Monthly Archives: July 2024
Euroairlines Group consolidates its leadership in the Caribbean market thanks to an alliance with Surinam Airways
Euroairlines Group consolidates its leadership in the Caribbean market thanks to an alliance with Surinam Airways
The Caribbean airline, which operates scheduled, charter and special cargo flights, will be able to offer its services in the more than 50 BSPs where the Spanish group is present
Madrid, July 23, 2024. Surinam Airways has chosen Euroairlines Group to manage the distribution of all its routes. Both parties have signed a partnership agreement that will give Surinam Airways access to a wide network of travel agencies, OTAs, aggregators and consolidators in more than 50 countries through Euroairlines Group’s IATA Q4-291 plate, in addition to the important regional and transatlantic network that the Spanish airline has. This collaboration will strengthen the presence of Surinam Airways in the global market and consolidate Euroairlines Group as a leading distribution company in the Caribbean area.
Surinam Airways currently connects Paramaribo six times a week with key Caribbean and European destinations such as Miami, Amsterdam and Georgetown, to which it offers five routes a week. It also offers less frequent routes to Aruba, Barbados, Curacao and Belem.
The company was founded in Paramaribo (Suriname) in 1962 with the aim of connecting the country’s capital by air with the second largest city, Moengo. It soon began to operate international flights thanks to a pool agreement with other airlines. Its portfolio of services includes scheduled flights, charter flights and cargo transport, including live animals, dangerous goods and refrigerated cargo. It is currently controlled by the country’s government and is the national airline.
Antonio López-Lázaro, CEO of Euroairlines, and Guillermo López-Lázaro, Markets, Channels & Cargo Managing Director, have valued the agreement as a sign of the company’s exponential growth. “We are very proud of this alliance with Surinam Airways, as it strengthens our presence in the airline distribution sector in the Caribbean”, Antonio López-Lázaro explains. “Our partner is well established in the region and it is only a matter of time before it consolidates globally thanks to our worldwide network of sales agents”, Guillermo López-Lázaro adds.
Captain Steven Gonesh, CEO of Surinam Airways, adds that this agreement marks a significant milestone in their effort to expand their network and offer the passengers more travel options. “By collaborating with Euroairlines, we are not only enhancing connectivity but also ensuring that our customers enjoy seamless travel experiences with greater convenience and comfort”. “We look forward to the mutual benefits this partnership will bring and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for both our companies”, explains Gonesh.
About Euroairlines Group
Euroairlines (www.euroairlines.es) was founded in Spain in 2000 as a commercial air transport operator. Today it is an airline that distinguishes itself by also offering distribution services to other airlines through its IATA Q4-291 plate with the support of leading travel agencies and GDS in more than 50 markets. Euroairlines is headquartered in Madrid (Spain) and has offices in New York, Miami, Cancun, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Lima, Sao Paulo and Santiago de Chile, as well as other European capitals.
About Surinam Airways
Surinam Airways (www.flyslm.com) was born in Paramaribo (Suriname) in 1962 to connect the capital with another of the country’s most important cities, Moengo. Following an alliance with Dutch airlines KLM and ALM, it began international operations in 1964 with flights between Paramaribo and Curacao, with stopovers in Georgetown and Port of Spain. Following Suriname’s independence, Suriname first operated a flight entirely by Suriname. The airline is publicly owned. It is based in Paramaribo, the country’s capital, and has offices in Amsterdam and Miami as well as sales agents in Curacao, Aruba, Barbados, Belém y Guyana.
#AntonioLópezLázaro #Euroairlines #connectingbeyond #GuillermoLópezLázaro
#SurinamAirways
Uncle Ben’s Den and the Elder’s Flight
About Uncle Ben’s Den
Uncle Ben’s Den was founded in 1990 by Ben and Sharon de Lange after they had both lost their jobs. They were residing in Daspoort in the western regions of Pretoria at the time. As believers in Jesus Christ, they were touched by the needs of the homeless and destitute senior citizens.
This led them to make their properties available to accommodate these needy people. The ministry grew exponentially and eventually had to be registered as an NPO in 2007 under B and S Care Centre.
