SXMElections.com

~ Details opportunities, threats ~

AIRPORT--In reference to opportunities discussed at the Routes Americas 2015 Conference earlier this month, Princess Juliana International Airport SXM says it "remains firmly on the radar of various airlines, with several carriers stating that they are very pleased with the airport."

An airport press release said, "During one-on-one meetings between a St. Maarten delegation and a number of airlines and airport representatives at the Routes Americas 2015 Conference to discuss current and new air service opportunities, the United States carriers indicated that the 2014 load factors were good and that no changes were expected in the market."

The delegation was led by Tourism and Transport Minister Claret Connor and included airport Managing Director Regina LaBega and other top airport officials. The group reportedly was told that the airport is in demand in markets like Canada, which results in increased frequencies and new services from cities such as Toronto and Ottawa.

"Among the opportunities the delegation was able to identify is the fact that Surinam Airways is prepared to provide service from Amsterdam to St. Maarten (AMS-SXM). Its partnership with GOL also offers opportunities to explore service from Brazil," Gad P. Wavomba, in charge of the airline's International Planning, was quoted as saying.

"Similarly, Azul, a low-cost carrier based in São Paolo's Campinas Viracopos International Airport, is interested in the St. Maarten market and will further explore air service opportunities. Azul's CEO [Chief Executive Officer – Ed.] and founder David Neeleman and Jim Smith, who is responsible for Azul's North America and Caribbean Operations, both formerly worked with JetBlue and are very familiar with SXM, having negotiated and secured JetBlue's service to SXM."

Furthermore, United Airlines indicated that increased frequency may be possible from Chicago and Washington next winter, the press release noted. In addition, the carrier is looking at service from Houston in the summer. Service from Houston has proven to be successful in the summer and can be considered for a seasonal swap with Chicago.

"Moreover, Southwest will further explore the possibility of a Baltimore, Maryland, (BWI) service to SXM. Baltimore is currently its biggest international gateway. The airline is already considering service to SXM from Fort Lauderdale and possibly Orlando as part of its expansion into the Caribbean. SXM remains high on Southwest's radar."

Another low-cost carrier, Viva Colombia, based in Medellin, Colombia, also expressed an interest in the market and stated that St. Maarten is 'on the radar' as part of its preliminary research, as it plans to expand into the Caribbean in 2016.

In regard to the European market, St. Maarten is still on British Airways' radar, as part of a double stop with one of its current Caribbean hubs, either St. Lucia or Antigua. A possible consideration for its 2015 winter schedule is currently being looked into.

In addition, Simon Edwards and Druvika Patel of London's Gatwick Airport expressed their willingness and interest in further exploring possible service to St. Maarten, with representatives from British Airways and Virgin.

"Also, the current service from Stockholm, Sweden, by Thomas Cook Airlines, offers a great window of opportunity to discuss possible service from Manchester, England, by Thomson Airways," the release said.

Closer to home, Insel Air plans to increase its service to St. Maarten by introducing an Aruba-St. Maarten service, as well as increasing its St. Maarten-Santo Domingo service.

In spite of the entire positive outlook, however, threats remain. For example, St. Maarten is at risk of losing JetBlue's service to San Juan, Puerto Rico. This market needs urgent attention, the airport press release warned.

"Also, questions were raised concerning the hotel product in St. Maarten. Besides, a perceived lack of marketing efforts by the destination seems to be contributing to the below-par performance in some markets."

On a different front, Copa may have to reduce its capacity if the flights it currently operates to Sint Maarten continue to perform below expectations. In 2012 and 2013, when it operated less flights, the carrier had much better performance numbers, while the average load factor for 2014 was 50 per cent.

"However, the St. Maarten delegation suggested that Copa consider using a different aircraft type – Embrear – on this route, instead of the B737, which would result in better load factors and therefore be more sustainable."