De Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij (SLM, Suriname’s national airline) intends to focus in the coming period primarily on operational stability, reliable backup capacity, customer focus and further digitalisation. Work is also being done on stronger international partnerships and expansion of the route network. SLM director Johan Sandie said this in a conversation with Communicatie Dienst Suriname (CDS, Suriname’s Government Communication Service).
According to Sandie, the airline is currently in a transition phase. He acknowledges that operational disruptions and delays are unpleasant for passengers, but stresses that safety in aviation always comes first.
“No one will depart if it is unsafe. The maintenance department will not sign off if there is an issue,” the SLM director said. According to him, it is therefore important that the company arranges sufficient reserve and backup options to absorb cancellations as much as possible.
“We are going for stability, calm, customer focus, digitalisation, better aircraft, better partners and stronger partners,” Sandie said.
Eastern Airlines new partner on Mid-Atlantic route
According to the director, new steps are now being taken on the Mid-Atlantic route. From September 27, 2026, SLM will fly from Amsterdam in cooperation with Eastern Airlines. This airline will become SLM’s new partner on the route for a period of two years.
From December 2026, a Boeing 777-200 is also to be deployed, fully operated in SLM colours.
According to Sandie, the company is at the same time continuing to critically assess the financial viability of its routes. Several connections have been discontinued in recent times following evaluations.
According to the director, various studies show that SLM does indeed have the potential to grow into a financially healthy airline.
Recovery plan dependent on financing
The recovery and future plan must also contribute to further strengthening the company. According to Sandie, approval and the necessary financing are required first.
In addition to operational improvements, communication with passengers is also receiving extra attention. According to the director, SLM has found that information sent exclusively by email is not always read.
The company therefore wants to make stronger use again of notifications via the SLM app, so that travellers can be informed more quickly about changes, delays and other developments concerning their flight.
Curaçao and new destinations in view
SLM also expects to add new destinations to the network in the coming years and to operate with multiple aircraft. According to Sandie, the company has received invitations to explore new routes.
A return to Curaçao is on the agenda. Barranquilla in Colombia, Sint Maarten and Jamaica are also mentioned as possible destinations.
SLM currently works with airlines such as WinAir, LIAT Air and InterCaribbean Airways. According to Sandie, discussions are also being held with larger international airline partners.
SLM wants to become an international operator
The airline also wants to play a greater role in the development of tourism in Suriname. This also includes looking at the possibility of further developing Suriname as a regional aviation hub.
“We really want to be involved with the sector, involving it in our plans. But even more so, we want to be an international operator,” Sandie said.
According to the SLM director, there are opportunities to further expand the company. “We have the opportunity to become big in this country, and we are going to do that.”
