Surinam Airways  (SLM) and other players from the aviation sector and all parties concerned agreed on one thing and that is that the recovery of the aviation sector is urgent and necessary for the nation’s economy.  “The SLM is crucial but has suffered financial losses for the past couple of years. We can’t watch idly,” said President Simons in an interview. President Simons emphasized that before being installed the coalition had already announced that it would save the SLM if that were possible.  “It will be a huge operation but we must try it for Suriname.”

President Simons also made it clear that the national carrier is not the only one that requires attention. “Meanwhile we have been told that the entire aviation sector is experiencing turbulence,” said President Simons. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname (CASAS) was blacklisted recently and this only makes things worse for all of  the companies that are active in the aviation sector. “That is more than enough reason to screen the entire sector, make an inventory of all of the problems and to identify the tools and measures that will be required.” The talks with the SLM and the other aviation companies will be resumed next week. The head of state pointed out that the nation’s aviation sector is needed for the development of tourism.  “We already earn money from planes that pass through our airspace but it could always be better.” The Simons is currently working towards strengthening the Suriname Tourism Board and establishing specialized units to focus on tourism.