WILLEMSTAD–Curaçao-based InselAir no longer has a flight permit. The Air Operator Certificate (AOC) expired Friday night and was not extended by Civil Aviation Authority CBA because the troubled carrier failed to meet all requirements.
The related Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Spatial Planning VVRP did say the company can immediately file a new request, which will be processed as soon as possible. Potential investors in the company will now sit with management on the next steps, but chances are this latest development may hamper or delay the Dutch Caribbean airline’s intended take-over by Trinidadian businessman Michael Rocke and Tilgent Capital Trust to prevent bankruptcy.
However, there is concern that recently-returned CBA director Hans de Jong is involved in a conflict of interest. His LinkedIn-page mentions he is also vice-chairman of the supervisory board at Windward Islands Airways International Winair, which (making use of Air Antilles planes) competes with InselAir on flights between Curaçao and St. Maarten.
De Jong said VVRP-minister Zita Jesus-Leito and Winair are well aware of this situation. He gave both a written statement assuring them there will be no conflict of interest or appearance thereof.
UGKT/Cadmu union representing InselAir personnel finds this combination of functions unacceptable and even more worrying if the minister was informed.
De Jong had indicated that not prolonging the AOC of InselAir was based on a combination of circumstances acknowledged by management which means flight safety can’t be guaranteed at this moment.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/85304-inselair-permit-is-not-extended
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