Surinam Airways says it has been forced to suspend its services to this country.
Also known by its initial SLM, Surinam Airways is the flag carrier of Suriname.
It is based in Paramaribo and operates regional and long-haul passenger services from its hub at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport ( Zanderij).
According to a release, the airline said it had been forced to suspend its services as of Monday (May 23) after close to three decades of operations into Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
The airline added that it will review its brand model and its economic viability throughout its route network.
According to Surinam Airways’ spokesperson of the turning sixty years Government-owned airline, “The departure from Port-of- Spain as any other restructuring and organisation development process, is a difficult decision for us to suspend operations to Trinidad market after 29 years servicing the people of this beautiful island. Our heart is saddened that we have to separate from the over three decades of relationship with our General Sales Agent (GSA), loyal staff, committed people, travel agents, and authorities of this destination. Thank you for the trust and your invaluable support for making us a trusted airline. However, we are hopeful that we can resume after reviewing our route network and the fleet requirement to ensure sustainable growth in the region and to continue operations to ten or more destinations in the future.”
Surinam airways stated that passengers whose flight has been affected will be accommodated by an arrangement with Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) and are asked to contact their travel agents or Surinam Airways directly by email call centre@flyslm.com.
Last month Caribbean Airlines resumed its service between Trinidad and Suriname.
According to Caribbean Airlines, the flights to Suriname operate between Piarco International Airport and the Johan Adolf Pengel International airport Paramaribo, three times per week each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
In a release announcing the resumption last month Caribbean Airlines CEO Garvin Medera said:
“We are delighted to resume regular scheduled service from Trinidad to both Suriname and Curacao. The schedule to these destinations was built to facilitate convenient connections within the region and to other countries in the Caribbean Airlines network.”
“Caribbean Airlines is also happy to return to these markets with our new 737-8 aircraft which offers state-of-the-art technology and increased levels of comfort, all uniquely packaged to enhance our customer travel experience,” Medera stated.