Successful DCCA - 1st International Sustainable Air Transportation Event

The keynote speech, speakers, presentations, panel discussions, and masterclasses at the event were of immense value to the continued efforts of all the airports involved to venture into sustainable air transportation developments, solutions, and technologies. These endeavors support one of their main goals, sustainably improving inter-island connectivity.

“The knowledge and insights gained during the event will further strengthen our efforts as Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports to be innovative front runners on electric flying in the Caribbean region and making interisland air connections more sustainable, efficient, and affordable for the Dutch Caribbean communities. This will in turn further enhance the societies of the island nations considering the sustainable development goals of all”, said Joost Meijs, CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V. and DCCA Chairman on behalf of DCCA.

311 participants attended the in-person conference throughout the week, and 888 virtually. The community also came out in large numbers to view the Pipistrel Velis Electro and learn more about its capabilities and technology.

As one of the accomplishments, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during the event between all four countries (Aruba, St Maarten, Curacao, and The Netherlands) of the Dutch Kingdom, six airports of the Dutch Caribbean and the Dutch Association of Airports (NVL). In this Memorandum of Understanding, all signatories have expressed their commitment to improving interisland connectivity by making it more affordable, efficient, and sustainable.

As a result of this MOU, the parties will form a steering committee and workgroup working on a Joint Business Plan describing how to achieve it and which hurdles to eliminate. They will deliver this business plan within seven months from the day of the signing of this MOU.

On behalf of DCCA, chairman Mr. Joost Meijs sincerely thanks all contributors, participants, and support staff for making this event possible and a grand success. A heartfelt thank you is also in place for all the speakers, panelists, moderators, stakeholders, and volunteers that participated in getting this event off the ground and completed.

For more information on the conference, visit DCCA’s website at www.dccaairports.com.