Suriname’s National Carrier to Resume Flights to the U.S.

Surinam Airways (SLM), Suriname’s national carrier will resume direct flights to the United States of America (USA) after nearly 16 years a company official here disclosed. The move comes at a moment when several airlines are scaling back operations to the Caribbean due to increased fuel costs.

“As of August 25 the SLM will operate direct flights to Miami, Florida, in the US with a stopover in Aruba,” company spokesman Rudy Westerborg, said in an invited comment. The Miami flights will use an MD-82, which also services the airline’s other regional destinations.

Surinam Airways is able to resume flights to US territories since the US Federal Aviation Authority recently lifted its ban on all Surinamese airlines to operate flights to the US.

The ban came after Suriname failed to implement several aviation safety standards, while national legislation had to be brought in line with international standards.

Surinam Airways will start with two flights on Monday and Friday while the number of flights could be increased if necessary. According to the spokesman, other regional operations of Surinam Airways will continue as is.