. The average load factor for Q3 2021 was 78%.

Traffic recovery compared to the same months in 2019 was 74% for July; 87% for August and 75% for September 2021. With 108,566 passenger movements, an average Load Factor of 76% and a recovery of 87% compared to August 2019, August 2021 is the best performing month thus far since commercial passenger traffic restarted in July 2020.

In comparing Q3 21 to Q2 21, overall passenger traffic grew from 114,939 to 285,676 passenger movements, an increase of +148%. The significant increase was due to the rapid containment of the British virus variant outbreak at the beginning of Q2 and the successful island-wide vaccination campaign. In addition, the summer holidays created a strong demand from the Netherlands, the USA and the Dutch Caribbean.

Year-to-date September 2021 recovery compared to 2019 is 46% of passenger traffic, 67% of inbound flights and 51% of seat capacity.

According to Airports Council International (ACI), they anticipate that by year end 2021, based on the current scenario, overall traffic recovery will be between 45% and 55% compared to 2019. Distribution of effective vaccines to major markets, gradual removal of international restrictions, strong rebound of passenger confidence and a rapid airline fleet recovery could indicate a full recovery of global traffic recovery by year-end 2023. A more pessimistic outlook could push the recovery back to 2024.

UNWTO, United Nations World Tourism Organization, estimates tourism to reach pre-covid levels in 2024 rather than 2023. Vaccination programs around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travelers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.

Q3 results are a cautiously optimistic indication that demand, and sustainability are important in rebuilding the route network and passenger movement. Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) foresees recovery to show signs of growth and remain volatile until traffic stabilizes and that depends on the continued impact of the pandemic, aircraft and crew availability, travel requirements. In addition, with more destinations lifting or easing travel restrictions, competition for leisure travel will intensify. CAP continues to work closely with our tourism partners, CTB, CHATA and CASHA, supporting efforts to further stimulate demand and growth of visitors to Curaçao.

Q2-2021 A Traffic Rollercoaster

Willemstad, July 15, 2021  ̶  Curaçao International Airport’s traffic experienced a rollercoaster ride in Q2 2021. Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) traffic overview reflects a continuation of cautious optimism. Demand may be increasing but the virus and its aggressive variants remain in control. The island-wide devastating outbreak of the British variant at the onset of the quarter, prompted an increase in restrictions and entry requirements. Simultaneously, the government spearheaded a major vaccination campaign. The efforts proved successful as reflected in the data. June traffic showed an increase in passengers from Amsterdam, Miami, Bogota, Panama and Dutch Caribbean gateways.

International Departing Traffic during Q2 2021 was driven by The Netherlands with a 50% share; USA 21%; Dutch Caribbean 20% and South America 4%. Flights from Bogota and Panama restarted non-stop service in Q2 2021 with less than pre-pandemic frequencies. The average monthly Load Factors (occupied seats per flight) were 51% in April; 45% in May and 78% in June with an overall average load factor of 60% for Q2 2021.

Monthly figures for Q2 2021 reflected the virus outbreak in April and May, while reaching a positive recovery in June. The monthly traffic figures for April showed a decrease of -27% compared to March 2021, May showed a slight recovery with a +6% increase over April and ending the quarter with a strong June that increased with +132% over the previous month of May. June had the highest monthly traffic increase since July 2020 with 62,592 passenger movements.  In comparing Q2 2021 with Q1 2021, overall passenger traffic grew by +32%.

When compared to pre-pandemic periods of 2019, Q2 monthly traffic figures are still very low, at only 24% for April; 29% for May and 53% for June 2021.

Compared to previous years, the first semester of 2021, forecasted to be volatile, resulted in a decrease of -43% compared to the same six (6) month period in 2020 and a decrease of -72% compared to the first semester of 2019.

According to Airport Council International (ACI), global passenger traffic over 2020 and 2021 indicates a two (2) year loss of 10 billion passengers compared to the pre-Covid 19 forecast. For 2021 that translates into a loss of 5 billion passengers, a decrease of -51% compared to 2019. The financial impact on airports worldwide is an estimated loss of US$108 billion in revenues. ACI further anticipates that by year end 2021, based on the current scenario, overall traffic recovery will be between 45% and 55% compared to 2019. Distribution of effective vaccines to major markets, gradual removal of international restrictions, strong rebound of passenger confidence and a rapid airline fleet recovery could indicate a full recovery of global traffic by year-end 2023. A more pessimistic outlook could push the recovery back to 2024.

