The Netherlands and Bonaire also want to ensure that BIA is ready for the sustainable aviation of the future.
The Netherlands and Bonaire will jointly invest heavily in Bonaire's airport to ensure that it can better meet international safety standards in the future. The terminal of Bonaire International Airport (BIA) will also be expanded and modernized in the coming years, with an eye for sustainability.
Minister Mark Harbers, deputy Hennyson Thielman, BIA director Maarten van der Scheer and Kingdom Representative Jan Helmond (on behalf of the Interior) recently signed an agreement that brings the improvement and expansion of Flamingo Airport one step closer.
“With this investment, the airport will be able to better respond to international safety requirements in the future, which is important for safe aviation. But it is also important that the airport remains of and for all residents of Bonaire. Finally, I am pleased that Bonaire is being prepared for the sustainable aviation of the future with this plan. Because of the short distances and the relatively small number of passengers on flights between the islands, the Caribbean Netherlands is ideally suited for this sustainable form of flying.”
In its role, the government is responsible for ensuring security in the Caribbean Netherlands. The investment will allow the platforms to be modernized so that they better meet the safety level expected by the international civil aviation organization ICAO.
In addition to the platforms, investments are also being made in an upgrade of the airport itself. The expansion and modernization of the terminal will be financed externally and through airport charges. As a result, the terminal will be expanded and supplied with more self-produced, sustainable energy.
“With the expansion of Flamingo Airport, the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) wants to ensure that the passenger flow at the airport is realized in a safe, sustainable and high-quality manner. Good infrastructure is essential for future-proof and sustainable economic development and is the calling card of our island.”
The Netherlands and Bonaire also want to ensure that BIA is ready for the sustainable aviation of the future. The arrival of electric aircraft will therefore be taken into account when redesigning the aprons. The Netherlands is investing €15 million in tackling the platforms, Bonaire is allocating €6,6 million. In total, the intention is to invest € 50 million in the airport, according to the National government.
“Flamingo Airport wants to facilitate the increasing demand in a safe, sustainable and high-quality manner, in a manner that suits Bonaire. We can make that possible with the help of both ministries and the island. We are very happy with the good cooperation and the support of our partners. Once the plans are complete, the airport will be ready for the future.”
Photo above: Lenorko/Shutterstock.com
