PARAMARIBO--Dutch budget airline TUI is starting Amsterdam-Suriname service in April 2017, launching a competition with KLM and Surinam Airways SLM that have forever battled each other on the trans-Atlantic route. The new service will be offered in partnership with SLM.
“Suriname has been on our wish list for some time now, when it comes to offering our customers interesting destinations,” said TUI general manager Arjan Kers in a statement. “We are proud of this partnership that enables three weekly flights between Paramaribo and Amsterdam.”
SLM Manager Robby Lachmising also expressed pride, stressing that it “is important to have a strong European partner to penetrate new international market segments and to be able to expand airlift and tourist visitor numbers for Suriname. Through this partnership we also contribute to the diversification of Suriname’s economy,” Lachmising said.
The partnership promises cheaper tickets than those offered by KLM, “starting at 499 euros for return flights,” a TUI official told Dutch daily de Telegraaf. “Our focus is primarily on Dutch tourists who want packaged holidays including hotel stay. It is also possible to combine the Suriname trip with a beach holiday in Curaçao.”
The new TUI/SLM service will be carried out from April 2017 with the Airbus A340 of SLM. In the summer high season the airline intends to deploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a majestic 300-seat, wide-body aircraft.
TUI is not the first airline to attempt to crush KLM’s monopoly on the Suriname route. In 2003 when Air Holland announced flights to Paramaribo, KLM increased pressure on the Dutch and Suriname Governments and Air Holland’s intentions never took off.
Social media have come alive since TUI announced its Suriname service, with expectations for a price war between the two airlines, from which the customer stands to benefit.
