Efforts to get back into category 1 of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) deserve support. It’s been more than a decade since Curaçao and St. Maarten were downgraded after the country Netherlands Antilles was dissolved.
This is important for Winair but the entire destination too. With North America as its dominant market that may pretty much be considered a no-brainer.
Why it has taken so long at this point is water under the proverbial bridge. The time has come to do something meaningful about it.
While there are undoubtedly related expenses, the goal certainly seems worthwhile. It will allow present and future local airlines to not only service US territory but enter into code-sharing agreements with American carriers for a smoother flow of transit passengers, enhancing the hub function of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA).
Such a development would fit in with the recent motion passed by Parliament in support of government’s work group outlining a viable path to the also-long-discussed US Pre-Clearance with on-site American Immigration and Customs controls. Quarterly reports on progress made are to be submitted via the Council of Ministers and handled in the Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Committee.
TEATT Minister Roger Lawrence during the budget debate said the funding involved in creating the facility ranges between 60 and 90 million US dollars, with annual operational cost estimated at $6 to $9 million. Although – to be sure – that’s a lot of money, the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS) estimated the move could increase American arrivals by 10 per cent, which represents $32 million per year.
If correct, it means the initial investment can be recouped with additional earnings in three years. That is not a bad return by any means.
