Heppener exits Insel Air

WILLEMSTAD - Jan Heppener will reportedly step down as chief executive officer at Antillean aviation company, Insel Air. Heppener who became Insel Air’s CEO two months ago will temporarily be replaced by Edward Heerenveen. Heppeners opted for an early exit because of personal reasons. From the beginning the plan was that Heppener would leave after the deal with the strategic partner had been finalized. Insel Air is close to finalizing the deal. Heppener on April 1, 2018 succeeded Gilles Filiatreault, who held the post of CEO for over a year. Heppener, brought more than 40 years of leadership experience to the aviation company. Prior to joining InselAir, Mr. Heppener served in a series of senior leadership positions at Jet Support, TUI Airlines Nederland, DutchBird and Air Holland. He both started airlines (DutchBird, Corendon Dutch Airlines) and managed several airlines during his career in the Netherlands. While Insel Air was under Heppener’s management a deal was closed to resume flights to Venezuela, a new plane was leased to resume the jet service to Saint Maarten and Suriname and an interline contract was signed with Sunrise Airways. Insel Air also found a strategic partner. Curacao’s minister of Economic Development, Steven Martina, announced recently that the name of the strategic partner of the ailing InselAir would be announced this week. The company’s strategic partner or intended lender will get 49 percent of the shares. The controlling majority will remain in the hands of the government of Curaçao. InselAir is in suspension of payment but must have a plan before the end of August to be financially independent.