16,800 additional seats out of North America for Winter Season 2016-2017

Aruba Airport is satisfied about Winter Season 2016-2017 as the forecast shows that a total of 16,800 additional seats will be available to the island out of the North American region.

Strong passenger demand continues as the Aruba Airport forecast shows a significant growth of 4% in total capacity by the North America carriers.

The expected air service developments are:

• American Airlines will restart as of September 1st, 2016 its 3rd daily service Aruba – Miami. This additional service not only caters the Miami region but mainly feeds secondary markets for example connecting the west region to Aruba.
• JetBlue will be adding 2 extra daily flights out of Boston and New York (JFK). Starting on October 31 through out April 1, 2017 the airline will offer an additional Saturday service out of Boston. The airline added an additional Thursday service out of New York as well starting January 4 – February 15, 2017. Both additional frequencies will be serviced by JetBlue’s newest A321premium Mint experience aircraft. 
• Delta Air Lines added significant capacity for the upcoming winter up – gauging to 140 additional weekly seats on the Atlanta – Aruba route by swapping aircrafts from B737-900 to B767- 400. The wide body aircraft will operate between December 17 and March 25, 2017  an overall 12% increase in Delta’s Aruba portfolio.
• United Airlines has made several network adjustments as well by adding a significant 12% capacity out of Newark which is a combination of additional weekly services and larger aircraft during peak days.

The Canadian market will also grow with 24%, translating in 5,665 additional seats for the season and 25 additional flights for the winter season.

 “The airport team is ready for the coming winter season: “The airport is constantly working on improving its efficiency and service to the growing passenger count. With each forecast we are convinced that our efforts to further develop and expand the airport facility is urgently needed” said Mr. James Fazio, AAA CEO Our recent investments in the automatization of passenger handling processes have had a positive impact on the efficiency at the airport. Passengers now get faster to the gate and have ample time to relax and enjoy of the various shopping and dining options. By the end of 2016 we will be able to offer many more dining options that will cater the needs of the growing amount of travelers. We look forward to welcoming all the passengers who will visit the airport during the busy winter season ahead”.