Suriname, a country in South America, faced significant economic challenges following a downturn in the prices of key natural resources like bauxite, oil, and gold, leading to 67.1% inflation in 2016. To support economic recovery, aviation was identified as a critical sector, driven by the growing ecotourism industry.

A study funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) in 2012 highlighted gaps in Suriname’s civil aviation infrastructure, leading to IADB funding a modernisation project. CAA International (CAAi) was selected, in partnership with IATA Consulting, to lead the initiative.

In January 2016, CAAi engaged with Suriname’s Ministry of Transport, Communication, and Tourism (MTCT) and key stakeholders to ensure the project scope met the country’s needs. A gap analysis revealed outdated legislative and regulatory frameworks that didn’t align with ICAO standards.

Despite a tight budget and timeline, CAAi managed the project by leveraging remote work and careful resource management, ensuring successful engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders to drive progress.

Working together with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname (CASAS) and the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), CAAi, in partnership with IATA Consulting, started with the revision of the legislative framework that needed to be modernised. CAAi conducted a high-level review of the existing aviation regulations, recommended areas that required amendments, and advised on the additional regulatory areas that were missing and needed to be implemented to meet ICAO’s requirements.

After the first stage, CAAi commences an organisational revision including gap analysis, recommendations for the new civil aviation organisational structure and the recommended number of personnel required and their job descriptions. During this stage, CAAi experienced some challenges, including a perception from local personnel that changes proposed to their job descriptions might have an unexpected impact on their current role and pay grade. An ongoing communication to mitigate these perceived concerns was implemented to alleviate any concerns about potential change.

In the final stage, CAAi advised Suriname on the existing institutional framework. At present, a majority of the service provisions related to aerodromes and air navigation services are publicly owned by the State and a decision was to be made whether to continue with public ownership or whether it would be more feasible to fully “corporatise” and/or privatise these. To make the right recommendation, CAAi and IATA Consulting had to consider various factors, including the fact that many aerodromes are not profitable and that their function is purely to connect remote locations with the rest of the country. CAAi conducted a financial and strategic analysis to assess various scenarios and suggested a corporation model. Corporatisation will allow Suriname to practise responsibilities as if the services were privately owned and will also ensure funding support for those services that are not profitable but imperative for the local communities. CAAi prepared a roadmap for Suriname to follow over the next few years to achieve a more efficient aviation system.

CAAi, in partnership with IATA Consulting, played a key role in introducing new civil aviation legislation, including a draft of the Civil Aviation Act. They reviewed existing regulations, recommended necessary amendments, and implemented new regulations. A comprehensive gap analysis was conducted, with recommendations for new roles and job descriptions for CASAS and CAD personnel.

Additionally, CAAi provided a roadmap for corporatisation and potential privatisation of aviation services. This plan lays the foundation for Suriname’s continued modernisation in the aviation sector.