PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says the country does not have money to provide financial support every month to the cash-strapped state-owned Suriname Airlines (SLM).
“You are taking over a company with serious problems that urgently need a fresh start. The country doesn’t have the money to support SLM every month. We want to get rid of that as quickly as possible. The airline must be able to operate independently again,” she told the ceremony where the new Supervisory Board (RvC) was sworn into office.
The RvC, led by Chairman Marlon Telting, takes over at a difficult time for the national airline, which has been struggling with serious financial and operational problems for some time. President Greelings-Simons said it is essential that the new board build on what has already been initiated.
“We expect the work to continue with the new board and that a good start will be made with new initiatives,” she added. Telting said that while he is grateful for the government’s confidence, it is now time to work concretely on recovery.
“The company has been kept afloat, but now we must take steps together with the management, the board, and the government to make SLM commercially viable.
“Much has been said about SLM. It’s important that we first fully understand the core of the problems. I’m curious about the management’s initiatives for recovery,” he added.
Transport, Communications, and Tourism Minister, Raymond Landveld, emphasized the importance of a future-proof, commercial course for the airline.
“We must work towards an SLM that can operate independently in the long term, without being dependent on the state,” he said, urging the new board to develop a strategic business plan that offers prospects for recovery.
“With the right course, there can finally be a bright future for SLM,” he added. Media reports said that SLM’s debt has increased significantly in recent years and now amounts to more than US$125 million.
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