From Big ABC ambitions to an Aruba Exit: Bestfly Surrenders AOC
ORANJESTAD, Aruba – Aviation company Bestfly has decided to surrender its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Aruba, a move that appears to bring an end, at least for now, to its previously announced plans for a scheduled regional air service between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
In a statement cited by Corporate Jet Investor, the company confirmed that, following an evaluation period, it had decided to discontinue its AOC operations in Aruba.
“Bestfly wishes to inform its clients and associates that, after a period of evaluation, it has decided to cease its AOC operations in Aruba,” the company stated.
The decision comes less than a year after reports emerged that Bestfly was working on a regional connection between the ABC islands. As part of those plans, the airline had registered an Embraer aircraft that was expected to be used for commercial flights between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
At the time, the initiative was viewed by several stakeholders as a potential boost to regional connectivity, an issue that has remained a longstanding concern due to high ticket prices, limited flight availability, and the dependence on only a small number of carriers operating between the islands.
According to aviation lawyer and columnist Lincoln D. Gomez, Bestfly already had an operational base in Aruba, local personnel, and experience operating regional aircraft such as the Embraer E190 and ATR 72-600. However, it was also emphasized that long-term support from governments, airports, and aviation authorities would be necessary for the regional service to become viable.
Desired support
Bestfly had previously indicated that it hoped to receive support from the Aruban government for the further development of its regional aviation activities. That support, however, appeared to remain limited.
With the surrender of the AOC, the chapter of a possible Bestfly scheduled service within the Caribbean now appears to be effectively closed, at least for the time being. It remains unclear whether the company intends to maintain any other operations in the region in the future.
