Surinam Airways’ flight PY331, under the command of Captain Miguel Jap, touched down for the first time at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
Captain Steven Gonesh, the airline’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), enthusiastically declared, “Surinam Airways is here to stay!”
Barbados’ welcome to Suriname and airline officials
Acting CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI), Craig Hinds, extended a warm welcome to dignitaries from Barbados and Suriname governments, airline officials, and travel agents.
He expressed his delight in being part of yet another inaugural event as Barbados’ winter season officially began.
Creating a seamless regional gateway
Craig Hinds emphasized the flight’s significance in establishing a gateway that facilitates seamless connectivity between Suriname, Guyana, and Barbados.
This development aligns with BTMI’s overarching goal of increasing airlift to the island and attracting more regional visitors.
Hinds saw this new service as a pivotal opportunity to achieve these objectives and more.
Strengthening regional bonds and economic prospects
Hinds pointed out that this marks a significant milestone in regional travel and strengthens the bonds between Suriname, Guyana, and Barbados.
He viewed the new service as a crucial step in forging stronger ties between these nations and opening up substantial economic opportunities.
He also assured that BTMI would explore all avenues to ensure the success of the flight.
Suriname’s contribution to enhanced connectivity
Rabin Boeddha, Director of Tourism at Suriname’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Tourism, underscored Surinam Airways’ extensive 61-year history and its valuable contribution to the aviation industry.
He emphasized the necessity of connectivity for tourism and affirmed the airline’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for improved connectivity.
Boeddha stated that “This milestone intensifies the bilateral relationship between Suriname and Barbados based on cordial ties in different areas, such as trade, tourism, and hospitality, enhancing business, connecting people, and further improving connectivity and access to other regional and North American destinations.”
A new era of opportunities
Acting CEO Gonesh declared that it is the beginning of lots of opportunities, not only for all three countries but especially for the airline itself.
He highlighted the significance of the new route, which had been a joint request, and how it aligns with promoting the CARICOM spirit, fostering enhanced connectivity, and cooperation.
Gonesh emphasized that this milestone represented progress in the right direction and was a testament to Surinam Airways’ dedication to soaring to greater heights.
Acknowledging the behind-the-scenes efforts
All parties involved expressed their gratitude to Barbados’ Special Envoy to Suriname, Alphea Wiggins, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the air service agreement and inaugural flight a reality.
An exchange of plaques and gifts between the Barbadian and Surinamese delegations added a symbolic touch to the welcome ceremony.
Flight details
The Surinam Airways Boeing 737-800 aircraft, equipped with 12 business, 42 premium economy, and 96 economy seats, will offer two flights per week on Wednesdays and Sundays, connecting Paramaribo to Georgetown and Bridgetown.
This new route promises to be a game-changer in regional travel and connectivity.
