By Ray Chickrie
PARAMARIBO, Suriname — American Airlines (AA) has included Paramaribo to its route network, as the country’s emerging oil and gas economy takes its foothold. This development will improve Suriname’s connectivity with North America and the wider world as the Guianas emerges as the world’s next oil and gas frontier.
Suriname has a great tourism product that has been untapped and the country is looking to use oil and gas to diversify its commodity-based economy. Suriname Airways (SLM), Caribbean Airlines and COPA also service the Miami/PBM route.
American Airlines Paramaribo flights will begin this July, five-times weekly with convenient connections through its US domestic and global network.
In a press release on Monday, February 08, the airline said: “American Airlines is strengthening its commitment to its Miami hub with the announcement of two new international routes to Tel Aviv (TLV) and Paramaribo, Suriname (PBM), beginning this summer.”
“Beginning in July, American will also be the first and only US. carrier to offer nonstop service to PBM. Flights will operate five times per week on an Airbus 319, with a convenient schedule for customers traveling across the United States to connect through MIA. As a new destination for the airline, Suriname becomes the ninth country served in South America.”
Andrew Muller, Cooperate Planner at JAP wrote on Facebook: “It’s official, American Airlines just announced it is coming to PBM, Suriname! 4 years our Routes Development Team and I have put into this project to make it a reality. A new Airline to serve Suriname. Oil & Gas of course have influenced this very much.”
Suriname’s population and culture represent a mosaic of many ethnic groups and descendants from Europe, Ghana, India, Indonesia, the Middle East and many other countries. Its indigenous population is an eminent part of the rich culture of Suriname.
It’s an experience right here in the Western Hemisphere where over 30 languages are spoken by its inhabitants. The capital, Paramaribo, is a wooden colonial city of many beautifully preserved wooden buildings on the Suriname River, which is part of UNESCO’s world heritage.
The former Dutch colony is the greenest nation on earth with over 90 percent forest cover, pristine biodiversity, multi waterfalls, rapids, and opportunities for bird watching and sport fishing which offers a unique experience for travellers interested in ecotourism and adventure tourism.
