Suriname’s Minister of Transport, Communication, and Tourism (TCT), Raymond Landveld, recently held a constructive meeting with the Suriname Air Traffic Controllers Association (SACTA) to address pressing issues within the air traffic control sector. Key topics included the high workload, staffing shortages, and the urgent need for modernization of equipment and systems. SACTA highlighted that the current workforce consists of only 25 fully qualified air traffic controllers, all of whom are actively engaged in the duty roster. The association raised concerns about the frequent use of Single Person Operations, where one controller manages a shift alone, a practice that deviates from international safety standards. Additionally, SACTA emphasized overdue overtime payments and reiterated its call for a 100% salary increase to prevent staff attrition and attract new talent. Minister Landveld acknowledged these challenges, assuring that overtime payments are a priority and that all requests are processed promptly. He also revealed that $25 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) aviation program has been allocated to strengthen the aviation sector, with $5 million earmarked for equipment modernization and system digitization. The selection process for the new Project Execution Unit is already underway. The meeting also addressed the vulnerable communication network of the air traffic control system. TCT’s General Director, Faridy Lila, confirmed that the request for a dedicated network is being seriously considered within existing telecom regulations, with Telesur bundles serving as a temporary solution. Verno Prijor, Acting Director of Transport, announced that funding for the training of assistant air traffic controllers has been approved, allowing the program to proceed. Minister Landveld further committed to examining salary disparities between air traffic controllers and support staff, emphasizing equal treatment within the same service. He stated that the request for salary increases and incentive payments will be included in a broader organizational and financial feasibility study. SACTA is also invited to submit a proposal for an adjusted duty roster for trainees.