AIRPORT--Emirates, the flagship of United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Norwegian Air are among a number of airlines that have indicated interest in further exploring service opportunities to Princess Juliana International Airport SXM.
An airport delegation led by Managing Director Regina LaBega held an introductory meeting with Emirates’ Route and Analysis Planning, Aero, Political and Industry Affairs Manager Asim Hussain at the World Routes Conference in Durban, South Africa.
At this meeting, Hussain expressed interest in exploring route service opportunities to the Caribbean and possibly to Princess Juliana International Airport SXM.
Hussain said the company’s model was based primarily on non-stop and daily service, but it could adjust according to market size. It will be recalled that Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UAE government in 2013.
Emirates, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, began service to Orlando, Florida, United States, and recently will be introducing service to Panama in February 2016.
The airport delegation also met with Norwegian Air at that airline’s request. Based in Norway, the 13-year-old company recently announced service from Martinique and Guadeloupe to United States markets New York, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; and Baltimore, Maryland.
With a current fleet of 101 aircraft and a firm order for 250 more over the next eight years, Norwegian Air operates in approximately 40 countries and started operating long-haul services two years ago.
“As we continue to expand our reach into the Caribbean and North America, we recognise, based on preliminary studies, and are very interested in the route opportunities in and out of SXM,” said Norwegian Air Regional Marketing Development head Michael Ambs.
According to LaBega, World Routes is where airlines, airports and tourism executives from around the world convene to focus on growth opportunities.
“This Routes conference was important, as airlines have never been so profitable while passenger growth remained strong. According to ACI [Airports Council International – Ed.], world airport growth averages four to five per cent while SXM increased by seven per cent over last year,” she said.
BlueSky Airlines’ Mark Ellinger expressed great interest in a potential service between Grand Cayman and St. Maarten. The airline, based in Grand Cayman, will commence service to 10 destinations, including Cancun, Mexico; Jamaica; the Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Colombia; and Costa Rica, in the first quarter of 2016.
Using a Bombardier Q400 aircraft with a seating capacity of 71, the company focuses on routes not exceeding two hours’ flying time. Its target markets include business, leisure and ethnic travellers. Ellinger said the airline recognised the market opportunity into and beyond St. Maarten’s airport.
The discussions with Virgin Air and South West were also positive for potential service in 2017 or beyond, LaBega said. “They all hailed the Air Service Development Committee (ASDC) concept and recognised the potential of the hub partners,” she added.
“As we continue talks with a number of carriers in efforts to maintain and increase service, we cannot stress enough that the participation of all stakeholders is critical,” LaBega stated, adding that marketing of the destination was key.
“Brand awareness is indeed a must. While meeting with one airline, they indicated that when talking about and referring to the Caribbean, Barbados automatically comes to mind. This is obviously as a result of the destination’s marketing efforts,” LaBega said.
Commenting on St. Maarten delegation’s participation, LaBega disclosed that carriers like Copa had expressed satisfaction with its service and performance at the airport.
She said the Copa executives had indicated that a growing market had resulted in good load factors and yield for the airline’s service to St. Maarten.
“To further stimulate the market and increase additional awareness of SXM and its hub partners, the company said it would look into possibly hosting its annual fam [familiarisation – Ed.] trip in 2016 in St. Maarten. Further consultations are needed with the various stakeholders to make this happen and SXM Airport will do its part,” LaBega assured.