CAP is forecasting a stronger second semester in 2021 and remains cautiously optimistic as the pandemic, traffic demand, flight supply and destination marketing and promotion play important roles in establishing a more predictable and consistent passenger flow.

“We remain optimistic, but alert, given the recent spread events in Holland, and are foreseeing a good summer this year” said Paulo Mazzali, CAP co-CEO. “We are still missing stronger traffic from North and South America, which should return steadily during the second semester, and we may achieve 2020 traffic levels, what seemed virtually impossible when looking at the first 5 months of the year. The current trends point to a much better 2022, despite far from the pre-COVID years. The vaccination efforts made by Curaçao, making the island a safe destination, are bringing a positive outlook, not only to our traffic projections, but to the whole tourism industry. This also stimulates the economy of the island and creates the needed additional jobs.”

A fabulous Shop & Win campaign for travelers and visitors!

Willemstad, June 1, 2021 – Celebrating the increase in our local air traffic and progress being made in our fight against the pandemic, Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), retail shops and restaurants within the airport community have launched “Say Yes to Adventure”, a fun-filled campaign where all you’ll have to do is shop at any of the airport retail stores or eat at any of the restaurants in order to participate to win amazing prizes! The prizes include a Fly over Curaçao for 3, weekend stays for 2, day passes, night passes, weekend car rental, tickets to Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire and Barranquilla, UTV Tours, Dolphin encounters and many more……

Last year was a tough year, but now we are all focusing on the better days ahead, and what better way than by living it up with great shopping deals, while also getting the chance to be in such amazing raffle? 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 upon spending of the indicated minimum amount per each shop/restaurant. Thus, this campaign is not only for travelers but also for our local citizens! Just write your Name, ID and phone number on the back of your purchase receipt and deposit this into the location’s raffle box during the campaign period which is from June 1, 2021 to November 15, 2021. A special thanks goes to our sponsors: Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, National, Enterprise, Alamo, Curaçao Activities, KLM, EZ Air, Divi Divi Air, Falki Aviation Curaçao and Dolphin Academy.

Winners will be announced on each last Friday of the month during this campaign period and the last one on November 15, 2021. So make sure to visit our website www.curacao-airport.com and to LIKE and follow the Facebook page Curaçao International Airport to stay connected and informed!

A press release from BPM

Curaçao Airport Partners N.V. (CAP)’s Head Offices and Jet Centre Curaçao received the first level of the sustainability certification in the program for sustainability standards developed by BPM the Curaçao Business Platform for Sustainability, an association which supports Curaçao businesses in their quest towards higher sustainability.

Certificates for Minimum Sustainability Standards (MSS) are awarded to companies that comply with set guidelines. These include aspects such as sustainable and efficient management of the environment, waste, water, and energy, as well as human capital, appropriate customer care and giving back to the community.

CAP Administration Office and Jet Centre Curaçao have complied convincingly with the requirements by equipping most of the facilities, the parking lot, and parts of the platform with LED lights. Furthermore, waste is separated and recycled where possible, the company has introduced water-efficient faucets, and there are movement sensors to switch lights on and off. There are several safety measures in place to keep employees safe, clients can easily file complaints through the company website and the company gives back to the community through donations and scholarships. The entire CAP organization is also working on the international “Airport Carbon Accreditation Program”.

At the recent handover of the Award, CAP also discussed the effect of the sustainability measures on its bottom line, its planned efforts to promote sustainability among its tenants, as well as the planned forest with local trees, which has been somewhat delayed due to the pandemic.

In the picture, CAP’s CEOs and Sustainability Team receive their award and certificate from the team of the Business Platform for Sustainability.

For more information regarding the certification of MSS, contact mss@bpmcuracao.com or visit the website of BPM www.bpmcuracao.com.