The founder, Ben de Lange, died in 2016 and a year later his wife Sharon de Lange, retired and her daughter, Ronel van Dyk, took over as manager. In the 32 years that Uncle Ben’s Den has cared for the disadvantaged and homeless, the spectrum of caring has escalated in such a manner, that not only are the daily needs of the people seen, but attention is now given to various conditions like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, Bi-polar, Diabetes 1 and 2, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer patients, paraplegics, amputees, mental illness, HIV positives and the deaf and blind. The one Lady said it’s like Christmas in July
Read more on Uncle Ben’s Den and how you can help. https://www.unclebensden.com/
Since we got to hear about Uncle Ben’s Den we always had a soft spot for the place. Every time we get to Uncle Ben’s we leave with a tear in our eyes, people go there just once and have a friendly chat with these people. Many of them have no family or family that just doesn’t care about them. All they need is a plate of food, a bed, a visitor to talk to, and a Hug… That all.
Uncle Ben’s Den and the Elder’s Flight
When we received a notice from Felix, the man with the biggest heart in Southern Africa, about the upcoming 2024 Elders Flight in early May, we immediately contacted Yolanda Vermeulen, who manages the list of elders for this prestigious event. Yolanda was eager to assist and connected us with Uncle Ben’s Den, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Twenty-eight elders were selected, with the eldest being 96 years old. The countdown to D-day was long and filled with anticipation. Like excited children, many elders repeatedly asked, “Are we there yet?” On the big day, July 6, 2024, the elders rose early on a chilly winter morning. All 28 elders, accompanied by six caregivers, were ready and enthusiastic despite the cold. They boarded a bus to the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing, commonly known as Swartkop Air Force Base. Upon arrival, they registered and received caps, T-shirts, and goodie bags. Special thanks to Niel Swart from Aviation Central for contributing towards the blankets. The elders were then escorted to a hall set up in Hangar 5, where they enjoyed warm coffee to heat their hands and bellies. They were entertained and kept informed by Capital Sounds’ Brian Emmenis and Elvis Manene, who provided everything needed for this prestigious event. The event was masterfully managed by wise men and women who kept the elders entertained, fed them well, and ensured their safety throughout the day. Special thanks to Col. Pat Cele, Air Boss; Col. Ruan Potgieter; Capt. Richard Dixon; Col. Tshiololi; Lt Col. Phalatse; Geoff Timms; Paul Sabatier; Rikus Erasmus; Cobus Toerien; Brian Emmenis; Lynch Jordaan; Keith Andrew; Santjie White; Michael Meiring; and Goitse Diale. From Aviation Central, our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who assisted in making this event happen. The elders were treated to a mini-airshow following the Lord’s Prayer. Please refer to the full Aviation Central article for more details on the airshow and the full event. The aircraft the elders flew in ranged from a de Havilland Dash 8 operated by CemAir to a single-engine biplane, an Antonov AN2, and helicopters. The elders from Uncle Ben’s Den were safely assisted and escorted to the aircraft by Aviation Central’s Lettie van Emmenis. The excitement as they eagerly awaited their turn to fly was palpable. Some were cheerful, while others were quiet and apprehensive. Yet, all were eager to experience flying for the first time and perhaps the only time in their lives. Some may have even enjoyed a second flight! The six caregivers also had opportunities to fly, many for the first time. Their joy and excitement were infectious, and one can only imagine the stories they shared with their families that evening about this remarkable day filled with love and generosity from all involved. The highlight of the day was seeing the elders’ faces as they disembarked the aircraft, their smiles, excitement, and tears of joy were incredibly moving. Looking ahead to the 2025 Elders Flight, we at Aviation Central are committed to ensuring another group of the 170-plus elders at Uncle Ben’s Den gets the chance to fly for the first time in their lives. One day, we will all be elders, and we will all desire a warm bed, good food, love, and appreciation. See more Photos on Facebook taken by Jarryd Sinovich
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Polokwane Airshow 2024
Polokwane Airshow 2024: A Spectacular Event to Remember
In early January 2024, we were contacted by Robin Tapinos regarding the Polokwane Airshow 2024. From the beginning, Robin expressed ambitious plans and an optimistic outlook for hosting a dynamic and well-attended airshow.
