Surinam Airways has commenced operations on its flights between Paramaribo/Zanderij (PBM) and Belém (BEL), Brazil, as part of its network recovery efforts. The state-owned airline will operate two weekly flights using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, providing a weekly capacity of 696 seats. Additionally, the flights will enable connections to Miami (MIA), USA, with layovers ranging from 9 to 12 hours.
GOL is the only airline that operates between both destinations with three weekly flights.
Flight Schedule between Belém and Paramaribo by Surinam Airways
- Flight PY 9913 PBM 21:45 – 23:30 BEL / Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Flight PY 9914 BEL 00:45 – 02:30 PBM / Thursdays and Sundays.
This move signals a partial recovery for Surinam Airways, which has faced financial difficulties and internal challenges over an extended period. Some of these issues are attributed to the unstable political situation in Surinam. An example of these challenges was the departure of the former Dutch director of the airline, Paul de Haan, in August 2022. He sought refuge in neighboring French Guiana after receiving threats in Paramaribo.
Paul de Haan was appointed in September 2021 to lead efforts to rescue the airline, with the goal of restoring its financial stability and addressing an accumulated debt of USD 75 million, including outstanding payments to the owners.
With recovery in mind and the aim of incorporating new aircraft under its management, Surinam Airways has reached agreements to acquire two Boeing 737-800 with a capacity for 150 passengers. These aircraft are being used on routes from Paramaribo to destinations such as Miami, Aruba, Curaçao, Belém, and, soon, Barbados, which is set to inaugurate on December 20, 2024. Additionally, the airline operates an Airbus A340-300 on the route to Amsterdam.
The airline’s strategy also includes plans to resume flights to other destinations, such as Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Maarten.