Q1-2021 Passenger Traffic Overview

Willemstad, April 30, 2021 – Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP)’s 2021 passenger traffic outlook for the first quarter of 2021 was cautiously optimistic. The data was showing a slow and gradual increase in commercial passenger traffic due to the varying restrictions caused by the pandemic and the mutations of the virus which were detected in our main markets. By the end of the first quarter, we found ourselves back and in a much more difficult position than a year ago. The reality that the first semester of 2021 would be challenging pales in comparison to the compromising position we find ourselves in. The British variant of the virus viciously entered and devastated the island.

International Departing Traffic during Q1 of 2021 was driven by Europe and the USA with 57% from Europe and 12% from the USA. Passenger traffic in January unfortunately decreased by -42% over December 2020. February traffic increased by +2% compared to January and in March traffic decreased by -28% over February. Due to the increase in measures and requirements, airlines in both Europe and the USA adjusted their flight schedules and aircraft capacity in line with the fluctuations in demand.

Notwithstanding the unprecedented challenges of 2020, CAP was pleased to learn that for a third consecutive year, Curaçao was placed within the top ten (10) international destinations based on passenger movements on the Amsterdam-Curaçao route. Dubai and Atlanta occupied the number one (1) and number two (2) positions, respectively.

Interisland connectivity within the Dutch Caribbean remained very volatile due to the resurgence of the virus and mutations thereof. In the first quarter of 2021, the Dutch Caribbean accounted for 25% of passenger traffic. Passenger traffic in January unfortunately decreased by -32% compared to December 2020. February traffic increased by +43% compared to January and in March traffic decreased by -8% over February.

South America has shown a weak and slower recovery than forecasted. Air service restart by our main airline partners has either been rescheduled or postponed. With most South American countries closed for international passenger traffic, airlines lack the feed from important countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru.

The overall average load factors per month from January through March were 55%, 55% and 69% respectively. Traffic recovery compared to 2019 was 19% in January; 22% in February and 29% in March.

According to Airports Council International (ACI), international passenger traffic is expected to remain weak in the first half of 2021, but early signs are pointing to a significant surge in air travel demand for the second half of 2021, as an increasing number of people get vaccinated and international travel restrictions are gradually eased. Domestic travel in the USA and Europe is rebounding faster than international travel as the largest vaccinated segments of the population are travelling to visit friends and family. In addition, the requirements for entry vary per international destination influencing travel decisions.

“Traffic remains extremely volatile, and the financial impact is severe. We however see a recovery in the second semester, not only because of the vaccination efforts all over the world, but mainly because of the vaccination program executed in Curaçao, which will quickly bring protection to our population and transform the island into a safe destination. Health safety will influence travel decisions and we are very hopeful that the tourism industry will prosper towards the end of the year”, said Mr. Paulo Mazzali, CAP co-CEO.

During a virtual ceremony on April 28, 2021, the CEO’s / Managing Directors of all six commercial Airports of the Dutch Caribbean signed a Cooperation Agreement that formalized the “Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports” (DCCA).

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, sharing of expertise with the goal of achieving economies of scale on seven key elements including but not limited to innovation, sustainability, regulations, safety and security, health challenges for Airports, emergency assistance/response, economical sustainable, stable and affordable air connections and maintenance, infrastructure and project management.

In these current times of crisis, during which each airport faces significant challenges, the CEOs and Managing Directors of the Airports of Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba have each expressed that this gives even more significance to this historical event and all look forward to achieving above objective through mutual assistance and collaboration.

During the signing ceremony the CEO’s and Managing Directors have also expressed their commitment to start working on a road map with the objective to make the Caribbean region a front runner in testing and stimulating electric flying as the next generation in aviation.

The contact details of DCCA will be:

DCCA Advisor & Point of contact

Angeline Flemming

E-mail: a.flemming@airportaruba.com

Departing passengers and local citizens can now also get tested on the spot

Willemstad, April 13, 2021  ̶  As of Wednesday April 14, 2021, departing passengers who need to take an Antigen test or PCR test prior to departing the island via the Curaçao International Airport, can now do so right outside the airport in the ‘Bus di Salú’ from ADC.

Seen the developments around Covid-19 locally and the need for this service, CAP has entered into an agreement with ADC laboratory to offer this service to departing passengers but has also taken into consideration the need of citizens from surrounding areas, who might need to get tested.  Thus, locals are also offered the possibility to make use of this test facility.