Robin and his team from the Botha Shellhole in Polokwane continued pushing the boundaries daily, striving to enhance the show as the event approached. Impressively they were the first show in 2024 to secure the participation of the Gripen, a major crowd-puller, despite initial skepticism about its appearance at the Polokwane Airshow 2024. Robin, steadfast in his efforts, ensured the involvement of the South African Air Force (SAAF) in the form of jets like the Hawk and Gripen and helicopters. The civilian sector included various jets and aerobatic displays. If not for Menno Parsons’ unavailability, we might have witnessed his stunning Mustang. Unfortunately, the Flying Lions (sponsored by Puma Energy, flying the North American Harvard aircraft) were also absent due to unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, Robin remained optimistic and presented a full lineup of display aircraft for the 2024 Polokwane Airshow.
Approximately 170 vendors were selected for the show, offering a diverse range of products from outdoor equipment to mini-doughnuts and trucks. This variety was unprecedented for an air show and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed it. The vendors report successful sales.
On Friday, June 28th validation day and Youth Day, numerous activities and displays were arranged for the youth. The Gripen, Hawk, and BK 117 each performed two validations, captivating the youngsters with their aerial manoeuvres. Despite the overcast and cloudy weather, attendance was impressive for the pre-show day. A memorable moment was when a 4-year-old enthusiastically recognized the Aero L29 “Austrian Eagle” upon Grant Timms’ arrival. This young aviation enthusiast’s knowledge and excitement were truly remarkable, prompting a conversation about the aircraft, its owner, the display pilot and its nickname. Later that day, Andrew Blackwood-Murray arrived with his Extra 300. André van Zyl’s dual trainer, the Magni Gyro M16, was brought in by road on a trailer. The day concluded with a delightful spit braai at the Botha Shellhole Club in Polokwane, followed by a restful night at the Protea Hotel Polokwane Landmark.
Saturday June 29th 2024, show day: after an early breakfast at the hotel, our team including Capital Sounds, the airboss, safety personnel, pilots and crew headed to Polokwane International Airport. The cold morning with a low cloud base caused concern about the arrival of aircraft from other airports, primarily in Gauteng Province. Despite the weather, all but the Tow Ship Navion team and the Hawker Hunter made it to the show.
The display lineup was as follows:
- SAPS Airwing Pilatus Porter: Piloted by Col Rob Siegriest featuring a Taskforce Para drop.
- Aerospatiale SA-341F2 Gazelle: Flown by Juba Joubert, an experienced chopper pilot, delivering an impressive performance.
- Master Power duo Jason Beamish/Nigel Hopkins: Piloting two Extra Aircraft 330s, they delivered a high-energy, crowd-pleasing display.
- Magni Gyrocopter: Demonstrated by Andre van Zyl, showcasing its remarkable manoeuvrability.
- Raptors Formation Team: Led by Trevor Warner, providing exceptional formation flying.
- BK117: Piloted by Major Corrie Oberholzer of 15 Squadron, SAAF, from Port Elizabeth, known for his exceptional skills.
- -Goodyear Eagles: Featuring Jason Beamish in the lead, delivering a thrilling display with two Pitts Special aircraft.
- SAAF SAAB Gripen: Flown by Maj Jabulani Mabona, callsign “Cyrax” performing a well-executed flat display including a flare drop.
- Andrew Blackwood-Murray: In the Nashua Extra 300, performing precise aerobatics.
- Delfin L29: Displayed by young Grant Timms, who recently added the L39 to his pilot’s license, flying various classic aircraft.
- SAAF BAE Hawk: Piloted by Colonel Craig Leeson, callsign “Shark” showcasing the advanced trainer aircraft.
- Tristan Eeles: In the Extra 330SC, sponsored by On the Move footwear, delivering an outstanding performance as an upcoming aerobatic pilot.
Commentary was provided by Brian Emmenis and his Capital Sounds Team, effectively engaging the crowd along a 300m line with expert coverage, commentary and music tailored to each display. Air Show South Africa (ASSA) was represented by Show Boss Rikus Erasmus, Safety Officer Francois Hanekom, supported by Benji, Louise and Brent. Rikus expertly managed the program despite the challenges posed by late arrivals and morning weather.
Saturday Night we were treated to a braai and a few drinks at our hotel. Sunday after breakfast we headed home back to Gauteng.
With over 6,800 tickets sold, the Polokwane Airshow 2024 was undoubtedly one of our favourite events of the year and a strong contender for the 2024 Airshow of the Year. We eagerly anticipate the return of the Polokwane Airshow in 2026.
See you there!
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