ORANJESTAD – The 54th Paris Airshow at Le Bourget was an event of enormous scale, demonstrating the best in talent, innovation, and collaboration across the aviation industry. Among the array of remarkable presentations, the Dutch Caribbean Airport Cooperation (DCCA) project, represented by its Program Manager and other delegation members, held a unique place​.

Joanne Christiaans, a key figure in the DCCA project, shared her experiences and the project’s goals during an interview. As part of the Netherlands Aviation Group (NAG) delegation, the DCCA team participated in the Paris Airshow with clear objectives. They surveyed the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) market, aiming to understand what’s on offer in terms of sustainable aircraft. The team’s focus on sustainability and their vision for the DCCA project were well received.

“The aim of DCCA is affordable, efficient, and sustainable Interisland connectivity between the six Dutch Caribbean islands,” Christiaans explained. “We would like to have the first zero-emission flight in the year 2027.”

The DCCA’s commitment to sustainability aligns with global trends in the aviation industry. One of the most striking features of the Paris Airshow was the significant presence of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These futuristic designs generated much excitement, signifying a shift towards sustainable solutions within the industry​.

Further highlighting the importance of sustainable aviation, Christiaans mentioned a significant milestone for the DCCA project. “Last year during the ‘Flight to the Future’ event hosted by AAA N.V., we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aforementioned objective.”

Looking ahead, the DCCA project will continue its mission to foster affordable, efficient, and sustainable interisland connectivity. The upcoming ‘Flight to the Future’ event, to be hosted by the Curacao Airport in November, will provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the project’s vision and its potential impact.

In conclusion, the DCCA project, with its focus on sustainability and interisland connectivity, is making significant strides within the aviation sector. The 54th Paris Airshow served as a platform for the project to connect with industry leaders, survey sustainable technologies, and gain support for its ambitious goals. As the project moves forward, it promises to make a substantial impact on the Dutch Caribbean islands’ connectivity and the broader aviation industry’s push towards sustainability.