WILLEMSTAD - Minister Ruisandro Cijntje of Economic Development (MEO) has discussed the FAA status of Curaçao aviation with the U.S. Consul General Margereth Bond. It was the first meeting between the minister and the consul.
The American aviation authority FAA ruled in early 2012 that Curaçao does not meet all international requirements in the field of aviation safety. The aviation sector was therefore downgraded from safety category one to two. As a result, local airlines cannot operate flights to the US with their own aircraft.
During the acquaintance, Cijntje spoke with Bond about the plans to place the aviation sector in the highest category again, and the role that the American consul can play in this. According to the minister, with the arrival of new hotels, it is important that more flights come from the U.S.
During the conversation, Bond expressed concern about the high unemployment rate on the island. The consul showed interest in Cijntje's policy to reduce unemployment. The minister emphasized that the government is paying attention to the problem and that he will come up with a policy plan together with the ministers of Social Development and also Education.