Category Archives: Events

Flamingo Airport Bonaire Gets New Aerodrome Control Tower

Flamingo Tower at Bonaire International Airport

Inauguration to Take Place September 15

On 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 International 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 07:00 – 23:00hrs Local time (11:00 – 03:00 UTC / Greenwich Mean Time) and is fully compliant with the International Safety Standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). An initial staff of seven people will be employed to handle the current traffic at the airport, with DC-ANSP able to respond 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 maneuvering 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.”

 

 

 

Events

Defi Wind Caribbean Returns to Bonaire June 17-21, 2017

Defi Wind 2017 on Bonaire

Defi Wind Caribbean 2017.

The Defi Wind Caribbean organization is proud to announce its second edition of this windsurf and kite contest, which will take place from June 17th through 21st, 2017. This event is organized by Defi Wind organizer Phillipe Bru and 41 times world champion windsurfing Bjorn Dunkerbeck. This event will be hosted by Sorobon Beach Resort, and this location will be used as a starting point and also for ancillary events.

Bonaire has been chosen for the second year because of the island’s steady winds all year long, the beautiful scenery and water conditions, as well as for the pleasant temperatures.

The windsurfing race will have four categories, divided between men, women, and age. There is a maximum of 111 participants for the windsurfing event.

The kitesurfing race will also have four categories, also divided between men, women, and age.  There is a maximum of 50 participants for this event.

Registration is already open.  For additional information, visit the event website.

(Source:  Defi Wind Caribbean)

 

 

Bonaire News, Events

BIA Celebrates Civil Aviation Day with a FOD-Walk

Wednesday, 7th December, 2016 is Civil Aviation Day, first celebrated back in 1994.  BIA will celebrate this landmark day with a FOD-walk.

Foreign object debris (FOD) is a substance, debris, or article alien to a vehicle or system which would potentially cause damage, particularly in an aviation or aerospace setting.  It is imperative for safe operations to keep the runway and platform free of any FOD.

The ICAO Council’s motto is, “Working Together to Ensure No Country is Left Behind,” and at BIA, with this next FOD–Walk, we are amending that to say, “Working Together to Ensure No FOD is Left Behind.”

Thereby BIA would appreciate the participation of all organizations on the premises of the airport, to help commemorate this special day, especially those making use of the air-side at Flamingo Airport.  Besides BIA personnel, we invite all ground handlers, airlines, KMAR, Customs, RFFS, Swissport, CUROIL, Always Green, JCT Cleaning, Fundashon Mariadal, Tower, and Bonaire Aviation to participate.

The FOD-Walk will take place on 7th December from 10:25 AM to 11:25 AM.  It commences at the parking stand #6 and will end just past the Curoil building.  There will be refreshments for all participants, and a keepsake from Papa Pasku.  Do remember to bring your safety vest and shoes, and please join us to keep your Flamingo Airport FOD-free.

(Source:  BIA Operations)

 

 

 

Events, Facilities & Services, Operations

Bonaire Maritime Film Festival Salutes Bonaire’s Sailors

The Bonaire Maritime Film Festival is January 14, 2017.

There’s no doubt there is an amazing allure and mystery about those hearty sailors who ventured out onto the world’s oceans and sailed the seven seas for their livings.  Bonaire’s seamen have been part of this sailing tradition, and the Bonaire Maritime Heritage Foundation will honor them at the upcoming Bonaire Maritime Film Festival.

20151005-stormvogel-300x225Stormvogel Rising.

The festival will tell the saga about the rebirth of the Bonaire-built Stormvogel, the last of the sailing ships of the ABC Islands. This national treasure is currently being refitted to once again sail the region’s seas.

 

 

fishing_fleet_blessing_038-225x300Salute to the Sailors.

The film festival will also feature the original crew of Stormvogel, most of whom are now in the 80s.  They will be honored at this special festival evening by the Bonaire Maritime Heritage Foundation. Some of these sailors are even well known to Bonaire visitors, and include Ismael Soliano, captain; Jan Felida, boat building crew; Luis Coffi, cook, and deckhands Lucio Soliano and Boechi Frans.

 

Vanishing Sail.

This award-winner 90-minute documentary tracks the building of a wooden boat on the Caribbean island of Carriacou and shares the wild tales of trade and smuggling as told by some of the last true West Indies seamen.

The festival’s date and time, entry fee, and location.

The film festival will take place on January 14, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Plaza Beach Resort. Those interested in attending this fantastic cinematic view into the old sailing era of the Caribbean, as well as meet the island’s sailors, will need to make an advance reservation and purchase a ticket.  The cost is $20.00 per person and simply email projectstormvogel@gmail.com to request your ticket.

This fine event is made possible with the support of Bonaire’s boating industry, who have donated the necessary funding.  The foundation wishes to thank ABC Marine, Boto Blanku, Budget Marine, Don Andres NV, Harbour Village Marina, and WannaDive.  Special thanks also go to Sign Studio for graphics and design support, as well as Plaza Resort Bonaire, who has graciously donated the use of a 150-seat conference room.

(Source:  Bonaire Maritime Heritage Foundation via The Bonaire Insider on InfoBonaire.com)

 

 

Bonaire News, Events

Enjoy the Taste of Bonaire Wellness on November 19th, 2016

The final 2016 Taste of Bonaire features wellness.

The Taste of Bonaire events are very popular, giving everyone on Bonaire the opportunity to socialize, enjoy cultural events, and of course, try out all sorts of international foods. The last event for 2016 is this Saturday, November 19th, 2016 in Wilhelmina Park from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and there is a very special theme: Wellness.

Focus is upon Bonaire’s wellness and health practitioners and specialists.

This event seeks to spotlight all of the talented practitioners and specialists on the island who promote health and well-being and bring forth to the local community a greater awareness. There will be live demonstrations on stage and a Zen Area where those interested can try yoga and meditation. The event will feature vendors who promote health and well-being on island including Reiki, Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba to name a few.

Healthy food and drinks, local music, and dance performances.

There will also be food vendors that will sell delicious yet healthy food treats including natural herbs, shakes and gluten free treats just to name a few. As special entertainment the dance group Dance Sensation will be on stage and also the band Formashon Musical Krioyo.

Begin with a 5K Walk Run.

Mas Eventz will kick off the Taste of Bonaire with a 5K Walk Run starting at 5:00 PM in Wilhelmina Park. All are invited to attend. For more information regarding the walk/run, telephone 796-6270.

(Source:  TCB via Bonaire Insider on InfoBonaire.com)

 

 

Bonaire News, Events

COCARI Visits Bonaire International Airport

On July 13th, 2016, Bonaire International Airport welcomed a visit from the elderly of COCARI. The group consisted of 43 elderly people and 17 companions and was guided by Mr. Erwin Albertus.

Upon arrival, the elderly each received an “imitation boarding pass” and afterwards proceeded to the departure hall where they were treated to some refreshments while watching a presentation of the various airplanes that fly to and from Bonaire.  There, they  also received information of passenger capacity and destinations.

After the presentation, the tour continued onto the platform where the RFFS gave a short demonstration to the elderly of their crash tender CT-3 and where the elderly got the opportunity to view the firefighters in their fire suits up close and personal.

Following the demonstration they continued to the arrival hall and unto the public area where they were treated to some cultural music before returning to COCARI.

Click on any image below to view it in a larger format.

Events