“SLM must strengthen its position within the Caribbean”

There is no need to deem the arrival of Panamanian airline, Copa Airlines, as a threat to the national carrier, Surinam Airways (SLM). The threat will become real if the national carrier does not upgrade its customer service while strengthening its position in the Caribbean,” Robbi Lachmising, former director at SLM, told Times of Suriname. The former top executive who was also present at the Johan Adolf Pengel (JAP) International Airport to witness the arrival of the Copa Airlines plane in Suriname does not object to the arrival of a new competitor. He explained that there are certain benefits as the new flight route can bring as many tourists and investors from Panama to Suriname. “But the SLM must take additional measures that will benefit its own passengers especially because of the fact that Copa Airlines is known as an airline that stick to its flight schedule and offers good customer service. In the past couple of months I have received complaints about the SLM’s customer service and that several flights were canceled. The SLM must address these issues.” Public Works, Transport and Communication Minister Vijay Chotkan told Times of Suriname that neither the SLM nor Fly All Ways need to worry about the arrival of Copa Airlines as the government would never allow two local airlines to be defeated. “SLM and Fly Allways are our pride. They are Surinamese companies that flourish. They can tap into the possibilities and challenges that this company has to offer,” said the minister who added that “the SLM has signed a deal with Copa Airlines.” As part of the deal SLM will handle and provide catering to all flights of Copa Airlines. The SLM and Fly Allways will reportedly modernize their fleet.