As previously informed, the Government of Curaçao, specifically via the Ministry of Health, requested the collaboration of CAP for the installation of a Medical Test Area, being operated by ADC, within the airport premises to facilitate arriving passengers, who for one reason or another need to get tested.

With the addition of this mobile test center outside of the airport, through the agreement with ADC, CAP is now catering to all departing passengers, stakeholders and also locals. This mobile test center is parked next to the Arrival Hall and ready to provide service every day of the week from 12pm to 7pm. The charges for an Antigen test are USD 20 and a PCR test costs USD 90. The waiting time for the Antigen test is of only 30 minutes and passengers can thus wait for the result. The PCR test takes 24 hours for the result to be provided.

Anyone who wishes to make use of the testing services offered via the ‘Bus di Salú’ can register via www.covid19pcrtestcuracao.com. It is also possible to do a ‘walk-in’, but it is recommended to register, as this will speed up the process as all information has already been provided.

The safety and health of our airport community and the entire island remains the number one priority of CAP and thus, CAP will continue to give all support to any initiative focused on safeguarding us all.

Willemstad, March 5, 2021  ̶  It was an extra meaningful celebration for all, as Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) presented the American Airlines (AA) team with a delicious cake to celebrate its 50th anniversary of connecting Curaçao with the United States. In spite of the circumstances, it was a day that could not go unnoticed; and CAP paid attention to the golden anniversary of the airline that has been bringing many locals to their favorite vacation and/or business destinations.

“Especially during these challenging times for the industry, such milestones have greater meaning” were the words of co-CEO of CAP, Mr. Paulo Mazzali, who together with Mrs. Peggy Croes, Director of Air Service Marketing & Development of CAP, presented the token of appreciation to Mr. Nelson Cortes, American’s Country Manager for Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao and his team here at the airport.

Congrats and Thank You to American Airlines! May we continue to collaborate to connect/transport many more passengers in the years ahead.

Enhanced public transportation service for Airport community

Willemstad, March 4, 2021  ̶  Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), the first local private company to have requested the installation of a fully customized bus stop at its location to ABC Busbedrijf and the local Government, has successfully received a positive reply to the request and with this, enhanced the public transportation experience of all CAP employees and members of the airport community who make use of these services.

CAP continuously looks into ways to improve the overall experience of its employees, travelers and visitors. With this in mind, it was a no-brainer that the situation at the airport with regards to the public transportation had to be revised and enhanced seen that the location only counted with one bus stop on such large operational area. The location of this only bus stop was unfortunately also not the most efficient as it was located towards the end of the premises on the west side of the Airport, while the entry to the location for employees, deliverers and visitors was more far east. This logistical dilemma was not the greatest for the comfort of employees who rely on public transportation or even visitors and travelers who make use of these services to make it on time for their travels.

What also makes this bus stop extra special is the fact that it is fully customized to the look and feel of our airport. Thus, it is not the usual bus stop as can be seen throughout the island but stands out for the unique design and use of colors.  Users and visitors will notice that the sign at this stop is in the look and feel of the distinctive so called ‘way findings’ within and around the airport. The original bus stop on the west end of the premises received a facelift also and has been fully customized to match this new bus stop and have both uniformed in the look and feel of the Curaçao International Airport.

ABC Busbedrijf was glad to help upon receiving this request and CAP is immensely grateful for the great support received. The opening of this additional, customized bus stop serves simultaneously for the launch of the ABC Busbedrijf app, which contains valuable passenger information and CAP is honored to be part of this as well. The bus stop at the Curaçao International Airport also has the premiere of being the first to be having the route timetable placed at the back of the bus stop sign. Passengers will thus have accurate information on the time and route and planning their trip will be much easier.

“We are so proud to have accomplished this for the comfort of our employees and visitors who make use of public transportation. The start or end of a workday can be much more relaxed for those who make use of public transportation as this bus stop’s location is right in front of the door and has the timetable information for easier reference. No more worrying about not making it on time”, said co-CEO Mr. Paulo Mazzali.

The airport has been celebrating many achievements and is adding yet another to the list with the opening of this bus stop that will greatly serve all users.