WILLEMSTAD - The seaplanes of Dutch Caribbean Islandhopper (DCI) have no impact on the environment and do not fly over residential areas. That is what the start-up says in response to reports from Green Force. The environmental organization is concerned about the plan to deploy seaplanes in Curaçao.
According to Green Force, the 45 landing zones being discussed would interfere with boating traffic, water activities and the tranquility of surrounding residential areas. Green Force also mentions the fact that many of the intended landing zones fall under a protocol for the protection of vulnerable nature and breeding areas.
DCI states that the environmental organization's press release contains incorrect and uninformed statements. "It is good that people are concerned about safety and nature, so are we," DCI director Steven Chin-A-Kwie told the Dutch news site NU.cw. “But it is important to be well informed.”
Chin-A-Kwie emphasizes that aviation is operated according to strict international safety standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). In addition, the flight paths are not above residential areas and various procedures are in place for noise reduction.
"Because we fly from what Mother Nature has given us, there is no need for us to build an airport that has to give way to vulnerable habitat," said DCI. According to Chin-A-Kwie, seaplanes are actually used by environmental organizations and authorities. A study by the US Army Corps of Engineers also shows that seaplanes have no impact on air, water and soil quality.
The preparations for the official start of the flights are in the final phase. “We invite Green Force and anyone with concerns to contact us to learn more about how we operate our operation in a safe and sustainable manner,” concluded Chin-A-Kwie.