courtesy of: The Morning News
by Rosalie Klein
Aruba's Minister of Tourism, Transport & Labor, Otmar Oduber, was joined by Aruba Airport Authority CEO Peter Steinmetz in warmly welcoming the inaugural flight of regular service from Venezuela with Laser Airlines. Unusual circumstances of a heavy shower just at landing provided a double dousing for the plane, along with the ritual water cannons, as it made its way to the gate.
The 110-passenger DC-9 jet arrived yesterday precisely on time, at noon, with 66 passengers, including Laser Vice President Alejandro Alverez and their Commercial Director of Planning, Rene Cortez. Mr. Cortez and Captain Juan Carlos Lopez, who piloted this maiden flight, along with Minister Oduber, cut the ribbon to officially inaugurate this 4-times a week service; twice departing from Valencia and twice from Caracas, with an eye towards increased flights in the near future, including service to and from Maracaibo. A number of international media members operating out of Venezuela were also onboard.
Greeting them on behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority were Dylan Calister, CFO and Marian Dabian, Director of Sales and Marketing, Latin America.
All parties involved expressed their extreme satisfaction with this new tourism partnership, and optimism for a productive future, followed by a champagne toast and the ritual exchange of gifts between Laser Airlines and Minister Oduber and airport officials.
Ms. Dabian explained that Latin America is an important market for Aruba, of which Venezuelan tourists comprise the single largest group. Airline executives agreed there is great demand for airlift to Aruba, as they are well acquainted with the island from flying here with charter service, and are very pleased to offer what they consider a decidedly upscale destination to their patrons, which is only a short 25-minute flight away.
