PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Oct 20, CMC – The Suriname Aviation Authority (CASAS) has signed a letter of intent with the French Directorate-General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) to strengthen technical cooperation.
The cooperation is intended to contribute to better oversight of aviation safety in Suriname and may, in the long term, offer prospects for improved air connections between Paramaribo and Cayenne, French Guiana.
A statement issued by the French Embassy here said that the letter of intent contains the basis for technical cooperation, but does not mean that existing aviation restrictions have already been lifted. It said nor does the announcement mention concrete agreements regarding new flights or a timetable for improved connections.
According to the embassy, the cooperation fits within the broader efforts of France and the European Union to strengthen ties with Suriname and the Caribbean region.
The signing took place at the opening of a regional training course on audit methods here with the Transport, Communication and Tourism Minister Raymond Landveld and representatives of the French Embassy and the relevant aviation authorities in attendance.
The training is being provided by Pierre Rosellini, a trainer from the French National School for Civil Aviation (ENAC) and ends on Friday. It is being funded by the DGAC.
The French Embassy said that the etter of intent forms a basis for long-term technical cooperation. The emphasis is on strengthening CASAS’s supervisory capacity, including by improving the knowledge and skills of staff in the field of audits.
It said stronger aviation supervision can contribute to international confidence in the Surinamese aviation sector, adding that this is important for investments, trade, and regional connections.
The Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) is also participating in the programme with representatives attending from Haiti, Jamaica, and Barbados.
CASAS Director Anjulio Wolf in welcoming the participants urged them to apply the acquired knowledge in practice.
The letter of intent was signed by Wolf on behalf of CASAS. Claudia Peyrel, responsible for international cooperation in the Americas at the DGAC, represented the French aviation authority.
Landveld said that he had taken the initiative to enter into discussions with the French authorities regarding the limitations facing the Surinamese aviation sector, noting that a better air connection between Suriname and French Guiana would benefit both regions.
The French Embassy said it views improved accessibility as an opportunity to support tourism, trade, and the growing oil and gas sector. French Guiana can also serve as an important gateway for connections with the European Union.
The French Ambassador to Suriname, Benoît Denise,underscored the importance of the cooperation noting that the rench Aviation Authority considers the training a first step in a process that must be further developed through concrete measures.
CMC/lk/ir/2026