WILLEMSTAD - A recent aviation conference, organized by airports in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, highlighted a pressing issue: the accessibility and affordability of air travel between the islands. According to participants, including Hans de Jong, connectivity is essential for the residents of these regions, where alternatives such as ferry services are often lacking or limited.
Hans de Jong is an experienced aviation professional with a background in transport economics. He has held various leadership positions, including Director-General of the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) from 2017 to 2020. He also served as a member of the supervisory board of Winair, the national airline of Sint Maarten.
De Jong argues that aviation is crucial for socio-economic interactions, hospital visits, and family connections between the islands. Additionally, airports in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten serve as important hubs for connecting the region to the rest of the world. However, these connections are under pressure due to rising fees and taxes, such as the recently introduced tourist tax of $75 on Bonaire.
“It’s time for a reassessment,” says de Jong. He advocates for lower fees and the full implementation of the 2011 aviation agreement, which aimed to liberalize air connections within the Kingdom. He also suggests public service provision as a potential solution, particularly when commercial initiatives fall short.
Initiatives and Challenges
Recent initiatives, such as the cheaper connections between Sint Maarten, Saba, and Statia by Winair, have been welcomed, but de Jong describes them as “just a drop in the ocean.” In contrast, new taxes and cost increases by aviation organizations are making the situation more difficult.
Given the current political situation in the Netherlands, where ministries are led by the PVV, de Jong does not expect significant progress towards structural solutions. However, he remains optimistic about the region’s willingness to collaborate on improving air connectivity.