Friday, September 15, Bonaire will inaugurate a new state-of-the-art Aerodrome Control Tower at Flamingo International Airport. The tower’s inauguration will cap off the completion of phase 2a of the 15 year Master Plan for the expansion of the airport.

Mr. Michael Nicolaas, CEO of Bonaire International Airport (BIA) NV noted, “With the inauguration of the new Aerodrome Control Tower, Bonaire is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring safety, efficiency and the orderly in the handling of air traffic making use of the airport.” He continued,”Our vision at BIA is to become the Gateway to the Economy of Bonaire, and this tower is a significant milestone on our journey.”

The tower is owned by Bonaire Internatnioal Airport NV,and will be known as Flamingo Tower. The Air Traffic Service will be provided by The Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC-ANSP), the Air Navigation Service Provider responsible for the Air Traffic Services (ATS) within the Curaçao Flight Information Region (FIR). As such, DC-ANSP operates three air traffic control facilities: the Area Control Centre and the Aerodrome Control Tower in Curaçao and the Aerodrome Control Tower in Bonaire.

The tower will be operational from 06:00 – 23:00hrs. Local Time (11:00 – 03:00 UTC / Greenwich Mean Time) and / or the last flight.

The new Flamingo Tower is fully compliant with the International Safety Standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). An initial staff of seven people will be emloyed to handle the curent traffic at the airport, with DC-ANSP able to repond to any increase in air traffic demand that would require additional staff.

The new location of the Control Tower has an improved line of sight, providing the air traffic controllers a better view of the entire manoeuvring area of the aerodrome used for the take-off, landing and taxing of aircraft. The state-of-the-art quality technical equipment and communication system facilitates the communication between the Control Tower and the air traffic (Pilots) and ensures a safe guidance and management of air traffic operations.

Mr. Nicolaas concluded, “I would be remiss if I did not recognize the full support of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment responsible for the aviation safety on the BES Islands who made the building of the new Flamingo Tower possible.”