WILLEMSTAD - Authorities in Curaçao have remained resolute in their decision not to release a Boeing 737-300 commercial transport plane currently under seizure, despite attempts by the owner to negotiate its release.
Albatros, the owner of the plane, offered a guarantee to release the aircraft, reminiscent of practices commonly observed among Venezuelan companies facing financial constraints. However, sources familiar with the case have likened the offered guarantee to "a plastic bag filled with hot air."
The Court of Justice in Curaçao has affirmed the legality of the seizure, with Judge Solange Christiaan confirming its validity. An examination of the plane's trajectory leading up to the seizure presents irrefutable evidence supporting the authorities' actions.
Registered under the name of Alianza Glancelot CA, also known as Albatros Airlines, the aircraft, christened Esmeralda last year, was seized shortly after completing its route between Las Piedras and Hato Airport.
The seizure was initiated by the owners of the American company 111 Repair in Homestead, Florida. Since 2017, 111 Repair has been providing parts and equipment for Albatros planes. However, Albatros has fallen behind on payments for these supplies over the past four years.
The dispute was brought before a court arbitration in Florida, which on August 9th ruled in favor of 111 Repair, ordering Albatros to pay $92,931 plus 9.09% interest and $400,000 for each year of outstanding debt.
Following the seizure, Albatros's legal representatives petitioned the court for the immediate release of the plane. They argued that the company only owns two planes, the Boeing 737 and a small Embraer, and claimed that the Boeing 737 could not be confiscated as it had been sold to another entity. However, court documents revealed that the plane remains registered under Albatros's name.
Albatros proposed to lift the seizure, offering a guarantee financed by the proceeds ticket sale. They intend to settle the debt using ticket revenues, with the remaining balance to be paid in bi-weekly installments.
Despite Albatros's efforts, the lawyers representing 111 Repair rejected the proposal, opting not to fall into what they deemed a trap.